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 https://archive.org/details/jameslucretiamot00hall_1 
 
JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 From a daguerreotype by Langenheim about 1842. 
 
 THE HELIOTYPE PRINTING CO , BOSTON 
 
JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT 
 
 LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 EDITED BY THEIR GRANDDAUGHTER, 
 
 ANNA DAVIS HALLOWELL. 
 
 WITH PORTRAITS. 
 
 “ It is the Ideal which endures, and is ; and the 
 Material, which seems to be, is but fleeting, and 
 perishes. » ’ — Renan. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY. 
 New York: 11 East Seventeenth Street. 
 
 Btoer^ide Cambridge. 
 
 1896. 
 
Copyright, 1884, 
 
 By ANNA DAVIS HALLO WELL. 
 
 All rights reserved, 
 
 FIFTH EDITION. 
 
 The Riverside Press, Cambridge , Mass., U. S. A. 
 Electrotyped and Printed by H. 0. Houghton & Company. 
 
Re wo-r£ 
 
 He that walheth righteously , and speaketh uprightly ; he that despiseth 
 the gain of oppressions, that shaJceth his hands from holding of bribes, 
 that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from 
 seeing evil ; he shall dwell on high : his place of defence shall be the mu- 
 nitions of rocks : bread shall be given him ; his waters shall be sure. 
 
 Isaiah. 
 
 She worketh willingly with her hands. . . . She riseth also while it is yet 
 night. . . . She stretcheth out her hands to the poor , yea, she reacheth forth 
 her hands to the needy. . . . Strength and honor are her clothing; and she 
 shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and 
 in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her 
 household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, 
 and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. . . . Give 
 her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the 
 gates. 
 
 Proverbs. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 When the Memoir of Lucretia Mott was first con- 
 templated, it was proposed to divide the work into 
 several periods, each to be written by a different 
 person. This was soon found to be impracticable. 
 It was then suggested that the material collected 
 should be given to some experienced writer to pre- 
 pare for publication ; but as this proved undesir- 
 able, it was finally decided that only a member of 
 the family could undertake the proper delineation 
 of a character whose domestic life was hardly less 
 important than the more widely known events of 
 her public career. This duty and privilege devolved 
 upon me. Although I began the work as appertain- 
 ing only to my Grandmother, I soon discovered that 
 she was accompanied even in my thoughts by my 
 Grandfather, and that it would be difficult for me to 
 write of one without the other, or attempt to give 
 an idea of her life without presenting, side by side, 
 the complementary account of his. Hence the pres- 
 ent form. 
 
 As far as possible I have endeavored to let the 
 principal actors speak for themselves, through dia* 
 
VI 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 ries and letters introduced generally in chronological 
 order, in preference to any mere topical arrange- 
 ment. I have purposely laid much stress on the do- 
 mestic side of the character of my Grandmother, in 
 order to offset the prevailing fallacy that a woman 
 cannot attend to public service except at the sacri- 
 fice of household duties. 
 
 The monotonous repetition of full proper names 
 must be ascribed to the usage among Friends, from 
 which it was thought best not to deviate, though it 
 would have been easier to conform to general custom 
 in this respect. 
 
 I am indebted for the entire first chapter, to the 
 kindness of my Grandfather’s nephew, Thomas C. 
 Cornell ; and to several others, both in and out of 
 the family, for valuable aid in various other parts. 
 
 A. D. H. 
 
 West Medford, Second mo. 29th, 1884. 
 
CONTENTS, 
 
 Chapter Page 
 
 I. Ancestry and Youth of James Mott .... 1 
 
 II. Ancestry and Youth of Lucretia Mott . . 18 
 
 III. Early Married Life 40 
 
 IY. Early Relations with the Society of Friends . 59 
 
 Y. The Separation in the Society of Friends . . 86 
 
 VI. The Anti-Slavery Movement ..... 110 
 
 VII. Diary, The World’s Convention in London . . 146 
 
 VIII. Other Accounts of the World’s Convention . 185 
 
 IX. Letters on Quakerism and Anti-Slavery (1839 to 
 
 1841) . 201 
 
 X. Letters Chiefly on Anti-Slavery (1842 and 1843) . 223 
 
 XI. Home Life in Philadelphia (1840 to 1850) . . 251 
 
 XII. Letters (1846 and 1847), and Visit to Ohio . . 272 
 
 XIII. Woman’s Rights, Anti-Slavery, and Quakerism . 298 
 
 XIV. “Three-thirty-eight” and Family Letters (1853 to 
 
 1857) 326 
 
 XV. “Roadside” 364 
 
 XVI. Family Letters (1861 to 1867) 400 
 
 XVII. The Free Religious Association .... 424 
 
 XVIII. The Death of James Mott 428 
 
 XIX. Old Age at “Roadside” 445 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Letter from Daniel O’Connell (1840) . . . 471 
 
 Letter from William Howitt (1840) . . . 474 
 
 Account of Hannah Barnard 477 
 
 Addresses by Lucretia Mott, Anti-Sabbath Conven- 
 tion (1848) 479 
 
 Discourse on Woman (1849) 487 
 
 Sermon at Yardleyville (1858) 506 
 
 Sermon at Bristol (1860) 522 
 
 Discourse in New York (1866) 529 
 
 Sermon in Philadelphia (1869) 539 
 
 Addresses before Free Religious Association . • 550 
 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 James and Lucretia Mott, from a daguerreotype by Langen- 
 
 heim , about 1842 Frontispiece . 
 
 “The Old House” at Cowneck, Long Island, built by u the 
 
 Younger Son Adam," about 1715 1 
 
 Home of Lucretia Mott’s Childhood, built by Thomas Coffin 
 
 in 1796 18 
 
 “Roadside,” near Philadelphia, the country home of James 
 
 and Lucretia Mott after 1857 364 
 
 J ames Mott, from a photograph by GuteJcunst, in 1863 . . . 428 
 
 Lucretia Mott* from a photograph in 1875 ..... 445 
 
“The Old House” at Cowneck. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 James Mott, the eldest child of Adam and Anne 
 Mott, was born on the 20th of Sixth month, 1T88, 
 at Cowneck, — the name then given to the north- 
 east part of North Hempstead, on Long Island, — at 
 the house of his father’s father, Adam Mott, Sr. 
 Adam was an hereditary name of the Motts for 
 many generations. The ample farm was also the 
 home of the family. The ancient, low-beamed, two- 
 story, shingled house, facing south over its own fields 
 and lane, a mile from any highway, had been built 
 by his father’s grandfather — the Adam Mott of his 
 day — in about 1715. A rural group of bams and 
 sheds and granaries had grown up adjacent to it on 
 the west, and a hundred yards behind the house 
 the shore of the Sound sets southeasterly towards 
 the deep indentation of Hempstead harbor ; while 
 across the wide stretch of water, the eye takes in 
 the Westchester and the Connecticut shore for thirty 
 miles. Here the father of James Mott had been 
 i 
 
2 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE T1 A MOTT \ 
 
 born in 1762, and his grandfather in 1734. And 
 now, nearly a hundred years after James Mott’s 
 birth, the house is still occupied by the Motts de- 
 scended from its founder. 
 
 All of James Mott’s ancestors had been of the 
 Society of Friends. Within ten years after George 
 Fox began to preach in England, his disciples were in 
 Hempstead and its vicinity on Long Island. George 
 Fox, himself, preached in the neighborhood in 1672. 
 His followers, here as elsewhere, were abused, 
 brought before the courts, fined, imprisoned, and 
 whipped ; but before the end of the century the 
 Willises and the Tituses, the Frys, the Underhills, 
 the Pearsalls, and the Willets, and the other an- 
 cestors of James Mott, were already Friends; and 
 all the family traditions and the family character 
 are full of this influence. 
 
 One of the most conspicuous figures in the family 
 tradition in James Mott’s boyhood was that of his 
 father’s grandmother, long a minister in good esteem 
 in the Society of Friends, and from her second hus- 
 band, Tristam Dodge, then known and still remem- 
 bered among her descendants as Grandmother Dodge. 
 She was born in 1699 — Phebe Willets — next to 
 the youngest child of Richard and Abigail Willets, 
 Friends of good repute for many years at Jericho ; 
 and had already been for several years a minister, 
 when, in 1731, she married her first husband, the 
 Adam Mott of that day. He was then no longer 
 young, although known as the younger son Adam, 
 of the first Adam Mott, of Hempstead. 
 
 This first Adam Mott in Hempstead, born about 
 1620, in Essex, England — the son of a still elder 
 Adam — had come while young to New England, and 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 3 
 
 had spent several years with the Dutch in New Am- 
 sterdam, where the records of the old Dutch Church 
 show that he there married, in 1647, Jane Hewlet, 
 of Buckingham, and that his eldest son Adam was 
 there baptized, in 1649. But neither this son Adam, 
 nor the first wife, Jane Hewlet, were ancestors of 
 James Mott. Adam Mott removed his young family 
 to Hempstead about 1655, among the earliest set- 
 tlers, while Cowneck was still the common pasturage 
 for their cows. Here his first wife subsequently 
 died, leaving several children, and in 1667 he mar- 
 ried Elizabeth Richbell, daughter of John and Ann 
 Richbell, the first patentees of the town of Mama- 
 roneck, across the Sound, in wliat is now Westches- 
 ter County. From this second wife descended, in sep- 
 arate lines, both the father and the mother of James 
 Mott. Her first-born son she named Richbell, after 
 her own father’s family, and this Richbell Mott was 
 the great-grandfather of James Mott’s mother, who 
 was born a hundred years later. To her second son 
 she gave her husband’s name, Adam, although his 
 eldest son by his first wife bore the same name, 
 and was still living ; and hence her husband’s will 
 speaks of his “eldest son Adam,” and his “young- 
 est son Adam.” This “ youngest son Adam ” was 
 the grandfather of James Mott’s father. Elizabeth 
 Riclibell’s third son, William, was the great-grand- 
 father of Dr. Valentine Mott, the celebrated surgeon 
 of New York. The elder Adam Mott was a thrifty 
 farmer, and in the Hempstead tax-list of 1680 is 
 charged with more taxable property than any of his 
 neighbors. The “younger son Adam” was also a 
 fore-handed man. His grandmother directed in her 
 will, that her bequest to him should be the last paid, 
 
4 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 “ because his needs are less than the others.” When 
 he married Phebe Willets in 1731, he was nearly 
 sixty, almost double her age ; he died seven years 
 later, leaving three children. His oldest son Adam, 
 who, half a century later, had become the grand- 
 father in whose house James Mott was born, was 
 then but four years old. Three years later, in 1741, 
 the widow married Tristam Dodge, and brought him 
 to the old Mott homestead, as the will of her first 
 husband permitted, while his children were growing 
 up. 
 
 Grandmother Dodge had no children after her 
 second marriage. She was zealous in her religious 
 services, and occasionally traveled as a minister in 
 the adjacent Monthly and Quarterly meetings. In 
 1744 she visited the “Jersies,” and in 1752 made 
 an extended religious visit in England and Wales, 
 where she was well received. Tristam Dodge died 
 in 1760, leaving to his widow, by will, among other 
 things, “ the negro girl Rachel.” The holding of 
 slaves was then common in New York, and most 
 Friends’ families on Long Island had one or more. 
 But the anti-slavery feeling was awakened, and in 
 1776 — a few months before the American Declara- 
 tion of Independence — Grandmother Dodge, by a 
 legal instrument, reciting that she had “ for some 
 years been under a concern of mind on account of 
 holding negroes in bondage,” declared it to be her 
 “ duty, as well as a Christian act,” to set Rachel at 
 liberty. This was among the first of many similar 
 manumissions on the records of u Westbury Monthly 
 Meeting,” where Phebe Dodge belonged. A little 
 later, her sons, Adam and Stephen Mott, set free 
 “the negro man Dick;” and in less than three 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 5 
 
 years, in 1778, Elias Hicks set free his “ negro man 
 named Ben.” A few years later the Westbury rec- 
 ords bear this entry : — 
 
 “ Died, at Cowneck, 7th of Ninth month, 1782, Phebe 
 Dodge, aged eighty-three ; a minister in good esteem near 
 sixty years, and continued lively in the truth to the last.” 
 
 Grandmother Dodge’s three children, Elizabeth, 
 Adam, and Stephen Mott, married three children of 
 Samuel and Mary Willis. Elizabeth married John 
 Willis, a minister in the Society of Friends; Adam, 
 the sister, Sarah Willis, who thus became grand- 
 mother of James Mott ; and Stephen, her younger 
 sister, Amy Willis. The Willis family was one of 
 the most notable among Friends on Long Island. 
 Samuel Willis’ grandfather, Henry Willis, was born 
 in Wiltshire, England, in 1628. In 1667, the year 
 after the great fire, he went to London to work at 
 his trade of a carpenter. But, already one of George 
 Fox’s adherents, he suffered so much for his faith, 
 “ in imprisonment, and the abuse of the rude rab- 
 ble,” that he emigrated to New York about 1670, 
 with his wife Mary Peace and their children, and 
 soon after settled at Westbury, to which place he 
 gave its name. 
 
 Sarah Willis, the grandmother of James Mott, 
 inherited the virtues of her Quaker ancestors. She 
 died of consumption, in the old Mott house at Cow- 
 neck, in 1783, at the age of forty-six. Her husband, 
 then Adam Mott, Sr., a few weeks after her death, 
 wrote in expression of mutual grief and sympathy, 
 to her mother, the venerable widow of Samuel Wil- 
 lis. He addresses her, “ much regarded mother,” 
 signing himself her “ affectionate but sorrowing son,” 
 
6 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT . 
 
 and finds consolation in his grief in recalling the vir- 
 tues of his “ dear, loving wife,” and their twenty- 
 eight years of happiness together. 
 
 This was just after the close of the American 
 Revolution. During the war, Long Island suffered 
 much. Adam Mott, on the east side of Cowneck, 
 was twice robbed by whaleboat men ; once of “ con- 
 siderable clothing.” He was also compelled, in com- 
 mon with his neighbors, to furnish his quota of fire- 
 wood to the British army in New York, and felt the 
 evils of war in many ways. But the work of the 
 farm was prosecuted with diligence, and at the close 
 of the war his eldest son Adam, who was to be James 
 Mott’s father, had attained the age of twenty years. 
 
 While this Adam Mott was growing up, a young 
 man on those ancestral acres at Cowneck, occasion- 
 ally as he held the plow on the uplands, he saw with 
 growing interest, five or six miles away to the west 
 across the Sound, on the Mamaroneck shore, and al- 
 most in front of the village of New Rochelle, as it 
 lay in the morning sun, the point of land since known 
 as Premium Point, where were situated the house 
 and mills of James Mott, the grandson of his own 
 great uncle, Richbell Mott. This James Mott must 
 be frequently mentioned in the beginning of this 
 memoir, for his only daughter, Anne, was already 
 making her father’s house attractive to young Adam 
 Mott, and she was to be the mother of our James 
 Mott. Her father, this elder James Mott, was de- 
 scended, on his mother’s side, from Captain John 
 Underhill, the first commander of the Boston militia 
 under Governor Winthrop. As one of the few sol- 
 diers among the forefathers of James Mott, he de- 
 serves special mention. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 7 
 
 Captain John Underhill, one of those stormy char- 
 acters whose religious nature struggles long against 
 the fire of human passion, was born in Warwickshire, 
 about 1596, and was a soldier for a large part of his 
 life. He was an officer in the service of the Low 
 Countries, in the long war which finally gained the 
 independence of Holland : he was much with the 
 Puritan refugees there, and at length came with 
 John Winthrop and his nine hundred emigrants to 
 Boston, in 1630, under a special agreement to train 
 the Boston militia. This was the year in which 
 Boston was founded. The General Court ordered 
 that the first Thursday of the month should be gen- 
 eral training day for Captain Underhill’s company. 
 George Fox was then but six years old, and Captain 
 Underhill did not become a convert to his peace prin- 
 ciples till thirty years later. He took an active part 
 in the affairs of the young Commonwealth, and was 
 elected a member of the General Court. He brought 
 with him to Boston his first wife, a Holland lady, 
 thus also an ancestor of James Mott ; and the records 
 of the Old South Church show that “ Helena, wife of 
 our brother John Underhill, was received into the 
 church, Sept. 15 th 1633.” But a few years later, 
 Captain Underhill was found not to be orthodox, ac- 
 cording to the Boston standard of orthodoxy, and he 
 was banished for his misconduct in 1637. He con- 
 tinued active, however, in the affairs of the neighbor- 
 ing settlements, and took part in most of the Indian 
 wars of his time. He was governor of Dover, in 
 New Hampshire ; and in 1640 went to New Amster- 
 dam on the invitation of the Dutch Government, and 
 speaking the language, remained in their confidence 
 for many years. In 1643 he led one hundred and 
 
8 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 twenty men in a successful attack upon the Indians 
 in Hempstead, and in 1645, was one of the “ eight 
 men” in the Dutch administration of Governor 
 Kieft. He obtained a grant of land in what is now 
 the town of Oyster Bay, to which he gave the name 
 of Kenilworth, where he passed the latter years of 
 his life, and where he died in 1672. 
 
 It was while living at Kenilworth, and after they 
 had all become Friends, .that his eldest son, John, 
 married in 1668 young Mary Pryor, — not yet sev- 
 enteen years of age, — the daughter of neighboring 
 Friends, Matthew and Mary Pryor. As one among 
 many acts of persecution which Friends of those 
 days suffered, it may be mentioned here, that these 
 young people, because they had married in accord- 
 ance with the custom adopted among Friends, were 
 brought before the court, their marriage declared 
 void, and fined five pounds ; and “ continuing contu- 
 macious,” were subsequently sent to the Sessions, 
 and fined ten pounds for their persistent disobedi- 
 ence. In 1676 the same John Underhill was fined 
 and punished for refusing “ to train in the militia,” 
 and to “work on the Fort; ” but fines for refusing 
 militia service, and punishment for not paying such 
 fines, were continued down to within the experience 
 and memory of many still living. 1 
 
 Space is lacking to speak in detail of another an- 
 cestor, the sturdy Hempstead Quaker blacksmith, 
 Nathaniel Pearsall, who, twice elected to the Provin- 
 cial Assembly, in 1690 and 1691, continued faithful 
 
 1 In 1822 or 1823, James Mott (the younger), then living in Philadel- 
 phia, was arrested and committed to jail for non-payment of the militia 
 fine. The jail was then in Arch Street, just above Broad. After being 
 confined there two days, he was set at liberty, the fine having been paid 
 by some one unknown to him. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 9 
 
 to the “ testimony against oaths,” and refusing to be 
 sworn in, was not admitted to his seat, although his 
 name still stands on the Civil list of the State. 
 
 To return to the elder James Mott. He was born 
 in Roslyn, then called the Head of Hempstead Har- 
 bor, in 1741 ; lost his father before he was two years 
 old ; and was brought up by his mother, and his 
 step-father, Richard Alsop. In 1765, in Westbury 
 meeting-house, he married Mary Underhill ; went 
 into business in New York, and became a prosperous 
 merchant, living in what was then the pleasant 
 neighborhood of Beekman Street, between Cliff and 
 Pearl streets. Here were born his four children: 
 Richard, who became an esteemed minister in the 
 Society of Friends; Anne, who became the mother 
 of our James Mott; and Robert and Samuel. In 
 the stormy time before the breaking out of the 
 Revolutionary War, the British ship of war Asia 
 threatened to fire on the city, and James Mott sent 
 his children for safety into the country, near the 
 present site of Hester Street. His wife’s health fail- 
 ing, he retired from business in 1776, and removed to 
 Mamaroneck, where he bought of his wife’s brother, 
 Samuel Underhill, the farm and tide-mill, afterwards 
 known as the Premium Mill property, and operated 
 the mill for many years. 
 
 The handsome old two-story frame house, with 
 ample garret in its double pitched roof, long occu- 
 pied by the elder James Mott, still stands in good 
 preservation, — facing southerly among its trees, a 
 mile above New Rochelle, on the low, narrow penin- 
 sula, between the shore of the Sound and the inlet 
 which formed the mill-pond, and a few rods from 
 the site of the mill which he operated, now long 
 
10 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT . 
 
 since removed. Here his wife, Mary Underhill, 
 whom he had married when she was twenty, died at 
 the age of thirty-one. Her husband was then but 
 thirty-five, but he never married again ; and more 
 than forty years after her death, he wrote of her, 
 that she was u still so present to his mental view ” 
 that he desired “ to mention some of her traits. Her 
 person was tall and erect ; complexion fair, rather 
 pale than ruddy ; eyes light blue ; hair dark brown, 
 bordering on black ; countenance placid and open ; 
 manners gentle and easy ; her conversation cheerful 
 and pleasant ; rather diffident of her own abilities ; 
 temper mild and even, of great self-command. Dis- 
 position kind, sympathetic, and benevolent. Indus- 
 trious and economical, but not parsimonious. Hum- 
 bly pious, without bigotry. Studiously careful to 
 promote conjugal harmony and happiness. What an 
 invaluable treasure is such a wife ! ” 
 
 She left four children — Anne, then eight years 
 old, and her three brothers — to grow up in the dan- 
 gers and hardships of the Westchester County shore 
 during the Revolutionary War. In after years, Anne 
 often told her grandchildren of some of these perils : 
 how when a child she had driven the cattle behind 
 the hills to conceal them from predatory cow-boys ; 
 and how the halter was once around her own neck, 
 and she was threatened with hanging if she did not 
 tell where was concealed the money received for 
 some bags of coffee, which had recently been stored 
 in the mill. But she could not tell. Soon after the 
 close of the war, in 1785, while still wanting nearly 
 three months of completing her seventeenth year, 
 she married, in Mamaroneck meeting-house, Adam 
 Mott, the younger, of Cowneck, then twenty-three 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 11 
 
 years of age. Bridal trips were not then usual 
 among Friends, and, instead, Anne Mott went with 
 her young husband direct to his father’s house, the 
 old Mott homestead on the Cowneck shore. Here 
 was born James Mott, her second child, the subject 
 of this biography, before she was twenty years old. 
 The first child, Mary, died in infancy. 
 
 Although still living with his father, the younger 
 Adam Mott was at this time in active business in 
 the flour-mill recently built for him on the opposite 
 side of Cowneck, where the tide was arrested to 
 serve human requirements in a little inlet of Cow- 
 bay. The mill is still in use, nearly a hundred years 
 after it was built ; but the hamlet is now Port Wash- 
 ington, and Cow-bay is Manhasset Bay. 
 
 The elder Adam Mott died in the latter part of 
 1790, and soon afterward the younger Adam moved 
 to his own house near his mill. The hanging of the 
 crane w 7 as still the practical fact in every new house- 
 hold, and with the simple appliances of a hundred 
 years ago the young wife ministered to the wants of 
 her family, and trained her children to industry ; 
 fabrics of flax spun by her daughters’ hands are yet 
 among the treasures of her great-grandchildren. The 
 new mill-house was situated on a farm of sixty acres 
 on the mill-pond, and under the new management the 
 farm became a model farm, as the mill was already 
 a model mill ; and business prospered. The simple, 
 frugal, diligent habits of this rural life ; the kindly, 
 gentle manners and self-watchfulness inherited from 
 many Quaker ancestors, added to much intellectual 
 culture and refinement, made a model household. In 
 personal appearance Adam Mott was tall, erect, with 
 strongly-marked features, and a simple dignity that 
 
12 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 accorded with his rural, laborious, and devout life ; 
 and although quiet in manner, and often silent, his 
 speech was always sagacious and to the point, and 
 frequently gleamed with subtle and kindly humor. 
 Anne Mott, with a slight figure, an intellectual face, 
 and the grace, refinement, and simplicity of a high- 
 bred woman, had unusual mental endowments, and 
 a power of conversation which made her welcome in 
 any society, and always drew out the best qualities 
 of whatever company she met. The young father 
 and mother always conformed in dress and manner 
 to the strictest rule of Quaker simplicity. They 
 were diligent in attendance on all the religious meet- 
 ings to which they belonged ; and were clerks of 
 their respective meetings, while the young James 
 was still in early childhood. The clerk of a business 
 meeting of the Society of Friends must have special 
 gifts and aptitudes ; for not only is he the presiding 
 as well as the recording officer, but he is expected to 
 gather or divine the will of the assembly without 
 taking a vote. 
 
 Lest another opportunity should not occur, it may 
 here be mentioned that Adam Mott died in his sev- 
 enty-seventh year, at the residence of his son-in-law, 
 Lindley Murray Moore, in Rochester, N. Y., in 1839 ; 
 Anne Mott died at the age of eighty-four, at the res- 
 idence of her son-in-law, Silas Cornell, in Rochester, 
 in 1852. 
 
 There was a little school in the hamlet of Cow- 
 bay, where the young James Mott and his sisters 
 obtained such of the rudiments of education as they 
 had not acquired at home ; but the daily influence 
 of their home was an education higher than that of 
 any school, to which was added a constant and ele- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 13 
 
 vating intercourse with the family of their grandfa- 
 ther, their mother’s father, at Mamaroneck. The 
 intimacy of his relations with his grandson and 
 namesake, James Mott, and subsequently with Lu- 
 cretia Mott, until his death in 1823, calls for further 
 mention of him. He was a man of much culture 
 and high character ; tall, erect, and unusually hand- 
 some in person; somewhat diffident, but always dig- 
 nified, easy and graceful in manner, and in all re- 
 spects a gentleman. He traveled much with Friends 
 in their religious visits, and freely used his pen and 
 his influence in the advancement of education, and 
 in the suppression of intemperance and slavery. He 
 would use nothing produced by slave labor, either in 
 food or clothing. For this reason he limited his fam- 
 ily to maple -sugar ; always wore linen, and his cloth 
 was of domestic manufacture, gray or drab in color, 
 and made in small-clothes or knee-breeches ; occa- 
 sionally, in stormy weather, he wore white-topped 
 boots, and always a broad-brimmed white hat. 
 
 Notwithstanding his staunch Quakerism, he was 
 liberal in his intercourse with the world, and always 
 ready to cooperate with others in any good work. 
 After the fall of Napoleon in 1815, the Czar Alex- 
 ander, in his progress through Europe, took so many 
 occasions in reply to public addresses and otherwise, 
 to speak strongly in favor of universal peace, that 
 the elder James Mott thought it a favorable oppor- 
 tunity to address him from this side ; and a carefully 
 prepared letter was sent to him, together with the 
 three volumes which had then been issued of a jour- 
 nal called “ The Friend of Peace.” In due time a 
 gracious letter of thanks came back from St. Peters- 
 burg containing expressions of sympathy with peace- 
 ful sentiments. 
 
14 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 Another illustration of the spirit fostered in the 
 home of the elder James Mott may be mentioned. 
 About the end of the last century, his son Robert, 
 then a merchant in New York, walking home one 
 evening, passed a man lying drunk in the street, “ and 
 went by on the other side,” — as most of us do. 
 But the feeling that he was neglecting a fellow-crea- 
 ture, who needed his care only the more because he 
 was drunk, became so strong that he went back, 
 aroused the man, and taking him to his own house, 
 cared for him that night, and in the morning gave 
 him kind words and provided him with work. This 
 act of charity reformed the man. He afterwards 
 found other work, and prospered, and a few years 
 later returned to Robert Mott, and asked his accep- 
 tance of a gold watch. It was the best watch he 
 could buy, a heavy, gold repeater, and bore this 
 inscription : “ A tribute of gratitude from Thomas 
 Donavan to Robert Mott.” The watch is now in 
 possession of Robert’s nephew, Richard Mott, of To- 
 ledo, Ohio, and is still an excellent timekeeper. 
 
 After the elder James Mott had retired from the 
 care of the mill, his sons, Richard, Robert, and Sam- 
 uel, built a large new mill, lower down towards the 
 mouth of the bay which provided the water-power, 
 and, introducing every improvement then known, 
 gave it the name of Premium Mill, and hence the 
 place is still called Premium Point. It operated 
 twelve runs of mill-stones, and was successful. In 
 1803 Adam Mott was induced by his brothers-in-law 
 to leave his mill at Cow-bay, and take his young 
 family across the Sound to Premium Point. He 
 settled on the farm adjoining that of his father-in-law 
 on the north, having an interest in the mill, but giv- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 15 
 
 ing the most of his time to the farm. He was now 
 in easy circumstances. American commerce was pros- 
 perous. Europe was at war, and American vessels 
 were neutral everywhere. But in 1804 Napoleon as- 
 sumed the title of Emperor ; in 1805 the English 
 courts began to condemn many American vessels for 
 alleged violation of neutrality ; in 1806 the British 
 Orders in Council and Napoleon’s Berlin Decrees 
 blockaded all the ports of Europe ; in 1807 the 
 American Congress, on President Jefferson’s recom- 
 mendation, laid an embargo on all American vessels 
 trading to foreign ports ; the long - threatened war 
 with England, which broke out in 1812, was preceded 
 by an Indian war in the Northwest; and the com- 
 mercial disasters and distress which began in 1805 
 continued to increase until after the fall of Napoleon, 
 and business did not revive until after 1820. 
 
 It was in the face of these adverse circumstances 
 that the younger James Mott began the world. In 
 1807 his father removed from his pleasant farm to the 
 mill-house near the great mill, and again gave dili- 
 gent attention to business, seeking to retrieve if pos- 
 sible their failing fortunes, or at least to save some- 
 thing from the wreck ; and the same year James, 
 who had just completed his nineteenth year, found 
 employment as a teacher in Nine Partners school. 
 
 This boarding-school became a conspicuous feature 
 in James Mott’s life. It had been founded in 1796 
 by the New York Yearly Meeting of Friends, about 
 fifteen miles from Poughkeepsie, to give a better edu- 
 cation to the sons and daughters of Friends. But 
 the co-education was in separate class-rooms, and 
 under different teachers. The school was under the 
 care of a committee of the Yearly Meeting ; and the 
 
16 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 elder James Mott, now a man of leisure, gave much 
 time and care to its interests for many years, and 
 sometimes permitted himself to be burdened with 
 the chief responsibility of its administration. James 
 and his sisters had been sent to this school when he 
 was only nine years old, and had made friendships 
 among their fellow - students. In 1806 his sister 
 Sarah had brought home with her on a visit her 
 school friend, Lucretia Coffin, then thirteen years of 
 age. A letter from the elder James Mott, written 
 soon after his grandson went to Nine Partners as a 
 teacher, and addressed to his mother, says, “ James 
 answers an excellent purpose. I shall therefore con- 
 sider him a teacher instead of an assistant, and make 
 him the compensation that is right.” And again 
 later, “ He is very steady and guarded in his con- 
 duct, which I believe does not altogether proceed 
 from his natural love to do so.” How James him- 
 self felt under his new responsibilities is shown in 
 his letters to his parents. He writes under date : — 
 
 N. P. B. S., 12th mo. 11th, 1807. 
 
 . . . Then I concluded to write another letter, but grand- 
 father wished me to assist him in posting his books, and 
 to draw off some accounts, which took till one o’clock at 
 night, so that I had not time to write again, to inform 
 you more particularly of my situation, which I will now 
 endeavor to do. You may reasonably expect it was a trial 
 to me, to part with grandfather so soon after my coming 
 here, and especially as the school was in an unsettled con- 
 dition, . . . The morning after he left I entered the school 
 as assistant to Hugh. As the arrangement of the school was 
 somewhat different from what it was when I left here, I 
 did not wish to take charge of it, until it was divided. This 
 was done on Second-day ; Hugh taking sixteen of the most 
 backward scholars, leaving me twenty-three that were fur- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 17 
 
 ther advanced. Then I took the charge, and if I may be 
 allowed the expression, immediately felt myself loaded as 
 it were with heavy shackles, grievous to be borne ; so much 
 beyond my abilities did I conceive the task to be, that I 
 said to myself, I have a burden upon me, far greater than 
 I can bear or perform, and who shall support me under it, 
 or deliver me from it. But presently these expressions 
 were brought forcibly to my mind : 4 Trust in the Lord, 
 and He will help thee/ — surely, said I, that is all I can ask 
 or wish for.” 
 
 He relates that Elias Hicks and liis wife are at the 
 school, and then adds, “ Lucretia Coffin says she is 
 very lonely since sister Sarah is gone, for there is 
 nobody in the school that fills her place.” 
 
 Perhaps it was on this visit of Elias Hicks — as 
 Lucretia Mott related three quarters of a century 
 later — that in listening to a recitation in geography 
 when the height of Chimborazo came in question, 
 he sharply criticised the waste of time in teaching 
 girls such useless things as the height of mountains. 
 “ Teach them something that will be useful to them 
 in after life,” said he. 
 
 It appears that James did not at any time find his 
 life as teacher attractive to him, for, nearly four 
 years later, when writing from Philadelphia, “10 th 
 mo. 12 th ,. 1811,” of his sister Mary’s experience in a 
 like position, he says, “ I can sympathize with her, 
 having tasted of the same cup, mixed with ingredi- 
 ents more bitter than she ever knew, or can have an 
 idea of.” . . . 
 
 Nevertheless, he continued in the school during 
 1809 ; and in the latter part of this time, Lucretia 
 Coffin was an assistant teacher on the girls’ side of 
 the house. 
 
 2 
 

 The Coffin House, Nantucket. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Ltjcretia Coffin, the second of Thomas and 
 Anna Coffin’s six children, was born on the Island 
 of Nantucket, on the third of First month, 1793. 
 Her ancestors had lived on the island since its first 
 settlement by white men in 1659, and had been peo- 
 ple of standing in every generation. Through her 
 father, the seventeenth child of Benjamin Coffin, she 
 was descended from two of the original purchasers of 
 Nantucket, Tristram Coffyn, Sr., and Thomas Macy ; 
 and on the side of her mother, Anna Folger, young- 
 est daughter of William and Ruth Folger, from 
 Peter Folger, of “ Mather’s Vineyard,” another of 
 these twenty “ early proprietors.” Searching the 
 records through a maze of names familiar to Nan- 
 tucket ears, Hopcote, Gayer, Severance, Bunker, 
 Stevens, Austin, Morrell, Gardiner, Church, May- 
 hew, Starbuck, Macy, Folger, and Coffin, it is inter- 
 esting to find that both the father and the mother of 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 19 
 
 Lucretia Coffin — the mother, through her mother, 
 Ruth Coffin — are descended from James Coffin, the 
 third son of Tristram. Thus two branches of the 
 family, dividing in the second generation, reunite in 
 the fifth, in the person of Lucretia Coffin. 
 
 It has generally been supposed that the first set- 
 tlers of Nantucket were driven from their homes on 
 the main-land by religious persecution ; and this view 
 is supported by some of the highest authorities, but 
 others believe that they emigrated thither solely 
 with the object of bettering their material condition. 
 It was a new region, land was cheap, and the agri- 
 cultural prospects good. It is cited by advocates of 
 the former theory, that Thomas Macy, one of these 
 pioneers, was fined “ 10s. for harboring Quakers ; ” 
 but as this happened several months after he became 
 one of the purchasers of Nantucket, it can hardly be 
 regarded as an inducement to that step. And an- 
 other, Peter Folger, was known to be in sympathy 
 with “ anabaptists, quakers, and other sectaries, who 
 had suffered persecution.” In their behalf he wrote 
 a poem, called “ A Looking-Glass for the Times,” in 
 which he “ attributes the wars with the natives, and 
 other calamities which afflict the nation, to this per- 
 secution,” and regards them “ as judgments of God.” 
 But this was written in 1675, several years after he 
 removed to Nantucket, and there is no evidence of 
 his having suffered at any time the persecution he 
 deplores. Nor is any mention made, in such con- 
 nection, of others of the twenty original purchasers. 
 They came from various towns in the eastern part 
 of Massachusetts. Chief among them was Tristram 
 Coffyn, Sr. He was the son of Peter and Joan Cof- 
 fyn, and was born in Brixton, Devonshire, England, 
 
20 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT . 
 
 where, it was said, he owned several estates. He 
 was a royalist, and is supposed to have left England 
 on account of some political difficulty; but this is 
 not certain. It is known, however, that he left his 
 comfortable English home in 1642, and emigrated to 
 America with his wife, Dionis Stevens, and their 
 five small children. He lived first at Salisbury, 
 Mass., then at Haverhill, and again for several years 
 at Salisbury. Here he organized the company for 
 the purchase of Nantucket. In 1662 he removed to 
 the island with his family, and in 1671 was ap- 
 pointed chief magistrate of the new settlement. 
 Though but few years older than his companions, he 
 was regarded as the patriarch of the colony, partic- 
 ularly by the neighboring Indians, with whom he 
 maintained friendly relations from first to last. He 
 died in 1681, aged seventy-six years. While living, 
 he divided the greater part of his large property 
 among his children and grandchildren, “ to have and 
 to hold, and Quietly to Injoy.” The deeds record- 
 ing these gifts usually begin with the significant 
 words, “In regard of my Fatherly affections, I,” etc. 
 He left seven children, sixty grandchildren, and sev- 
 eral great-grandchildren. 
 
 James, the third son of Tristram Coffyn, was the 
 great-great-grandfather of Lucretia Coffin. His wife 
 was Mary Severance, of Salisbury. They had four- 
 teen children, twelve of whom lived to have large 
 families of their own. From these descended the 
 tory branch of the Coffin family, whose best known 
 representatives are Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin, who, in 
 the early part of this century, founded the school 
 bearing his name in Nantucket ; and the two sons 
 of General John Coffin, of St. John, New Brunswick, 
 both admirals in the Royal Navy. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 21 
 
 James Coffin’s younger sister, Mary, although 
 hardly within the scope of this account, being out- 
 side the limit of lineal descent, is too striking a char- 
 acter to be passed without some mention. She was 
 the youngest daughter of Tristram and Dionis, and 
 was born after they came to America. At the age 
 of seventeen she married Nathaniel Starbuck, and, 
 according to an old chronicle, became “ a Deborah 
 among the people, for little of moment was done 
 without her.” She was accustomed to attend the 
 town meetings, and take an active part in their pro- 
 ceedings. It is said that she usually began her re- 
 marks with some allusion to her husband, such as 
 “My husband thinks,” or “My husband and I feel,” 
 etc. In 1701, during a religious visit of the cele- 
 brated English preacher, John Richardson, she was 
 converted to Quakerism, and became a “ mighty 
 instrument,” through which large numbers were 
 brought into the same faith. 
 
 Lucretia Coffin’s mother was a Folger of the fifth 
 generation from the Peter Folger, the “ learned and 
 godly Englishman,” mentioned before, who first ac- 
 companied • Tristram Coffyn to Nantucket as inter- 
 preter with the Indians, and afterward joined him in 
 the purchase of the island. An emphatic testimony 
 to his reputation is furnished by the following clause 
 in the old court records concerning the proper divis- 
 ion of Nantucket among its new owners : “At the 
 same meeting, it was ordered that Tristram Coffin, 
 Thomas Macy, Edward Starbuck, Thomas Barnard, 
 and Peter Folger, of Mather’s Vineyard, shall have 
 power to measure and lay out said Land according to 
 the above said awder, and whatsoever shall be done 
 and concluded in the said case by any three of them. 
 
22 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 Peter Folger being one, shall be accounted Legall 
 and valid.” 
 
 Peter Folger married Mary Morrell. They had 
 nine children, all of whom lived to grow up and 
 marry. Eleazer, the eldest son, married Sarah Gardi- 
 ner, and became the great-great-grandfather of Anna 
 Folger, the mother of Lucretia Coffin. The youngest 
 child, Abiah, married Josiali Franklin, and was the 
 mother of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. 
 
 A Nantucket writer, Benjamin Franklin Folger, 
 after commenting on the remarkable longevity of 
 some of these early settlers and their descendants, 
 says : — 
 
 “ Their situation in life required the most unflinching 
 self-reliance, and in that day of farming and fishing, it fol- 
 lowed, of course, that their physical powers were suffi- 
 ciently taxed for their most vigorous expansion. . . . Not 
 only the smaller fish, but the whale itself, was pursued 
 from the shore ; and at the first dawn of day the men were 
 in readiness to leave their homes, having taken their morn- 
 ing meal with such parts of the families as had hastened 
 its preparation. The men proceeded on their adventurous 
 voyage, full of expectation and hope, and in entire confi- 
 dence that the women would be no idle worshipers at 
 home. The cows were milked, the butter was churned, 
 the wool was ‘’carded and spun, the cloth was woven, and 
 the unpainted floors scoured and neatly sanded ; the oven 
 had been previously heated for the rye and Indian bread, 
 the pumpkin pies, and other substantial provisions for the 
 table, that the father and his sons might be made doubly 
 welcome on their return at nightfall. The men returned, 
 the boats had been successful, and the joy of the family 
 was complete. Some of the men had gigantic strength, 
 and some of the matrons would walk from fifteen to twenty 
 miles without thinking it a hardship. Here were fine con- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 23 
 
 stitutions, and a long life seemed to be the legitimate at- 
 tribute.” 
 
 Another writer, Hector St. John, of Pennsylvania, 
 visiting Nantucket one hundred years after the time 
 of the foregoing, in order to witness for himself the 
 curious customs of which he had heard, says : — 
 
 “ It is but seldom that vice grows on a barren soil like 
 this, which produces nothing without extreme labor. How 
 could the common follies of society take root in so despi- 
 cable a soil ? They generally thrive on its exuberant 
 juices; here we have none but those which administer to 
 the useful, to the necessary, and to the indispensable com- 
 forts of life. . . . The inhabitants abhor the very idea of 
 expending in useless waste and vain luxuries the fruits of 
 prosperous labor. . . . The simplicity of their manners 
 shortens the catalogue of their wants. ... At home the 
 tender minds of the children must be early struck with the 
 gravity, the serious, though cheerful deportment of their 
 parents ; they are inured to a principle of subordination, 
 arising neither from sudden passions, nor inconsistent pleas- 
 ure. They are corrected with tenderness, nursed with 
 most affectionate care, clad with that decent plainness from 
 which they observe their parents never to depart ; in short, 
 by the force of example, more than by precept, they learn 
 to follow the steps of their parents, and to despise ostenta- 
 tiousness as being sinful. They acquire a taste for that 
 neatness for which their fathers are so conspicuous ; they 
 learn to be prudent and saving ; the very tone of voice in 
 which they are addressed establishes in them that softness 
 of diction which ever after becomes habitual. If they are 
 left with fortunes, they know how to save them, and how 
 to enjoy them with moderation and decency ; if they have 
 none, they know how to venture, how to work and toil as 
 their parents have done before them. At meetings they 
 are taught the few, the simple tenets of their sect ; tenets 
 
24 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT . 
 
 fit to render men sober, industrious, just, and merciful. . • . 
 There are but two congregations in this town, and but one 
 priest on the whole island. This lonely clergyman is the 
 Presbyterian minister, who has a very large and respecta- 
 ble congregation ; the other is composed of Quakers, who 
 admit of no one particular person entitled to preach, to 
 catechise, and to receive certain salaries for his trouble. 
 Most of these people are continually at sea, and often have 
 the most urgent reasons to worship the Parent of Nature 
 in the midst of the storms which they encounter. These 
 two sects live in perfect peace and harmony with each 
 other. Every one goes to that place of worship which he 
 likes best, aud thinks not that his neighbor does wrong by 
 not following him. ... As the sea excursions are often 
 very long, the wives are necessarily obliged to transact 
 business, to settle accounts, and, in short, to rule and pro- 
 vide for their families. These circumstances being oft- 
 repeated give women the ability, as well as the taste, for 
 that kind of superintendency to which, by their prudence 
 and good management, they seem to be in general very 
 equal. This ripens their judgment, and justly entitles them 
 to a rank superior to that of other wives. To this dexter- 
 ity in managing their husband’s business whilst he is ab- 
 sent, the Nantucket women unite a great deal of industry. 
 They spin, or cause to be spun, abundance of wool and 
 flax, and would be forever disgraced and looked upon as 
 idlers, if all the family were not clad in good, neat, and 
 sufficient homespun cloth. First-days are the only sea- 
 sons when it is lawful for both sexes to exhibit garments 
 of English manufacture, and even these are of the most 
 moderate price, and of the gravest colors. . . . The ab- 
 sence of so many men at particular seasons leaves the 
 town quite desolate, and this mournful situation disposes 
 the women to go to each others’ homes much oftener than 
 when their husbands are at home. The house is always 
 cleaned before they set out, and with peculiar alacrity they 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 25 ' 
 
 pursue their intended visit, which consists of a social chat, 
 a dish of tea, and an hearty supper. . . . The young fel- 
 lows easily find out which is the most convenient house, 
 and there they assemble with the girls of the neighborhood. 
 Instead of cards, musical instruments, or songs, they relate 
 stories of their various sea-adventures, . . . and if anyone 
 has lately returned from a cruise, he is generally the speaker 
 of the night. Pyes and custards never fail to be produced 
 on such occasions ; . . . they laugh and talk together until 
 the father and mother return, when all retire to their re- 
 spective homes, the men reconducting the partner of their 
 affections. Thus they spend many of the youthful even- 
 ings of their lives ; no wonder therefore that they marry 
 so early.” 
 
 In this primitive life grew up the two young peo- 
 ple who were to be the father and mother of Lu- 
 cretia Coffin. In 1779, when Thomas Coffin had 
 obtained the command of his first ship, he married 
 his neighbor and playmate, Anna Folger, he being 
 twenty-two years old, and she just seventeen. They 
 were both consistent members of the Society of 
 Friends, as their fathers had been before them for 
 several generations. Thomas Coffin, although a 
 sailor from his boyhood, was a courteous and refined 
 man, of unusually studious habits, and strong relig- 
 ious feeling. His most marked characteristic was 
 that of unwavering integrity. In appearance he was 
 intelligent, rather than handsome ; in manner kindly, 
 though somewhat formal. Anna Folger, the young- 
 est of six sisters, sometimes called by the townspeo- 
 ple “ Bill Folger’s tory daughters,” was a woman 
 conspicuous throughout her life for great energy, 
 keen wit, and unfailing good sense. A portrait, 
 painted some ten years after her marriage, repre- 
 sents a stately woman, with large, penetrating eyes, 
 
26 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 dark hair, a low, broad forehead, and firm mouth. 
 Her father, William Folger, at one time a large 
 ship-owner, lost much of his property during the war 
 of the Revolution, his ships being seized at sea. 
 Being a declared Tory, he was no favorite with his 
 companions ; they liked to tell, at his expense, that 
 the only thing he had ever found in his life was a 
 jack-knife, sticking in a post above his head. His 
 daughters, women of ability and rare good sense, 
 inherited both his dignified bearing and his conser- 
 vative tendencies. Anna, who was less conventional 
 than the others, told with amusement of a rebuke 
 once given her by her elder sister Elizabeth, when 
 she went out to the pump for water. It belonged 
 to several families, and was in full sight from the 
 street. Anna’s vigorous stroke reached the ears of 
 Elizabeth, who remonstrated, saying, “ Don’t, sister, 
 don’t pump so strong ! ” 
 
 As has been said before, Thomas and Anna Coffin 
 had six children, one boy and five girls, of whom 
 Lucretia was the second. The house in which the 
 young couple began their married life, and in which 
 Lucretia was born, is not standing ; but we are told 
 that it was near by the one which Captain Coffin 
 built while Lucretia was still a little girl. She could 
 remember but a single incident connected with the 
 old house : that it was struck by lightning one day 
 while she was left in charge of her baby sister, and 
 that a neighbor came in and took them both home 
 with her ; but no impression of terror seemed to 
 mingle with the recollection. All the associations of 
 her childhood were with the new house, into which 
 the family removed in 1797. It still stands in good 
 preservation on Fair Street, in Nantucket town. As 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 27 
 
 with all houses of that period, more attention was 
 paid to comfort and strength in its erection than to 
 ornament, although the mahogany rail on its easy 
 staircase shows that it was meant to be as hand- 
 some as was consistent with proper Friendly sim- 
 plicity. Its frame was of solid hand-hewn oak, and 
 the chimney-pieces were paneled up to the ceiling 
 over the open fire-places. The room at the right- 
 hand of the front door was the parlor, the scene of 
 many happy family gatherings ; and it was little 
 Lucretia’s place, on these occasions, while the elders 
 were at tea, to watch the wood fire, and draw the 
 chairs into a sociable circle about it. This naturally 
 grew to be in her mind an essential feature of hos- 
 pitality. Long after, in her old age, we can all re- 
 member her saying, 44 Move up, — come forward, — 
 do come more into a circle ! ” How often, after she 
 became so feeble that she could not sit during the 
 whole tea-time at table with her guests, has she 
 slipped away into the parlor, and, tired as she was, 
 before lying down to rest a few minutes, pushed the 
 chairs into a close circle around the fire, ready, as 
 she felt, for the evening’s conversation ! Side by 
 side, in my mind, are the two pictures : the little 
 girl in Nantucket, and the dear grandmother at 
 44 Roadside,” arranging the chairs in the time-hon- 
 ored way. 
 
 In the room to the left of the front door Anna 
 Coffin kept a small shop for the sale of East India 
 goods, by this means eking out a scanty income dur- 
 ing her husband’s long and uncertain voyages to 
 China. The shutter of the shop window, when open, 
 projected far enough beyond the corner of the house 
 to be visible down the side lane, the children’s way 
 
28 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT . 
 
 from school. Lucretia often told how eagerly they 
 used to watch for that sign of their mother’s being 
 at home, and how cheery her welcome was when 
 they ran in. Their frugal dinner was a feast when 
 she presided. In carrying on her business, Anna 
 Coffin was occasionally obliged to go to the u conti- 
 nent,” as they called the main-land, to exchange oil, 
 candles, and other staples of the island, for dry goods 
 and groceries. In those days such a journey was a 
 serious undertaking, and constituted an important 
 event to the little family, especially to Lucretia, who 
 was left in charge. The mother’s return was impa- 
 tiently looked for, and was made a great occasion. 
 But the prominent events were the arrival home of 
 vessels from China, or from the still longer peril of a 
 whaling voyage. When one of these was sighted, 
 and the crier, going his rounds, shouted the good 
 news at the street corners, the whole population be- 
 took themselves to the “ walks ” 1 on the house-tops, 
 spy-glass in hand, to see whose ship was coming. By 
 the time it had crossed the bar and was rounding 
 the point, Long Wharf was filled by an expectant 
 crowd, and touching were the scenes of welcome 
 there. Nantucket was then at the height of her 
 commercial success. It was said that the little 
 island contributed more men to the whale fishery 
 and East India trade than any other town of its pop- 
 ulation. So identical was such employment with 
 thrift and prosperity, that a Nantucket good-wife 
 asked for no better fortune than “ a clean hearth and 
 a husband at sea.” 
 
 1 A walk is a platform, railed in, extending along the peak of the 
 house, and accessible by a trap-door in the roof. These lookouts sur- 
 mounted most of the old houses in Nantucket. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 29 
 
 Among the curious customs of this primitive com- 
 munity, and one that Lucretia delighted to recall, 
 was the “veal feast.” Fresh meat being a rare 
 luxury, the killing of a calf was a time of excite- 
 ment to all concerned, particularly to the children. 
 It is recorded that, on one such memorable occa- 
 sion, the little Lucretia was told, “ Now if thee ’s a 
 good girl, thee shall see them kill the calf ! ” The 
 “ veal feast ” that followed was a family reunion, 
 occupying two days. On the first, all the husband’s 
 relations were bidden ; on the second, all the wife’s ; 
 and to those unable to come, a portion of the good 
 things was carried, in dishes wrapped in great square 
 napkins especially provided for this use. It speaks 
 well for Nantucket neighborliness, that such napkins 
 always made part of a bridal outfit. The veal was 
 presented to the guests at the “ feast,” under various 
 skillful disguises made from receipts handed down 
 through a long line of good cooks. Then, as now, the 
 women of Nantucket understood to perfection the art 
 of cookery, — how to make much out of very little, 
 as well as to make the most of much. While they 
 were content with their ordinary fare of bacon and 
 corned beef, clams, fish, and corn bread, they rejoiced 
 in occasions that called forth their culinary skill. 
 
 Another annual festivity was the three -days 
 “ shearing feast,” when old and young made a holi- 
 day and went out to the ponds on Miaeomet plain 
 to wash and shear the sheep. Among the Friends 
 there were also the more weighty gatherings of 
 Monthly and Quarterly meetings, when strangers, — 
 or “ off-islanders,” — sometimes filled the hospitable 
 houses to overflowing. 
 
 Anna Coffin, like the rest of the women whose 
 
30 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 husbands were following the sea, enjoyed an occa- 
 sional “ dish of tea” with her neighbors ; and espe- 
 cially with her five sisters, who were all married and 
 settled in the same town. When going to join them, 
 she would say to her daughters, “Now, after you 
 have finished knitting twenty bouts, you may go 
 down cellar and pick out as many as you want of the 
 smallest potatoes, — the very smallest, — and roast 
 them in the ashes.” A primitive treat, truly, but 
 one long remembered ! The huge fire-place in the 
 cellar, where the children held this feast, was the 
 place where most of the family cooking was done. 
 It still remains in the old house, though unused. 
 
 When it was the aunts’ turn to visit Anna Coffin, 
 the children would be sent early to bed, with per- 
 mission to talk as long as they pleased, and often 
 with a consolatory promise of reward the next day; 
 but this was little comfort to Lucretia, who always 
 longed to stay down stairs to hear the conversation 
 of the grown people. Although not the oldest of the 
 little family, she was most her mother’s companion, 
 and very early shared the care and responsibility of 
 the household. At ten years of age she was given 
 the charge of one of her younger sisters, a trust of 
 which she felt very proud. If a message were to be 
 carried, or an errand to be done, she was generally 
 chosen to do it, as she w r as both quick to understand 
 and quick to execute. But this very readiness made 
 her impatient with the slowness or stupidity of 
 others. She required every one to be as sensible as 
 herself. 
 
 Her parents were careful to preserve in their chil- 
 dren the peculiarities of the religious society to which 
 they belonged, training them to be careful in their 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 31 
 
 daily observances, and regular in their attendance 
 at meeting, where they learned to sit still without 
 restlessness or drowsiness, and to feel the value of 
 silence. Lucretia, a very active child, and quick-tem- 
 pered, — called “ spitfire ” and u tease ” by her school- 
 mates, — was warm-hearted and ingenuous, and al- 
 ways eager to correct her faults. When a Friend, 
 Elizabeth Coggeshall, visiting Nantucket on a relig- 
 ious “ concern,” had a “ sitting ” with the Coffin 
 family, and addressed the children on the importance 
 of heeding the inward monitor, and of praying for 
 strength to follow its directions, Lucretia, conscious 
 of a wayward spirit, was profoundly impressed, and 
 appropriated the remarks to her own needs, as if they 
 had been particularly directed to her. But, although 
 she had many spiritual difficulties to overcome, she 
 was not an unruly child ; on the contrary, as she 
 many years afterwards wrote in a short autobiograph- 
 ical sketch, “ I always loved the good, and in child- 
 hood tried to do right, praying for strength to over- 
 come a naturally hasty temper. Being trained in 
 the religious Society of Friends, I had no faith in the 
 generally received idea of human depravity. My 
 sympathy was early enlisted for the poor slave by 
 the class books read in our schools, and the pictures 
 of the slave-ships as presented by Clarkson.” In 
 later years she often repeated a description of the 
 horrors of the “ middle passage,” which she had 
 learned from the school reading -book, “ Mental Im- 
 provement by Priscilla Wakefield.” It was written 
 by Clarkson, and ended with the words, “ Humanity 
 shudders at your account.” This made an indelible 
 impression on her young mind. It was at this time 
 also that she committed to memory an alphabetical 
 
32 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 acrostic by “ an early Friend,” by writing each line 
 for a copy in her writing-book. When, at the re- 
 quest of her grandchildren, in 1868, she copied it 
 from memory, she could recall only as far as the 
 letter O : — 
 
 “ All mortal men that live must surely die, 
 
 But how, or when, is hid from human eye. 
 
 Consider then, thy few uncertain days, 
 
 Delay no longer to amend thy ways. 
 
 Engage thy heart to serve the Lord in love, 
 
 For all his ways do waj r s of comfort prove. 
 
 Grant to thyself no time for vain delight, 
 
 Hate all that ’s wrong, and try to do the right. 
 
 In all thou ever dost, act in God’s fear, 
 
 Keep still the thought of death and judgment near. 
 
 Learn to avoid what thou believ’st is sin, 
 
 Mind what reproves or justifies within. 
 
 No act is good that doth disturb thy peace, 
 
 Or can be bad, which makes true joy increase.” 
 
 These last four lines she often gave as a sentiment, 
 with her autograph, particularly to young people. 
 
 Captain Coffin’s last cruise was made in 1800, 
 when his little daughter Lucretia was seven years 
 old. He sailed, as commander and owner, in the 
 ship Trial, from Wood’s Holl, — Nantucket bar be- 
 ing too shallow for the largest vessels to cross, — 
 in quest of seal-skins to take to China and exchange 
 for silks, nankeens, china, and tea. He bought some 
 in the Straits of Magellan, and forwarded them in 
 another vessel bound for China, going himself in 
 search of a larger cargo. When he had been out 
 a year, the Trial was seized by the Spaniards off 
 the Pacific coast of South America, for alleged viola- 
 tion of neutrality, and taken to Valparaiso. Captain 
 Coffin undertook his own defense in the Spanish 
 courts, and obtained some favorable decisions ; but 
 after much delay, finding that he could get no re* 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 dress, and that there was no chance of regaining his 
 vessel, he left Valparaiso, crossed the Andes, and 
 found passage home from a port in Brazil. When 
 he finally reached home, after an absence of three 
 years, he learned that his family had heard nothing 
 of him for more than a year, and had believed him 
 lost. His children loved to recall their delight in his 
 return ; how they clustered about him to hear him 
 recount, over and over again, the wonderful story of 
 his adventures ; the amusement he took in teaching 
 them some of the Spanish phrases that he had 
 learned, and in requiring them to bid him “good 
 morning” and “good night ” in Spanish (our grand- 
 mother, more than seventy years afterwards, could 
 repeat these words as if she had learned them the 
 day before ) ; and his warm-hearted defense of the 
 Catholics of South America, because of the hospi- 
 tality shown him by a kind Catholic family dur- 
 ing his long stay in Valparaiso. It is also inter- 
 esting to know that, notwithstanding the loss of his 
 vessel and cargo, the seal-skins sent to China with 
 his friend had made such good returns that the voy- 
 age was considered profitable. Seven years after this 
 event, Captain Mayhew Folger, Anna Coffin’s young- 
 est brother, had his ship seized in the same way ; 
 but, more fortunate than Captain Coffin, he recov- 
 ered both his ship and $44,000 damages. While he 
 was at Valparaiso, awaiting the court’s decision, he 
 saw the poor Trial still lying at the wharf. This 
 Captain Folger was the one who, in 1809, discovered 
 the lost mutineers of the English ship Bounty, on 
 Pitcairn’s Island, where they had remained unmo- 
 lested for nineteen years. 
 
 This unfortunate experience of Captain Coffin’s 
 3 
 
34 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TJ A MOTT. 
 
 was his last as a seafaring man. Soon after, in the 
 Seventh month of 1804, when Lucretia was in her 
 twelfth year, he removed with his family to Boston, 
 where he engaged in a profitable commercial busi- 
 ness. This was the first time Lucretia or her sisters 
 had ever left Nantucket, even for a visit. Although 
 they never returned to the island to live, Lucretia 
 always seemed to regard this first home with an af- 
 fection different from that which she felt for any 
 subsequent dwelling-place. In after years she taught 
 her children, to the third generation, to cherish its 
 traditions. “ Nantucket way” became household 
 law. The habits formed in these early days dis- 
 tinguished her through life, — “ simplicity, moder- 
 ation, temperance, and self-restraint in all material 
 things ; ” these, together with an abhorrence of false- 
 hood and injustice wherever shown, consecrated her 
 to that gospel which anoints to u preach deliver- 
 ance to the captive,” and “ to set at liberty them 
 that are bruised.” 
 
 Thomas Coffin’s house in Boston was situated on 
 the north side of Green Street, a little below Char- 
 don Stfeet. The garden at the back of the house 
 sloped down to the fields, beyond which the Cause- 
 way crossed to Charlestown. From her window Lu- 
 cretia had an unobstructed view of the Charles and 
 the Mystic rivers, with the low hills on the other 
 side, and could hear the sound of travel on the draw- 
 bridges. Green Street was then a select, if not an 
 aristocratic neighborhood, soon made still more de- 
 sirable by the erection of a block of dwelling-houses 
 fronting on Bowdoin Square, which, from their un- 
 usually handsome finish, — mahogany window-seats 
 and doors, — became the admiration and talk of that 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 85 
 
 part of the town. Lucretia was taken by her father 
 to see these while they were being built. He also 
 used to walk with her on First-day afternoons, out 
 Marlboro’ Street, — now Washington, — to the nar- 
 row neck where the high tide washed up on both 
 sides of the road ; returning thence by the way of 
 Charles Street, on the bank of the broad Back Bay; 
 or by the pretty gardens and fine residences on 
 Franklin and Summer streets. 
 
 The children at first attended a private school, but 
 afterwards, at the wish of their father, were sent to 
 the public school of the district, “ to mingle with all 
 classes without distinction.” Lucretia wrote after- 
 wards concerning this change : “ It was the custom 
 then to send the children of such families to select 
 schools ; but my parents feared that would minister 
 to a feeling of class pride, which they felt was sinful 
 to cultivate in their children. And this I am glad 
 to remember, because it gave me a feeling of sym- 
 pathy for the patient and struggling poor, which, but 
 for this experience, I might never have known.” 
 
 When she was thirteen years old she was sent with 
 a younger sister to the Friends’ boarding-school, at 
 Nine Partners, N. Y., before mentioned, where her 
 future husband, James Mott, was already a teacher 
 on the boys’ side of the house. In accordance with 
 the general practice of the Society of Friends, both 
 boys and girls were admitted to the school, but under 
 a stricter surveillance than is now considered neces- 
 sary in such establishments. They were not per- 
 mitted to meet, or speak to each other, unless they 
 were near relatives, when they might talk a little 
 while together on certain days, over a certain corner 
 of the fence that divided their play-grounds. The 
 
36 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 sister who accompanied Lucretia to school was the 
 “ desirable little Elizabeth,” as her father called her 
 in his letters. She was of excellent abilities, and of 
 a sweet and loving disposition, but so retiring that 
 she always placed herself in the background. Lu- 
 cretia loved her with the deepest affection ; and in 
 their seventy years of almost daily intercourse sel- 
 dom failed to take counsel with the shy and gentle 
 companion whose judgment she valued so highly. 
 Their loving intimacy was interrupted only by the 
 death of Eliza in 1870. 
 
 They remained at Nine-Partners two years with- 
 out going home. This does not appear unreasonable 
 when we consider that the journey had to be made 
 chiefly in private conveyance, and was too expensive 
 to be lightly undertaken , but it does seem a little 
 hard, even making due allowance for the high rates 
 of postage in that day, that a baby sister should 
 have grown to be three months old before they heard 
 of its existence. In the main, however, their school 
 experience was a happy one. Like other spirited 
 children, Lucretia sometimes rebelled under what 
 she considered unreasonable severity, and gave trou- 
 ble to the authorities; but she was conscientious, and 
 as ready to acknowledge her faults as she was quick 
 to see them. She could bear punishment herself 
 much easier than to see others punished. Once, 
 when one of the boys, James Mott’s cousin, and a 
 favorite with her, was confined in a dark closet on 
 bread and water, for what she thought was a trifling 
 misdemeanor, she and her sister contrived to get into 
 the forbidden side of the house where he was, and 
 supply him with bread and butter under the door. 
 One of the favorite amusements of the girls was to 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 37 
 
 “play meeting.” On one such occasion they held a 
 “ meeting for business,” to consider a case of viola- 
 tion of the “Discipline.” Lucretia and one other 
 girl were appointed to visit the offender and report 
 to the meeting, which they did in the following 
 words, given with a very drawling tone : “ Friends, 
 we have visited Tabitha Field, — and — we labored 
 with her — and we — think — we — mellowed her — 
 some.” 
 
 Among her schoolmates, Lucretia liked best James 
 Mott’s sister Sarah, with whom she went to Mamaro- 
 neck in one of their vacations, thus meeting for the 
 first time the family whose name she was afterwards 
 to bear. 
 
 Susan Marriott, the principal teacher of the 
 school, was an Englishwoman of uncommon acquire- 
 ments, with a special fondness for the study of gram- 
 mar, — a fondness wdiich she succeeded in impart- 
 ing to her pupils. She was very critical of their pro- 
 nunciation and their choice of language, and made 
 nice discrimination between words, which our grand- 
 mother often repeated in later life, with capital im- 
 itation of her old teacher’s precise and antiquated 
 style. Susan Marriott also taught her scholars to 
 appreciate English poetry, and had them learn se- 
 lected passages by heart, as a regular school exer- 
 cise. It was, doubtless, to her influence that Lu- 
 cretia Mott owed her familiarity with Cowper and 
 Young. In her old age she would repeat page after 
 page of the “ Task,” as the family sat together on 
 the porch at “ Roadside,” in the dusky summer even- 
 ings. The course of studies was hardly what could 
 be called wide in its scope, but it was all that the 
 Quakerism of that day demanded, and the instruc- 
 
38 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 tion was thorough as far as it went. As in other 
 schools of the time, this included the “ use of the 
 globes,” but no map of any kind was used until 
 Captain Coffin, in 1807, presented one of the United 
 States. This was the first map Lucretia ever saw. 
 The teachers were paid small salaries, only about 
 $100 a year, in addition to their board. Neverthe- 
 less, when Lucretia, at the age of fifteen, was made 
 assistant teacher, the appointment was very gratify- 
 ing to her ; particularly when, at the end of the first 
 year, she was promoted to the position of regular 
 teacher, with the additional inducement that her ser- 
 vices would entitle a younger sister to her education. 
 Of this she says herself : “ My father was at that 
 time in successful business in Boston, but with his 
 views of the importance of training women to useful- 
 ness, he and my mother gave their consent to an- 
 other year’s being devoted to school.” During this 
 last year, the teachers, James Mott and Lucretia 
 Coffin among them, formed a French class, and took 
 lessons for six weeks. In this and other ways they 
 showed a desire for wider culture than that afforded 
 by the somewhat meagre plan of Friendly education. 
 It was at this time, to quote her own words again, 
 44 that the unequal condition of woman impressed my 
 mind. Learning that the charge for the tuition of 
 girls was the same as that for boys, and that when 
 they became teachers women received only half as 
 much as men for their services, the injustice of this 
 distinction was so apparent, that I early resolved to 
 claim for myself all that an impartial Creator had 
 bestowed.” 
 
 While the sisters were at Nine-Partners, some re- 
 lations of their father, doing a driving business in 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 39 
 
 cut-nails, then a new thing in the world, induced him 
 to give up his own business in Boston and take 
 charge of a branch of theirs in Philadelphia. He 
 consequently removed to that city with his family in 
 1809. The factory of which he had charge was es- 
 tablished at a place called French Creek, about 
 twenty miles from the city ; and the sales made by 
 Thomas Coffin reached $100,000 a year, which was 
 then thought a large sum. For a while all went 
 well, but in an unlucky hour he indorsed for a friend 
 and lost heavily. Before this unfortunate reverse, 
 however, and while everything seemed prosperous, 
 his daughters had left school, and rejoined the fam- 
 ily in their new home in Philadelphia ; and thither 9 
 in 1810, James Mott followed them. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 While James Mott and Lucretia Coffin were teach- 
 ers together at Nine-Partners, a strong attachment 
 grew up between them which resulted in an engage- 
 ment of marriage. James was a tall, pleasant-look- 
 ing youth, with sandy hair and kindly blue eyes. In 
 manner he was shy and grave. As can be inferred 
 from his letters, he took serious views of life, and 
 was much given to religious contemplation. Lucre- 
 tia was a sprightly girl of more than ordinary come- 
 liness, and uncommon intellectual promise. In strong 
 contrast with James Mott, she was short of stature, 
 quick in her movements, and, notwithstanding the 
 repression of Quaker training, impulsive and viva- 
 cious in manner. She had a keen appreciation of 
 humor, and was fond of a joke, even at her own ex- 
 pense. Combined with these lighter qualities, and 
 prominent even at this early time, were those ele- 
 ments of spiritual fervor and strength which ripened 
 into the revered character of Lucretia Mott. 
 
 The engagement of the two young people was re- 
 garded with much favor by their respective families, 
 and an early marriage was encouraged. With this 
 in view, James Mott gave up his position of teacher, 
 with its meagre salary, and accepted a place offered 
 him in Thomas Coffin’s business in Philadelphia ; in 
 which he prospered so well, that in a few months he 
 and Lucretia concluded to “ pass meeting,” as the fol- 
 lowing letter to his parents shows : — 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 41 
 
 Phila., 12th mo. 12th, 1810. 
 
 Honored Parents, — I resume the pen to say that I 
 have come to a conclusion to settle in this city. Had I 
 consulted my own feelings and inclinations, independently 
 of other circumstances, I should have decided to return and 
 settle in New York. But when we take into view that the 
 business here is an established one, and the person with 
 whom connected, a man of experience and prudence, I be- 
 lieve you will say with me that this is the most eligible. 
 . . . We have concluded (Lucretia and myself) to declare 
 our intentions of marriage before the monthly m g in 2 nd m° 
 next, which will be on the 20 th , with your, and her parents’ 
 consent. You will please write me on the subject, and 
 should you concur, will recollect that your consent signified 
 in writing will be necessary. Jas. Mott, Jr. 
 
 This formidable proceeding was one of the precau- 
 tions taken by the Society of Friends, “ that young 
 or unmarried persons may be preserved from the 
 dangerous bias of forward, brittle, and uncertain af- 
 fections.” To quote further from the Rules of Dis- 
 cipline : — 
 
 “ Proposals of marriage are to be presented in writing to 
 the preparative meeting, of which the woman is a member, 
 signed by the parties ; . . . and the said written proposal 
 is to be forwarded by the preparative to the monthly meet- 
 ing ; ... if no reasons appear to prevent it, their said in- 
 tentions should be minuted, and inquiry made concerning 
 consent of parents or guardians, whose consent should be 
 either personally expressed, or sent to the monthly meet- 
 ing. ... Two Friends are to be appointed to inquire into 
 the man’s clearness for proceeding in marriage ; and a 
 similar care should be taken by the woman’s meeting, con- 
 cerning the woman. ... At the second monthly meeting, 
 they are to be present, separately, in their respective meet- 
 ings, and should the committee report that there appears to 
 
42 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 be no obstruction to their proceeding, the meeting is to 
 leave them at liberty to accomplish their marriage accord- 
 ing to the order of our Society.” 
 
 The following letter shows how this ordeal im- 
 pressed James Mott : — 
 
 Phila., 2nd mo., 23d, 1811. 
 
 Honored Parents, — 
 
 . . . Lucretia and myself declared our intentions of mar- 
 riage on Fourth-day last, the 20th. I found the anticipation 
 of it much more than the reality as regards timidity, or fear, 
 or bashfulness. I felt as calm and composed during the 
 whole operation as if I had been speaking before so many 
 cabbage stumps. May I not consider it as an omen of the 
 rectitude of the procedure, for circumstances that have re- 
 quired much less firmness and composure have heretofore 
 put me in a great flustration. Our appearance was plain, 
 and becoming the occasion. All parties were pleased with it. 
 Anna Coffin wishes me to say that at the time of our mar- 
 riage, she will not consent for you to go to any other house 
 as a home, than theirs ; or rather, she will be very much 
 disappointed if you do. It may not be necessary for me to 
 add, that I shall have much more of your company at their 
 house, than at any other where you might go ! Perhaps 
 when you come again, L. and myself can entertain you in 
 a house of our own. We begin to make some calculations 
 respecting future proceedings, and hope to get to house- 
 keeping early in the fall, at farthest : but this is all in an- 
 ticipation ; a precarious thing to place much dependence 
 upon, but a fictitious pleasure may be derived from it, in 
 idea and imagination. 
 
 There is no pleasure now in anticipating things in the 
 mercantile line. A very gloomy prospect presents itself. 
 The entanglements with foreign nations, and the distress 
 occasioned at home from the circumstance of the U. S. 
 bank charter not being renewed, are serious things for 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 48 
 
 merchants generally. Many failures have taken place, and 
 no doubt many more will. All confidence is destroyed, and 
 those who have money keep it in their own hands. . . . 
 
 With much regard for all, I am 
 
 J. Mott, Jr. 
 
 On the 10th of 4th mo., 1811, in Pine Street Meet- 
 ing-house, the marriage of James Mott, Jr., and Lu- 
 cretia Coffin was accomplished according to the order 
 of Friends, “ with a gravity and weight becoming the 
 occasion.” James was almost twenty- three years of 
 age, Lucretia a little past eighteen. For the first 
 few months afterwards they formed part of Thomas 
 Coffin’s family, not feeling quite justified in under- 
 taking the heavier expense of housekeeping for them- 
 selves. 
 
 The following admirable letter was the first ad- 
 dressed to the young couple after their marriage by 
 Anne Mott, the mother of J ames : — 
 
 New Rochelle, 5th mo. 8th, 1811. 
 
 When I parted with my dear children I had no idea that 
 more than three weeks would elapse ere I should take the 
 pen to tell them how oft the affection of a mother leads 
 her to visit them in idea, and to desire that no future time 
 may cause them to remember the 'present happy hours with 
 a sigh of regret, but that each succeeding day may bring an 
 increase of pure, tranquil contentment ; and though I do 
 not expect to gain full credit, I will hazard the sentiment, 
 that if it is your united endeavor to make each other hap- 
 py, ten years hence, on comparing your feelings and meas- 
 uring your affection by what you now consider its greatest 
 height, you will gratefully acknowledge that the early days 
 of wedded life are but the dawn of that happiness which is 
 attached to it. Yet do not mistake me ; I do not wish for 
 you to look for an unclouded sky ; this is not the lot of 
 
44 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 mortals ; but only to believe that, by doing all in your 
 power to deserve the blessing of sincere and unbroken love 
 to each other, you will find that love so increased as to be- 
 come an asylum of rest when all other temporal supports 
 fail, and only prove how frail a support they are. But be- 
 ware, my beloved children, of supposing that even the most 
 ardent affection can give that happiness which the maternal 
 breast craves for you, should your hearts rest only in each 
 other; raise them to Him, who has already blessed in join- 
 ing you together, and who will continue to bless, if there is 
 a disposition to estimate his favors rightly. Let the happi- 
 ness which only real Christians experience be the mark for 
 which you aim, the prize for which you run, and then will 
 every secondary consideration have only its own, its proper 
 weight. 
 
 Not only 44 ten years hence,” as she said, but fifty 
 years later, when the beautiful wedded life was 
 crowned with its golden wedding, the sentiment 44 haz- 
 arded ” by this loving and devout mother was echoed 
 by the happy circle of children, grandchildren, and 
 great-grandchildren, gathered in thanksgiving for 
 those who were blessed in being joined together. 
 
 The letters following the foregoing are personal 
 and of little general interest. A few extracts will 
 show how soon the difficulties attending the war of 
 1812 beset the young couple : — 
 
 FROM JAMES MOTT, JR. 
 
 7th mo. 20th, 1811. 
 
 We have hired a neat, new house in Union st. near fa- 
 ther’s, the market, meeting-house, and my business; rent 
 $300 a year. We shall begin house-keeping as soon as we 
 can get ready, say in about a month 
 
 Business is very dull. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 45 
 
 FROM JAMES MOTT, JR. 
 
 10th mo. 1st, 1811. 
 
 I wish to give you some information of a fever that has 
 for some time been gradually making inroads upon Father 
 Coffin’s family and myself ; commonly called the Ohio fever. 
 Commercial business in all large cities has got to a very 
 low ebb. Very little can be done, and what is, is with 
 much risk. From this cause we have been thinking, and 
 with seriousness, of winding up our business in this city, 
 and moving to that country ; but no conclusion has been 
 come to. 
 
 Many plans have been made, but none matured except 
 one, which is that Father Coffin’s family are to move into 
 the house we now occupy, and thus make one family. This 
 they will probably do next week. The house is sufficiently 
 large to accommodate us all and leave one spare chamber, 
 and our expenses will be much curtailed. 
 
 All this will no doubt appear strange and unaccountable 
 to you ; that is, our prospect of removing. I have not be- 
 lieved until now that it would really take place, though I 
 have thought seriously of it myself, and I now find that 
 others have also. 
 
 FROM JAMES MOTT, JR. 
 
 11th mo. 2d, 1811. 
 
 Since I wrote last there has been time for calm and cool 
 reflection, and this- time has been iu some measure improved 
 by your son : I have endeavored to weigh and compare 
 the imaginary conveniences and inconveniences, advantages 
 and disadvantages, that would probably arise in taking such 
 a step. To come to the main point in question, it is simply 
 this — and no more nor less — feeling rather discouraged 
 with business, it was natural to look abroad for some other 
 home and employment, and Ohio being suggested, it was 
 listened to with some attention, and many projects men- 
 tioned, but not one has been put into execution, nor is there 
 
46 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 now much probability that they will be, for the fever has 
 considerably abated. 
 
 In the course of the year 1812, however, Thomas 
 and Anna Coffin, in company with several others, 
 made a journey on horseback to the present site of 
 Massillon, Ohio, with a view to settling there per- 
 manently, if the change appeared advantageous, but 
 they found it best to return to Philadelphia, where 
 Thomas Coffin continued the commission business 
 until his death in 1815. Meanwhile, James Mott, 
 finding the business hardly sufficient to maintain two 
 families, kept on the lookout for something more 
 profitable. In this perplexing condition of affairs, 
 his aged grandfather, for whom he was named, wrote 
 the excellent letters that follow at intervals. Al- 
 though some of them may seem rather long for in- 
 sertion here, they exercised too important an influ- 
 ence on the characters of those to whom they were 
 addressed, for any part to be omitted. They kept 
 alive the spiritual flame which hard, material strug- 
 gles might otherwise have extinguished. To their 
 loving encouragement and wise admonitions may be 
 ascribed much of the faithful sacrifice, for Truth’s 
 sake, of the ensuing forty years. 
 
 JAMES MOTT, SR., TO JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 New York, 5th mo. 23d, 1812. 
 
 I consider this a critical moment of your lives, my en- 
 deared James and Lucretia, just, as it were, setting out in 
 life. How important that you set out right, and with cor- 
 rect views ! How needful that the secret, yet intelligent, 
 whisperings of the voice that says, “ This is the way, walk 
 in it,” be attended to on all occasions! We live in an age 
 of trial and temptation, with many inducements to deviate 
 from perfect rectitude, and many of these are to be found 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 47 
 
 in our own society. But, my precious children, the solic- 
 itude of my heart is, that you follow the example of none 
 further than it affords peace and satisfaction to your own 
 minds. Remember the language, “ He that will be my 
 disciple must deny himself, take up his daily cross, and fol- 
 low me.” These are the terms, and they will be made 
 easy to those who cheerfully submit to them. He also 
 said, “ My yoke is easy, and my burden light.” It is resig- 
 nation that makes it so. May you experience this through 
 life; then whether prosperity shine upon you, or adversity 
 be your lot, all will be well ; it will teach humility in the 
 first, and contentment in the latter. 
 
 JAMES MOTT, JR., TO HIS PARENTS. 
 
 Phila., 4th mo. 27th, 1813. 
 
 ... I have concluded to go to Ohio with our uncle May- 
 hew Folger and family, who will leave in a few weeks. 
 Lucretia stays with her father, to come out with him, if I 
 should conclude to stay after getting there, which is uncer- 
 tain, though probable. Considering all circumstances, I 
 believe it will be best to follow this plan, and satisfy my- 
 self as respects the country. My ideas are far from san- 
 guine, but I hope we shall all be satisfied, and realize a 
 comfortable living, which is all we can expect in the unset- 
 tled state of affairs, and all we ought to be anxious for at 
 any other time. 
 
 It does not appear, however, that he ever took this 
 journey, as his letters continue to date from Phila- 
 delphia. They speak principally of family and busi- 
 ness matters, and make frequent mention of the ac- 
 complishments of his little daughter Anna, who was 
 born on the sixth of 8th mo., 1812, in the house on 
 Union Street. In the autumn of 1813 he says, “Our 
 precious Anna grows finely, can speak a number of 
 
48 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 words, and we think will soon talk. She is sixteen 
 months old.” 
 
 In the spring of 1814, thinking there might be 
 an opening for him in the cotton-mill of. his uncle, 
 Richard Mott, at Mamaroneck, N. Y., James moved 
 there with his family. While there, in the 7th mo., 
 their second child, a son, was born, and named after 
 his grandfather, Thomas Coffin. The expected open- 
 ing proving delusive, the little family returned in the 
 10th mo. to Philadelphia, where James found em- 
 ployment in a wholesale plow store, at $600 a year. 
 The following extract from Lucretia’s letter to her 
 “ Mother Mott ” gives an account of the journey. 
 How different from the luxury of the “ limited ex- 
 press ” of the present day ! 
 
 “ Our journey here was quite as comfortable as we 
 could expect. We left the Hook about eight o’clk., found 
 the roads pretty good till we got to Brunswick, where we 
 dined ; from there to Trenton they were exceedingly rough, 
 large stones having been laid where the holes used to be, 
 and only two passengers beside ourselves, so that we were 
 obliged to keep little Thomas well wedged in, that he need 
 not be thrown against the side of the stage ; the pillow 
 added much to his comfort and our convenience, as it ena- 
 bled my James to hold him part of the time ; he was very 
 quiet, slept most of the day, and was not out of the stage, 
 except when we stopped to dine, until we arrived at Trenton 
 at half past seven ; he was then put to bed immediately, 
 and slept quietly all night. The steam boat was quite a 
 relief, and we reached Phil, at 12 o’clk. the next day.” 
 
 The next letter makes the first mention of the 
 subject with which they were so prominently con- 
 nected through life. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 49 
 
 JAMES MOTT, JR., TO HIS PARENTS. 
 
 Phila., 1st mo. 27th, 1815. 
 
 My dear Parents, — 
 
 ... A letter has been received from two persons in 
 Charleston, S. C., directed to Friends of the city of Phil a , 
 stating that Moses Bradley of their city had by will be- 
 queathed six slaves to Friends of this city. A verbal com- 
 mittee was nominated from all the monthly meetings to con- 
 sider the subject, and they this week returned the letter to 
 the mg 8 without making any report thereon, further than 
 that they had met, and were of opinion that it involved seri- 
 ous and important consideration. There was not much said 
 upon it in m g . The subject was taken on minute, and com- 
 mittees appointed to give it careful attention, and report. 1 
 The clause in the will runs thus : “ I bequeath to the So- 
 ciety of Friends in Phil a my negro slaves (naming them), 
 and appoint A. B. & C. D. to receive them in trust ; the 
 friends of humanity will understand this clause.” 
 
 The “ Abolition Society ” 2 * 4 have likewise lately received 
 a like bequest of 40 slaves. It is a subject highly impor- 
 tant, as it regards the testimonies that Friends have held 
 up to the world, and involves considerations of no small 
 magnitude to civil society. The more I view the subject, 
 the more I see the necessity of Friends’ acting with great 
 caution and circumspection in it, adhering steadily and 
 firmly to the principle. I feel undecided in my own mind. 
 The opinions of Friends are various, but all agree in its 
 importance, and some say that no subject has ever come 
 
 1 Owing to the subsequent divisions and subdivisions of the Society, 
 it has been impossible to find what was done in this case. — Ed. 
 
 2 This Society must not be confounded with those later established in 
 Philadelphia. This one was organized in April, 1775, and was called 
 
 “ The Pennsylvania Society for promoting the abolition of slavery, the 
 relief of free negroes unlawfully held in bondage, and for improving the 
 conditions of the African race.” Benjamin Franklin was its first pres- 
 ident after its incorporation by the State in 1789. 
 
 4 
 
50 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 before the Society of equal interest. I cannot help believ 
 ing that much depends upon this case as regards the future 
 situation of the blacks in the Southern States. I should 
 like to have your sentiments upon this subject, and in return 
 I will give you mine, when more matured than they are at 
 present. 
 
 Our family is in usual health ; we have very much neg- 
 lected teaching our Anna, until within a few weeks ; she 
 learns quickly, and begins to spell . 1 Little Thomas says 
 many words, and will soon talk. 
 
 With much love to all the family. 
 
 James Mott, Jr. 
 
 In 1815, early in the 2nd mo., Thomas Coffin died 
 of typhus fever, after a short and distressing ill- 
 ness, leaving his family poor, including James Mott, 
 whom he had recently taken into partnership. Of 
 this James Mott writes: “ My business is suddenly 
 changed ; I have now to settle the affairs of one 
 whom I have tenderly loved, for whom I have felt 
 a filial attachment, and upon whom I depended for 
 advice and instruction. I feel a responsibility un- 
 known before.” 
 
 Anna Coffin, finding herself poor, with several 
 children dependent on her, opened a shop similar to 
 the one she had kept in Nantucket, and was so suc- 
 cessful in the undertaking, that James and Lucre tia 
 Mott concluded to make a like venture, and for that 
 purpose hired a place in Fourth Street, near Arch ; 
 but, owing to a general depression in business in the 
 season following, they were obliged to sell out at 
 considerable loss. To this the two next letters al- 
 lude. 
 
 1 Two years and a half old ! 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 51 
 
 JAMES MOTT, JR., TO HIS PARENTS. 
 
 Pkila., 12th mo. 3rd, 1815. 
 
 . . . How soon may all our fond hopes and fair pros- 
 pects be blasted, and how necessary it is to live day by 
 day serving our Maker ! I think I have often felt desirous, 
 particularly of latter time, to be found doing my duty, and 
 filling my allotted station in life with some degree of propri- 
 ety ; but the weakness of human nature is great, and trials 
 inwardly and outwardly are hard to support. I have fre- 
 quently thought of what Samuel Bettle told us a short time 
 since, “ that there never was a temptation without a pre- 
 serving power near, which, if relied upon, would support.” 
 He (S. Bettle) has become a great preacher ; he speaks 
 forcibly, reasons clearly, and addresses himself to the judg- 
 ment, and often stands nearly an hour. 
 
 Our shop-keeping business is rather dull, though I ap- 
 prehend we do our part for new beginners, as it is a gen- 
 eral complaint of dull times. I do not feel discouraged, 
 and hope next season to make it answer pretty well. 
 Mother’s business has continued good, except for two 
 weeks past it has slackened a little, but I have no doubt she 
 will succeed, as her shop is becoming noted. I think a 
 person without friends or money quite as likely to succeed 
 in business in this city as in New York ; I have not much 
 opinion of friendship in trade, for some of those who you 
 might suppose would be willing to give their custom are 
 the very ones that will avoid the shop. . . . 
 
 JAMES MOTT, SR., TO J. AND L. MOTT. 
 
 New Hartford, 2d mo. 8th, 1818. 
 
 My precious Anne writes me often ; and in her last let- 
 ter inclosed yours of 12 th m° 31 st for my perusal, on read- 
 ing which, my mind was awakened to various sensations by 
 Lucretia’s representation of your situation. Your gloomy 
 prospects excite near sympathy, as well as anxious solici- 
 
 L1BRARY — 
 
 UNIVERSITY 0* N1.WMS 
 
52 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 tude. In pursuing the path of duty, my dear children, 
 reason not against clear convictions even in trifling, as well 
 as more important concerns, though you may be led into a 
 narrower path than some, whom you may prefer far before 
 yourselves, are walking in. I crave that your obedience 
 may so keep pace with clearly manifested duty, that you 
 can adopt similar sentiments to good Joshua of old : “ As 
 for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” ... I am 
 far from wishing to point out any particular line of conduct 
 for you ; this must be done by the unerring guide in your 
 own bosoms, which will speak with greater and greater 
 clearness, as you yield unreserved obedience thereto. Do 
 not be discouraged, even if it lead you in some respects to 
 do, or to leave undone, things that may seem as trying as 
 parting with a right hand. 
 
 May the trust in providential aid which James rejoices 
 in being sensible of, so increase, that the comforting belief 
 may arise, that even the present bitter cup will prove sal- 
 utary, if properly received, is the sincere wish of your 
 
 Grandfather. 
 
 The “little shop on Fourth Street” proving in- 
 sufficient, and its failure seriously affecting James 
 Mott’s health, he again tried his fortune in New 
 York, as clerk in a bank, leaving his wife and chil- 
 dren in Philadelphia in her mother’s family. Late 
 in 1816 John Large of Philadelphia tendered him 
 the office of book-keeper, and at the same time his 
 wife wrote him the following letter, showing how 
 strong was her desire that he should accept the offer, 
 yet how ready she was to acquiesce in his judgment 
 if he should decide against it : — 
 
 . . . On hearing that thy present salary was $750, John 
 Large immediately offered the same, and wished thee to 
 come as soon as possible. Dr. M. says he has no doubt, if 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 53 
 
 you agree, that he would give thee $1,000 before the year 
 is out. On taking all things into consideration I don’t 
 know but it may be better for thee to embrace it ; the re- 
 moval of our goods again will be attended with some ex- 
 pense and breakage. We can continue with our mother 
 without much expense, and perhaps something will offer 
 for me to do in addition to thy salary. . . . 
 
 Now after reading this and giving it further considera- 
 tion, if thou shouldst conclude to come, I should be rather 
 than else pleased : but if to stay, I shall rest satisfied with 
 thy better judgment, and look forward with hope. 
 
 . . . One thing I request, that whether thou come or 
 stay, thou wilt write again immediately, that I may know 
 whether to expect thee or not : remember, we decided 
 that anticipated pleasures were the greatest. . . . Brother 
 Thomas says he should not think thou would hesitate a 
 moment about com g . ... I should not mind being thought 
 changeable, if I were thee. 
 
 The fear of “being thought changeable” weighed 
 little with James Mott. He returned at once to 
 Philadelphia, and wrote thus to his parents : — 
 
 My friends tell me they are glad there is now a prospect 
 of our continuing in Phila e . How we shall arrange mat- 
 ters and affairs is not yet concluded. We are talking of 
 taking a house and beginning house-keeping again, and Lu- 
 cretia contemplates opening a school. She has conversed 
 with a number of her friends on the subject. They tell 
 her she must charge as much as $10 pr. quarter, and that 
 she will have as many scholars as she wants. 
 
 And again, 4th mo., 1st, 1817, he says : — 
 
 . . . Lucretia and Rebecca Bunker commenced their 
 school two weeks since ; the particulars of the rise, prog- 
 ress, and present situation of it, I will leave for L. to give 
 you ; and to allow her room to do so, will conclude my 
 
54 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 part with my most affectionate love to every branch of the 
 family. 
 
 Lucretia then adds as follows : — 
 
 It will not occupy much room to give the account above 
 mentioned. We began with four scholars at $7 per quar- 
 ter, and have since added six : our present number is ten, 
 and we have a prospect of considerable increase shortly. 
 Our walk is long, and, as there are two sessions, we take 
 our dinner with us ; but if we can get a large school, we 
 shall not mind the long walk. . . . 
 
 This school was under the care of Pine Street 
 Monthly Meeting. Rebecca Bunker, the principal 
 teacher, was the daughter of Anna Coffin’s oldest 
 sister. 
 
 Phila., 4th mo. 17th, 1817. 
 
 My dear Parents, — How true is the saying, “ In 
 this world ye shall have tribulations ” ! “ Unsearchable are 
 the ways of Providence, and past our finding out.” We are 
 the children of mourning, for it hath pleased the Almighty 
 in his inscrutable wisdom to visit our habitation with the 
 messenger of death, and take from us our darling little 
 Thomas. . . . His disposition was the most affectionate ; 
 he loved everybody, and all loved him. The last he said 
 was, “ I love thee, mother.” ... It is a close trial ; it is 
 hard to give him up, and say, “ Thy will be done.” . . . 
 Lucretia has had symptoms of the same fever, but is better 
 this morning, though very weak. 
 
 Yours most affectionately, Jas. Mott, Jr. 
 
 FROM THE SAME. 
 
 4th mo. 19th, 1817. 
 
 ... I wrote you on 5 th day last informing of the death 
 of our darling Thomas, a loss we deeply feel, as he was a 
 child possessing every qualification tending to endear him 
 to us and all the family. His health for the past winter 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 55 
 
 has been remarkably good ; he was active, fat, and rosy- 
 cheeked ; but he is now gone ! and we must endeavor pa- 
 tiently to bear the stroke, and with gratitude to bless the 
 hand that gave it. Lucretia is better than when I last 
 wrote ; she is about house, but very feeble. . . . 
 
 The early death of this darling child, so full of 
 rare promise, so loving and large-hearted, seemed al- 
 most a crushing blow to his mother, whose health 
 suffered seriously for a while in consequence. Under 
 the solemn influence of this bereavement she was led 
 into a deeper religious feeling, which finally ex- 
 pressed itself in Friends’ Meeting. To one of her 
 descendants who asked her, in her old age, how it 
 happened that she became a preacher in the Society, 
 she said, with tears, even then, that her grief at the 
 dear boy’s death turned her mind that way, and 
 after a small beginning, meeting with sympathy and 
 encouragement, the rest was gradual and easy. 
 
 At the close of the first year of book-keeping, 
 John Large paid James Mott $1,000 instead of $750, 
 the amount originally agreed upon, and offered a 
 still further advance. It is to this circumstance that 
 James Mott, Sr., alludes in the following letter : — 
 
 10th mo. 24th, 1817. 
 
 • • . I am pleased to hear of the generosity of James’ 
 ^employers. It is noble indeed ; more so than he had a 
 right to expect, and I am glad to hear that Lucretia’s 
 school increases : their prospects cannot appear quite so 
 gloomy to them as in time past. It affords me a heart- 
 felt satisfaction in believing that they have profited by their 
 trials and cross occurrences, and have been induced wisely 
 to bend to the yoke that was declared to be easy. But I 
 want them to bear in mind, that to make it easy there must 
 be a steady continuance in cheerful submission to it. Then 
 
56 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 indeed may they expect to find it not only easy, but joy- 
 ful. To this situation is the promise annexed, “ All these 
 things shall be added,” — all necessary things. But, alas ! 
 how difficult it is, without more resignation to manifested 
 duty, and practicing a greater degree of self-denial than 
 most of us are willing to yield to, even to determine, and 
 much more to submit to, a way of living which requires 
 only necessary things, while on every hand we see such in- 
 dulgence of imaginary wants, even in those to whom we 
 are looking up for instruction. 
 
 That this precious couple may never suffer example to 
 sway them from a line of conduct in every respect, which 
 clear impressions on their own minds dictate to be right 
 for them, is, and has oft been, the fervent wish of 
 
 Their Grandfather. 
 
 JAMES MOTT, JR., TO HIS PARENTS. 
 
 Phila., 12th mo. 14th, 1817. 
 
 . . . Although I have had some other business proposals, 
 it appears likely that we shall continue in this city at least 
 for a time, as nothing as yet has appeared that is in my 
 view a sufficient inducement to leave a place in which I 
 have a certainty of obtaining a living, — the salary I now 
 receive is a liberal one, $1,000 a year, and some prospect 
 of an increase. John Large expects to sail for England in 
 a few days, to be absent several months, and says he wishes 
 me to continue in his store, and that if my salary is not 
 enough to live on, he must give me more ; we shall come 
 to an understanding before he leaves. If, however, there 
 should not be anything said in relation thereto, and he 
 should leave under the impression that I was to continue 
 during his absence, I should most certainly do so, because 
 his conduct has been noble, and always gentlemanly, so 
 that I have no fault to find with my situation, endeavor- 
 ing sometimes to cultivate a disposition to be content with 
 little. . . . 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 5Y 
 
 Lucretia and Rebecca have now forty scholars, seven of 
 whom are studying French. 
 
 JAMES MOTT, SR., TO J. AND L. MOTT. 
 
 1st mo. 3rd, 1818. 
 
 The perusal of two or three letters from my endeared 
 grandchildren has so ripened the thought of writing to 
 you, that I sit down this evening to put it in execution. I 
 have never lost sight of a belief that your trials and gloomy 
 prospects respecting a comfortable subsistence for your- 
 selves and precious children would, if suffered to have 
 their right and intended effect, terminate greatly to your 
 advantage, both your temporal and spiritual advantage. 
 You now see some things from a new point of view ; you 
 see the need of greater watchfulness and circumspection, in 
 order to fulfil the religious duty you desire to discharge. 
 This belief rejoices my heart, and desires accompany that 
 rejoicing, that you may so continue on the watch, that the 
 way may appear more clear, and also that strength may be 
 received whereby you may move from one experience to 
 another, until like Israel of old, you can rejoice on the 
 banks of deliverance. 
 
 It is probable, in the present state of affairs in Society , 1 
 as respects an unwarrantably expensive manner of living, 
 particularly as regards furniture, that the cross must be 
 taken up by you ; take it up cheerfully, and bear a noble 
 testimony against the deviations from that moderation that 
 characterized our early Friends, and which true humility 
 still dictates. 
 
 Your affectionate Grandfather. 
 
 In the short autobiographical sketch alluded to 
 before, Lucretia Mott, after summing up all their 
 struggles and difficulties very briefly, says : “ These 
 trials in early life were not without their good ef- 
 
 1 This seems to be an expression in use among Friends at that time. It 
 always means the Society of Friends. 
 
58 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 feet in disciplining the mind, and leading it to set a 
 just estimate on worldly pleasures.” 
 
 In the middle of 2nd mo., 1818, she gave up her 
 position as teacher, “a young woman having been 
 engaged by the committee to take her place,” and 
 about six weeks afterwards, Maria, their second 
 daughter, was born. James Mott’s business was 
 prospering, and affairs were beginning to look a little 
 brighter. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Family letters necessarily form a large part of 
 this biography. These letters contain frequent ref- 
 erence to the various “ meetings ” of the religious 
 society, of which James and Lucretia Mott were not 
 only prominent, but influential members, and there- 
 fore it is assumed that the following brief explana- 
 tion will be of interest to the reader. 
 
 The principal executive body of the Society of 
 Friends is the Monthly Meeting, which is composed 
 of one or more congregations at convenient distances 
 from each other. These are styled Preparative Meet- 
 ings, for the reason that they prepare business for 
 the Monthly Meetings. Among other things, it is 
 the duty of the latter to provide for the maintenance 
 of poor members, and for the education of their 
 children, and to judge of the fitness of persons who 
 may wish to become members. 
 
 A Quarterly Meeting is composed of several 
 Monthly Meetings, and receives- at stated periods 
 statements concerning the maintenance of the testi- 
 monies of the Society, and the care extended over 
 the members. 
 
 The Yearty Meeting has the general superintend- 
 ence within the limits embraced by the several Quar- 
 terly Meetings of which it is composed, gives its 
 advice as circumstances may require, and institutes 
 such rules as appear to be necessary. In accordance 
 
60 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 with the belief of Friends that women may be prop- 
 erly called to the “ work of the ministry,” and that 
 they should participate in the administration of the 
 “ Discipline,” they have all these meetings of their 
 own, held at the same time as those of men, but 
 separately. 
 
 “ F or the preservation of all in unity of faith and prac- 
 tice, . . . and as an exterior hedge of preservation against 
 the temptations and dangers to which we are exposed, the 
 . . . Rules of Discipline are adopted for the government of 
 Friends, . . . with a view that in the exercise thereof the 
 unfaithful, the immoral, and the libertine professors may 
 be seasonably reminded of their danger, and of their duty ; 
 
 . . . and that such as continue to reject the convictions of 
 truth, and the counsel of their brethren, and refuse to be 
 reclaimed, may be made sensible that they themselves are 
 the sole cause of their separation from our religious fellow- 
 ship and communion.” 1 
 
 It is the duty of Monthly Meetings to select from 
 both sexes a few persons, who may be considered as 
 qualified for the station, to serve as “ Elders.” These, 
 together with “ approved ministers,” have a regularly 
 organized meeting called “ Meeting of Ministers and 
 Elders,” whose object it is to encourage each other 
 in the performance of their respective duties, and to 
 give advice and assistance to all who may need care 
 and counsel. In the words of the “ Discipline,” 
 “ they are tenderly advised to watch over the flock 
 in their respective stations, evincing by their pious 
 example, in conduct and conversation, that they are 
 faithfully devoted to support the testimonies of the 
 blessed truth.” 
 
 The Society of Friends has no such ceremony as 
 
 1 From the Introduction to the Rules of Discipline . 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 61 
 
 that which in other religious bodies is called 44 ordi- 
 nation.” The nearest approach to it is that which 
 is called u recommending; ” which is a formal ac- 
 knowledgment by the several meetings that 44 a gift 
 in the ministry has been committed to ” him, or her, 
 as the case may be. The 44 Discipline ” reads, 44 Un- 
 til the approbation of the Quarterly Meeting of 
 Ministers and Elders is obtained, no such Friend is 
 to be received as a minister, ... or permitted to 
 appoint any meeting out of the limits of the Quar- 
 terly Meeting to which he or she belongs, without a 
 certificate from the Monthly Meeting for Discipline, 
 or the concurrence thereof.” In accordance with 
 these regulations, the certificates, or 44 minutes,” 
 given by the Monthly Meeting to a Friend who may 
 be moved to visit distant parts, are not merely ex- 
 pressive of approbation or consent, but often bear 
 evidence of the deep and earnest sympathy of the 
 meeting that issues them. Generally they are signed 
 by the clerks of both Men’s and Women’s Meetings ; 
 but when they are given to ministers whose proposed 
 mission extends beyond seas, they are signed by the 
 clerks, and also by a number of the members. 
 
 The public discourses delivered in the meetings of 
 Friends are always extemporaneous ; written ser- 
 mons being wholly unknown in the Society. They 
 are voluntary offerings, and the preacher, no matter 
 how extended the service, receives no compensation. 
 During what may be called the probation of a min- 
 ister, the discourse is generally short, and many ser- 
 mons are valued more for their brevity than for their 
 length. A clause in the 44 Discipline,” in the 44 Queries 
 for Ministers and Elders,” reminds them to be 44 care- 
 ful to avoid enlarging their testimonies so as to be- 
 
62 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 come burdensome.” The exemplary daily life of 
 Lucretia Mott, her dignified presence, her neat and 
 correct style of expression, her freedom from the 
 faults and peculiarities which too often attend the 
 manner of preachers, together with the earnest sim- 
 plicity which marked her public testimonies, soon 
 caused her to be regarded as a most attractive speaker, 
 and in a short time after she began to preach she was 
 placed upon record as an 44 acknowledged minister.” 
 This gave her an enviable place in the best social 
 circles of the Society. Every 44 appearance ” in the 
 exercise of her gift was hailed as the prophecy of in- 
 creasing usefulness. In her discourses she dwelt 
 upon the results of obedience to the Divine law, and 
 urged the practical recognition of the leading doc- 
 trine of the Society. 
 
 In the year 1818, when she was twenty-five years 
 of age, she spoke for the first time in public. This 
 was in the form of a prayer; and sixty -one years 
 later, when asked if she could recall the event, she 
 replied by writing from memory, and without hesi- 
 tation, the very words she had then spoken. This 
 memorandum, now so valued by her family, reads 
 as follows : — 
 
 A PRAYER OFFERED IN 12TH ST. MEETING, IN 1818. 
 
 As all our efforts to resist temptation and overcome the 
 world prove fruitless unless aided by thy Holy Spirit, ena- 
 ble us to approach thy throne, to ask of Thee the blessing 
 of thy preservation from all evil, that we may be wholly 
 devoted to Thee, and thy glorious cause. 
 
 5th mo. 10th, 1879. 
 
 At the time when she first entered the ministry, 
 the Society of Friends was to outward appearance 
 a united body. There were, however, to a greater 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 63 
 
 or less degree, jealousies and misgivings, especially 
 amongst those who constituted the u Select Meetings,” 
 or u Meetings for Ministers and Elders,” but these 
 were kept secret as far as possible, and were spoken 
 of only in the presence of the chosen few. It was 
 the beginning of that disaffection which, nine years 
 later, culminated in the separation of the Society, of 
 which further mention will be made in a succeed- 
 ing chapter. For several years, Lucre tia Mott took 
 no part in the controversy, but was more interested 
 in preaching the cardinal principles of Friends than 
 in examining the differences in their interpretation. 
 It was not until after her husband had left the Or- 
 thodox meeting, that she fully realized the impor- 
 tance of the issue at stake. 
 
 James Mott, while in close sympathy with his 
 wife’s ministry, took no prominent part himself in the 
 Society ; but being a man of sterling integrity and 
 sound judgment, his counsel was often sought, partic- 
 ularly in the “ meetings for business.” In these he 
 was a frequent speaker, expressing himself clearly and 
 concisely, and carrying much weight with his hear- 
 ers ; but in the “ meetings for worship,” his voice was 
 rarely heard while he was a young man. Later in 
 life, he sometimes felt called to address the young 
 people, but he was never much of a preacher. 
 
 The family correspondence from 1818 down to 
 1823 is so full and frequent, that a simple reproduc- 
 tion of the more important part of it makes superflu- 
 ous any further attempt at detail. 
 
 The first letter is from James Mott, Sr., to Adam 
 and Anne Mott, 10th mo. 15th, 1818. 
 
 . . . Thy extract from James’ letter rejoiced my heart. 
 What a comfort to you, such accounts from a beloved son 
 
64 
 
 JAMES AND LUC RET l A MOTT . 
 
 must be. Two scripture passages struck me forcibly as I 
 read it : 44 I never saw the righteous forsaken,” — but still 
 more, 44 Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteous- 
 ness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” How 
 wisely they have adopted this injunction, and how fully is 
 the promise verified to them ! May they persevere in faith- 
 ful dedication to Him who is thus opening the way to re- 
 ligious duty, and blessing with not barely the necessaries of 
 life, but the comforts and conveniences thereof ! 
 
 When you write them, give my love affectionately to 
 them. 
 
 . . . How does Lucretia come on in the preaching 
 line? . . . 
 
 L. MOTT TO JAMES MOTT, SEN. 
 
 Phila., 1st mo. 24th, 1819. 
 
 I have been so negligent of late with my pen, that I 
 feel almost unable to express an idea in this way ; but the 
 many kind acts of remembrance and interest in our welfare, 
 manifested towards us in an epistolary way, by our dear 
 grandfather, having been, I trust, gratefully received by 
 us, I have thought some acknowledgment of the same 
 due from us ; and not having succeeded in my endeavors 
 to convince my J. M. that this was exclusively his province, 
 I have made an attempt myself. . . . Although in re-pe- 
 rusing some of thy former letters, the excellent advice 
 therein contained may be compared (as respects myself) 
 to 44 bread cast upon the waters,” yet I tremblingly hope 
 the time is approaching when it may be found. Still my 
 want of faith is such, that in looking at the high profession 
 we are making, and the terms of admission into the King- 
 dom, I am ready at times to shrink, and to cry out with 
 the disciples formerly, 44 Who then can be saved ; ” and the 
 many instances of late, of departure from the simplicity of 
 Quakerism as respects trade, with the consequent embar- 
 rassment attendant thereon, and that too in some from 
 whom we have looked for better things, add not a little to 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 65 
 
 the discouraging side of the prospect. I know the “ diffi- 
 culty of the times ” stands chargeable with it all, and we 
 must charitably conclude that it has a share in it, still we 
 cannot believe the requisition, “ do justly,” to have been 
 made, and the power of compliance withheld. What then 
 must be the conclusion ? I am sensible, however, I have 
 sufficient within to correct, without “ fretting myself be- 
 cause of evil-doers ; ” and I hope by “ studying to be quiet 
 and doing my own business,” to be enabled to leave the 
 pronouncing of judgment to Him who will do it righteous- 
 ly, and not according to the appearance of man. 
 
 A few tracts accompany this, forwarded by W m. Merritt, 
 who has spent a few days with us, and is, we think, a very 
 fine young man, and a warm advocate for Elias Hicks ; 
 many Friends this way not being prepared to unite with 
 him altogether, in his views on some subjects. Dost thou 
 agree in sentiment with him, respecting spreading the Scrip- 
 tures and the First-day of the week. 
 
 Elizabeth Walker has had much to say to-day at Arch 
 St. m s , — we were not there. Her daughter’s appearance 
 is very much altered since she was at Nine-Partners School. 
 She looks rather smart for a companion to a travelling 
 Friend; but is there not danger of our placing too much 
 stress on externals, and of becoming justly chargeable with 
 the faults of the Scribes and Pharisees ? 
 
 With much affection, in which my James cordially unites, 
 I conclude. Lucretia. 
 
 FROM JAMES MOTT, SR., TO JAMES AND LUCRETIA 
 MOTT. 
 
 New York, 2nd mo., 6th, 1819. 
 
 I duly received my much loved Lucr^cia’s welcome let- 
 ter, and am glad to find that mine has been acceptable to 
 her. . . o I regret with thee the sorrowful departure from 
 strict justice, in the mode and manner of doing business, 
 which is too evidently practiced by some, and it is to be 
 5 
 
66 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 feared, not a few under our name. What is the cause 
 of this deviation ? Is it not the unlawful love of gain ? 
 and does it not, more than the indulgence of any other 
 wrong propensity, tend to eclipse the brightness and beauty 
 of real Quakerism ? I fear it does. It seems to me an in- 
 creasing evil. Alas ! for myself, and alas ! for us as a So- 
 ciety, is sometimes the arising language. Thy conclusion 
 on the subject is a correct one, to “ study to be quiet and 
 do our own business ; ” but probably a part of that business 
 may be for thyself and many others, who bewail the evil, to 
 put forth a hand, some in one way, and some in another, to 
 forward that Christian mode of doing business which our 
 principles dictate. 
 
 Thou queries whether I unite in sentiment with Elias 
 Hicks with respect to “ spreading the Scriptures, and the 
 First-day of the week.” I am in this respect an old-fash- 
 ioned Quaker, in believing that the Scriptures have a just 
 claim of superior excellence to all other writings ; for this 
 reason I wish the whole world might have the privilege of 
 perusing them, and I rejoice at the endeavors used to spread 
 them far and wide. ... We have grounds to hope that the 
 time will come, that righteousness will prevail, and purity 
 of intention so regulate the movements of mankind, that 
 there may be no occasion for setting aside one day in seven 
 for a cessation from worldly concerns, as they will then be 
 done to the glory of the great Supreme. When this comes 
 to be the prevailing trait in people’s character, then per- 
 haps the observance of one day in seven for rest and retire- 
 ment may be dispensed with ; but at present I am not pre- 
 pared for it. 
 
 Again, thou queries whether there is not danger of plac- 
 ing too much stress on externals, and thereby becoming 
 justly chargeable with the faults of the Scribes and Phari- 
 sees ? Doubtless we are liable to slide into the same error 
 they did, and without question many have, by getting into 
 an extreme as to cut, colour, and make of clothes, and what 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 67 
 
 they call “ plainness ” in other things. The great point is to 
 keep in Christian moderation in these and all other things. 
 Plainness in appearance may be strictly observed by some 
 who are unacquainted with the spirit of plainness. . . . On 
 the whole, I am induced to believe that in the present time 
 of almost unbounded liberty, and unwarranted deviation 
 from the simplicity our principles inculcate, there is little 
 room to fear, that extremes in plainness will so prevail as 
 to do as much harm, as the present evident departure from 
 it. I sincerely wish both extremes might be avoided. . . . 
 
 Encouraged by such straightforward teaching, 
 James and Lucretia Mott were enabled to continue 
 in a manner of living befitting both their circum- 
 stances and their principles, although surrounded by 
 many temptations to luxury. They were too rigidly 
 “ plain ” for a time ; but that phase soon passed by, 
 and they learned to follow their grandfather’s wise 
 advice, “ to avoid both extremes.” Economy and 
 plainness were necessary, for their means were lim- 
 ited ; indeed, they were only barely outside the mis- 
 erable estate of poverty. They were obliged to be 
 careful of their pennies, in a way that is seldom seen 
 in this lavish day. This is shown with quaint sim- 
 plicity by James Mott’s writing emphatically to his 
 father, under date of 3rd mo. 2nd, 1819, to “ answer 
 this letter by mail , to inform us of the health of our 
 mother ; the expense is trifling, now that I have 
 money of my own to pay it.” 
 
 L. M. TO J. M.’S PARENTS. 
 
 3rd mo. 12th, 1819. 
 
 . . . My husband has been quite down cellar lately ; I 
 don’t know the cause ; for though he is acknowledged to be 
 “ head and shoulders above his brethren” yet he is often 
 
68 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 complaining of his littleness and leanness ; so if our dear 
 grandfather, or any of the rest of you, have anything to 
 bring out of your “ treasury, either new or old,” for his en- 
 couragement, please produce it. 
 
 J. M. TO HIS PARENTS. 
 
 Phila., 7th mo. 6th, 1819. 
 
 Our dear Parents, — As there was nothing in your 
 last that required an immediate answer, we have delayed 
 answering, seeing we have concluded to save all the six- 
 pences for a certain purpose ; and I shall be glad when a 
 sufficient quantity is accumulated, which need not be as 
 much as it would have taken three years ago. Farms in 
 Lancaster and Chester counties, that would have brought 
 $200 pr. acre, are now selling at from $50 to $80, and the 
 very best farms in the State. . . . Happy is the man who 
 has a good farm clear of debt, and therewith content, and 
 does not know how to write his name ! A person thus sit- 
 uated knows little of the anxiety attendant upon a mercan- 
 tile life, when perhaps the hard earnings of many anxious 
 days and sleepless nights are swept away by failures and 
 losses on almost every hand. I say let those who have 
 been brought up in the country, stay there. ... I have 
 been taking an account of my property, and find myself 
 worth between $600 and $700 in money, and owe not more 
 than $10 to my knowledge, so that I do not fear imme- 
 diate want. . . . 
 
 Late in the year 1818, Lucretia Mott accompanied 
 Sarah Zane, a minister in the Society of Friends, 
 in a religious visit to Virginia. They travelled in 
 Sarah Zane’s private carriage, and together attended 
 many meetings. In one of her letters, Lucretia Mott 
 refers to this trip as follows : — 
 
 12th mo. 15th, 1819. 
 
 I have not many fine traveller’s stories to relate. We 
 took the direct road to Winchester, and after a pleasant 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 69 
 
 journey of six days, arrived safely, having met with one ac- 
 cident, the breaking of our axle-tree, which detained us a 
 few hours. The country through which we passed was most 
 of it under fine cultivation, and in some places, particu- 
 larly near Harper’s Ferry, the scenery was romantic. We 
 met with many clever Friends in and near Winchester. 
 Sarah Zane’s principal object in going was to attend their 
 meeting in a new house that was built upon a lot she had 
 purchased for them. She has interested herself for Friends 
 there. It was the time for their Quarterly M g at Hopewell, 
 six miles from Winchester, which we attended, and there 
 met with Edward Stabler and wife, and many others. He 
 is one of the very interesting men. We lodged at the same 
 house, and sat up very late to hear him talk. The sight of 
 the poor slaves was indeed affecting : though in that neigh- 
 borhood, we were told their situation was rendered less de- 
 plorable, by kind treatment from their masters. 
 
 We returned by the same route through Fredericktown, 
 York, Lancaster, etc., and reached home after a little less 
 than three weeks’ absence. 
 
 We cannot but regret that she found no more to 
 record of an experience so novel, and undoubtedly so 
 full of interest ; more especially as in after years the 
 familiar “ When I went to Virginia with Sarah 
 Zane,” was often a prelude for some incident just 
 then occurring to her. But writing was an effort to 
 her, even in those early days, and she was curiously 
 lacking in that perception of outward things that in 
 most persons is an incentive to narration. A drive 
 was to her little more than a rather uncomfortable 
 kind of locomotion, which pleasant company might 
 make endurable, and she would have passed through 
 the most romantic scenery absorbed in thought or 
 conversation, unless she was told what to admire. 
 
70 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 Once, during a drive near Philadelphia, her compan- 
 ion called her attention to a fine view. “Yes,” she 
 said, “ it is beautiful, now that thou points it out, 
 but I should not have noticed it. I have always 
 taken more interest in human nature.” And, an- 
 other time, when travelling in England, she wished 
 some one would tell her what to admire ! 
 
 A sufficient reason for James Mott’s state of dis- 
 couragement, as manifested in his letters, was the 
 failure of John Large, in whose store he was em- 
 ployed. It being necessary for him to find something 
 else to do, he engaged in the cotton commission busi- 
 ness with a friend. About this time his mother, 
 Anne Mott, writes to him as follows : — 
 
 ... I have thought, frequently, how James got along 
 with what he was once convinced was not consistent with 
 justice, the use of West India produce, particularly when 
 lately, on Long Island, the great and good Elias 1 pleaded 
 the cause of the oppressed with such powerful, persuasive 
 eloquence, that I thought all who heard him must be con- 
 vinced of the necessity of clearing their own hands of this 
 load of guilt. My dear son was then brought very feelingly 
 into view; and when I reviewed his former sentiments on 
 this subject, I could but earnestly desire he might not be 
 warped by example, persuaded by false reasoning, or de- 
 terred by ridicule, from obeying faithfully his own convic- 
 tions. I am sensible it will be more trying to stem the 
 torrent of custom and opinion in your part of the country, 
 than in this, for the unwearied labor of an individual has 
 spread much light amongst us on this subject, which you 
 have not had. But surely this will not be a sufficient ex- 
 cuse for those who are convinced of the impropriety of the 
 practice. Every reformation has been brought about by 
 individual faithfulness, and this subject must certainly gain 
 1 Elias Hicks. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 71 
 
 ground, as light and knowledge spread. May my dear 
 child therefore not shrink from the trial, should he believe 
 it right to set an example by endeavoring to supply his 
 family with such articles as can be procured untinged 
 with slavery. 
 
 JAMES MOTT, SR., TO J. AND L. MOTT. 
 
 Skaneateles, 1st mo. 6th, 1820. 
 
 A few days ago I received a well-filled sheet from my 
 precious grandchildren, James and Lucretia ; it was fraught 
 with a good deal of news and interesting conversation. It 
 is very pleasing to such an old man to be thought of by his 
 connexions, and that thought manifested in the way yours 
 has been. . . . James informs that he is about entering 
 into a commission business ; a safe one, where too much 
 advances are not required. I wish him success in that, or 
 whatever he may undertake for a support, and I doubt not 
 but he will be blest in his undertakings, if he continues not 
 to wish for great tilings ; and both of you are satisfied to 
 continue to live in a plain manner. When my mind is 
 turned toward you, which is not seldom, how oft does the 
 desire arise, that you may be the dedicated children of Him 
 who was “ an example for us to follow,” open to receive 
 his instructions, and fully bent upon following them. Then 
 I believe you may with some assurance look for James’ 
 wish to be granted : I should like to be comfortable, and 
 
 a little to spare.” But should he get into business that af- 
 fords a great deal to spare, then be on your guard, that a 
 right use is made of this surplus. 
 
 L. M. TO HER MOTHER-IN-LAW, ANNE MOTT. 
 
 Phila., 2nd mo. 2nd, 1820. 
 
 My dear Mother, — A few of the members of this 
 district have in contemplation to form a society for the 
 relief of the poor, somewhat similar to your Fragment So- 
 ciety. They have asked me to write to thee on the subject. 
 
72 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI. A MOTT. 
 
 Any information thou mayst judge useful to us will be ac- 
 ceptable ; and if it is not asking too much, I should like to 
 have a copy of your constitution. We expect to begin in 
 a very small way ; not because the objects of charity are 
 few, for the sufferings of the poor were never greater here 
 than at the present time ; but our power of relief is so 
 limited, that an attempt is almost discouraging ; we are, 
 however, going to try what can be done. James is engaged 
 this week at the soup-house ; they have handed out to 
 many, who have heretofore been in comfortable circum- 
 stances. Thou wilt oblige me by answering the foregoing 
 questions, so that the letter will reach me before our next 
 meeting — early next week. 
 
 Affectionately, L. Mott. 
 
 James adds as follows : — 
 
 I have within a few weeks thought I should like to be 
 rich, not to hoard it up, but to relieve the necessities of 
 my suffering fellow-creatures ; for many there are in our 
 city, who are in want of food to sustain life. I have some- 
 times felt deterred from visiting them, for want of ability 
 to give much relief ; for what is more affecting, or more 
 humbling, than to see helpless children crying around an 
 emaciated mother for bread ? To attempt a description of 
 my feelings in witnessing such scenes would be impossible, 
 and indeed to you, unnecessary, for you can realize it. It 
 has, however, one effect which may be useful, to make me 
 number my blessings and be thankful that I have food and 
 raiment. As this comes to be the case, a disposition that 
 I have sometimes felt of repining at my lot, will be done 
 away ; and that it may be, I do at such seasons much de- 
 sire. With much love to all, Jas. Mott, Jr. 
 
 J. M. TO HIS PARENTS. 
 
 Phil., 3rd mo. 4th, 1820. 
 
 I am once more safely at home : left the Hook quarter 
 after seven, in company with six others ; breakfasted at 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 73 
 
 Elizabeth-town ; dined at Trenton, and arrived in Phil a at 
 nine ; the last thirty miles we came in four hours, including 
 stoppages. . . . 
 
 Lucretia is very much discouraged about continuing a 
 member of the “ Fragment Soc y .” One reason she gives 
 is, that with her limited means she can easily do all in her 
 power to relieve the necessities of others, without associat- 
 ing in a society for the purpose : another reason is, and a 
 much stronger one, in my opinion, that most of the conver- 
 sation at the several meetings they have had has not been 
 very interesting, or instructive ; being too much of what is 
 called gossip . 
 
 Business is extremely dull, and I fear it will not be much 
 better very soon. Much love, J. Mott, Jr. 
 
 J. M. TO HIS PARENTS. 
 
 Phil., 6th mo. 18th, 1820. 
 
 My dear Parents, — Your very acceptable letter of 
 the 11 th inst. is rec d . We should have been glad to have 
 a more detailed account of your Yearly M g , which I under- 
 stand was an interesting one, and had Lucretia and self only 
 our inclinations to consult, we should have added to your 
 number. The conduct of your men’s meeting in appoint- 
 ing a committee to visit the subordinate m gs , without con- 
 sulting the women, or letting them know it, to me appears 
 strange, and I doubt the rectitude of the step ; because if 
 the thing is worth doing at all, it is worth doing well, and 
 in the present mode it will not be any more than half done. 
 The distinction that is made in the power of the men’s and 
 women’s m gs for discipline in our Society, I never could 
 understand, and believe it will be found to be derived from 
 an opinion prevalent with the “ people of the world,” that 
 a woman should not be suffered to speak in the church. 
 Professing as we do that male and female are one in Christ, 
 under the influence of whose spirit I presume it will be 
 acknowledged our meetings for discipline were formed, and 
 
74 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 ought to be conducted, how can it be doubted that labour 
 for the good of the body must be done by the whole head ; 
 if one half the body is sound and needs no physician, it is 
 then probable that the labour of your men, as it will be 
 with half only, will be with that half which is sick. I be- 
 lieve as we become more enlightened and civilized, this 
 difference will be done away, and the women will have an 
 equal voice in the administration of the discipline. . . . Busi- 
 ness is poor. I would give a premium to be insured $800 
 annually. With love, James Mott, Jr. 
 
 To which his more hopeful wife adds : — 
 
 James need not be so discouraged ; I do not think his 
 prospects are so gloomy as he feels, nor do I like to be dis- 
 heartened before I am obliged to. We do not aspire to 
 the laying up of much treasure. We are endeavoring to let 
 our wants be as few as possible, and I trust, as we “ seek 
 not great things,” that all we really need will be supplied. 
 . . . Pine St. Monthly Meeting is preparing a memo- 
 rial concerning our dear deceased friend, Hannah Fisher. 
 The family are opposed to it, though I do not know why. 
 I have thought if the example of any human being could 
 be held up to others, none could be more properly than 
 hers. 
 
 With much love to every branch of the family, 
 
 Lucretia. 
 
 JAMES MOTT, SR., TO J. AND L. MOTT. 
 
 New York, 5th mo. 7th, 1820. 
 
 ... I am far from wishing that we should receive every- 
 thing we hear said in the gallery, 1 or elsewhere, for truth ; 
 if what is said accords with our judgments, let us carefully 
 put it in practice ; if it does not, let us lay it aside, and 
 pursue what is clearly manifested: thus we shall surely 
 know what is necessary for us to know. I very much wish 
 
 1 Meaning the raised seat where the Ministers and Elders sit in Friends’ 
 meeting. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 75 
 
 that thou and thy Lucretia may in all you do, feel justified, 
 your own minds perfectly satisfied, let others say or think 
 what they may. Peace within will support under much 
 censure from without. I am not about to point out to you 
 this, that, or the other thing that you ought to do or leave 
 undone ; but let me say, and say it emphatically, “ keep a 
 conscience void of offense.” 
 
 JAMES MOTT, SR., TO ADAM AND ANNE MOTT. 
 
 8th mo. 23rd, 1821. 
 
 I love plain preaching that is calculated to lead the 
 hearers to practical religion ; I wish more of our preaching 
 was such, instead of so much speculation, and diving into 
 subjects beyond human investigation, and endeavoring to 
 explain mysteries that ever will remain mysteries, while 
 man is clothed with mortality. How often are Scripture 
 passages turned and twisted, and even the authenticity of 
 them called in question, in order to establish a favorite 
 opinion, and a mere opinion after all ; which if it gains be- 
 lief has no tendency to increase vital religion any more 
 than a contrary belief, which others have endeavored to en- 
 force by explaining Scripture directly opposite. 
 
 I fear the consequences of such kind of preaching, if 
 preaching it can be properly called. Its tendency on the 
 minds of young people will, I think, naturally be to lead 
 them into unprofitable inquiries, and thus divert them from 
 the necessary attention to the plain precepts of the Scrip- 
 tures, and secret inward manifestations of duty, which, if 
 attended to, would guide them safely along. 
 
 How desirable that our ministers might be so attentive 
 to their gifts and callings, that what they deliver for gospel 
 ministry might be such indeed! Was it all such in reality, 
 would not the effects produced be more evident ? 
 
76 
 
 JAMES AND LUC RET 1 A MOTT. 
 
 JAMES MOTT, JR., TO HIS PARENTS. 
 
 Phila., 1st mo. 13th, 1822. 
 
 My dear Parents, — Your acceptable letter of 10 th 
 inst. was received this morning. ... I suppose you would 
 like to know the result of my year’s business. It is thus : 
 my profits have been $2,693, and I have spent in the 
 same time $982 ; leaving a realized balance of $1,711, 
 with which I am satisfied. ... I am sick of “contending 
 for opinions.” I believe I have generally been willing to 
 suppose that those from whom I might differ were at least 
 as likely to be right as myself ; to call in question motives 
 for conduct, I have always conceived to be dangerous and 
 improper, and hoped to guard against it ; and as regards 
 the excitement among us, I am willing to go further, and 
 say that I believe those who have opposed our “ great and 
 good Elias ” did it with good intentions, and with sincere 
 desires to support the testimonies of our Society in their 
 primitive simplicity ; yet‘ I may have my own opinion in 
 relation to the steps they have thought proper to take. . . . 
 I consider our Discipline a most admirable code, beyond the 
 wisdom of man in his own will to have formed, yet I be- 
 lieve that in the progressive improvement of our Society, 
 alterations, additions, and omissions ought to be made. . . . 
 Our children enjoy good health ; their parents cannot be- 
 lieve but that they are quite equal to most other children. 
 Anna has been very steady at school, and we think im- 
 proves cleverly. With love, J. M., Jr. 
 
 J. M. TO HIS GRANDFATHER, JAMES MOTT, SR. 
 
 Phila., 5th mo. 10th, 1822. 
 
 My dear Grandfather, — ... George Withy ap- 
 pointed a meeting on Third-day last for young persons be^ 
 tween the ages of twelve and twenty-five ; but he was 
 silent, except a few words of what might not improperly be 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 77 
 
 called scolding, because some persons attended not of this 
 class. The house was not full. 
 
 To this there is added a postscript by Lucretia 
 Mott, in which she says : — 
 
 John Cox and wife left the city yesterday. John gave 
 us excellent advice at meeting, cautioning us against run- 
 ning after the “ Lo, heres ! ” I imagine some present 
 thought they had been so doing, when they were sent empty 
 away from the meeting appointed by George Withy. It 
 was mostly composed of the class invited, and as there 
 were vacant seats for many more than attended, it was 
 thought by some that he should better have made the best 
 of it, as his remarks caused some unsettlement, and several 
 left the meeting. He had a meeting in Burlington to-day. 
 He would be more popular here if he had said less to the 
 people for “ staring ” at him when preaching ; and perhaps 
 it would not be amiss for some of your Elders to remind 
 him that when Jesus rose to expound the Scriptures, the 
 eyes of all in the Synagogue were fastened on him, and 
 for aught we know they were unreproved. But far be it 
 from me improperly to touch the Lord’s anointed ! 
 
 We hope our beloved grandfather will continue to write 
 to us occasionally. I may acknowledge his letters have 
 oft-times proved “ a word in season.” 
 
 Very affectionately, Lucretia. 
 
 L. MOTT TO JAMES MOTT, SR. 
 
 Phil., 6th mo. 29th, 1822. 
 
 I believe our beloved grandparent promised to write to 
 us, if we would let him know whether we reached home in 
 safety ; and that information having been conveyed by let- 
 ter to our parents, we may now, I think, reasonably expect 
 a fulfilment of his promise. 
 
 I have hardly sufficient by me at this time to warrant my 
 taking the pen. I have re-perused thy book on Education 
 
78 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 since our return, and hope its instructive contents will be 
 usefully remembered by me. 
 
 We are now engaged in reading “ Southey’s Life of Wes- 
 ley, with the Rise and Progress of Methodism.” An inter- 
 esting work, though some parts we thought might have been 
 omitted, such as the supernatural appearances. The author 
 appears as much attached to the doctrines of the Episco- 
 pal Church, as some of us Quakers are to ours. I was 
 pleased with the rule laid down for Wesley, by his mother, 
 to enable him to judge of the lawfulness or unlawfulness 
 of pleasure, which is as follows : “ Whatever weakens your 
 reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures 
 your sense of God, or takes off the relish of spiritual things ; 
 in short, whatever increases the strength and authority of 
 your body over your mind, that thing is sin to you, how- 
 ever innocent it may be in itself.” 
 
 Cannot you enlightened ones set us a good example by 
 making some improvement in the Discipline relative to out- 
 goings in marriage ? 1 Our meeting has lately disowned two 
 daughters of Rebecca Paul, a minister, on that account, and 
 last month a complaint was entered against their mother 
 for “ conniving ” at it. Her son was present at the mar- 
 riage, so that probably four of the family will lose their 
 right of membership. One of the young men requested to 
 be received as a member, after he was engaged to be mar- 
 ried. This was not granted. Rebecca is a poor widow who 
 has had to make exertion for the support of her family. 
 She told the overseers that clever young men appearing for 
 her daughters, and considering that she had nothing to offer 
 them if they stayed with her, she could not hold them, and 
 should feel too much like an Ananias to sit under a com- 
 
 1 “If a member of our Society shall marry one not iri membership with 
 us . . . and it shall appear to the monthly meeting that the testimony of 
 Truth require it, he is to be disowned.” “ Monthly meetings are author- 
 ized to give forth testimonies of denial against such parents or guardians 
 who consent to, connive at, or encourage the marriages of their children 
 and those under their care, contrary to the good order established amongst 
 us.” — Rules of Discipline . 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 79 
 
 plaint against them, stating “ without the consent of their 
 mother.” It has been what Friends call “ a trying case.” 
 Last week a young couple were disowned who married, 
 being first cousins. What is to be done in such cases ? 
 
 The opportunity we have had of being again with our 
 revered grandfather, and many others very dear to us, is a 
 subject of grateful recollection. We still indulge the hope 
 of seeing thee in this city. 
 
 Affectionately, Lucretia. 
 
 JAMES MOTT, SR., TO L. MOTT. 
 
 New York, Tth mo. 26th, 1822. 
 
 With thy letter I received the book of holyday poetry ; 
 a pretty composition ; I wish we were all as liberally 
 minded as the writer. But some are so tenacious of the 
 observance of the Sabbath, that they seem disposed at least 
 to set a black mark against those who do not deem it so 
 obligatory; while on the other hand, some of these latter 
 brand the former with bigotry. Is not that sterling virtue, 
 charity, getting a little out of date with us ? . . . 
 
 I freely own, I am not enlightened enough to form a 
 rule “ relative to outgoings in marriage,” even to suit my- 
 self, much less to suit others. It is something that calls 
 as loudly for that wisdom which is from above, as any ar- 
 ticle in the Discipline. It is wrong now, but how to make 
 it right, wiser heads than mine are required. 
 
 JAMES MOTT, JR., TO HIS PARENTS, 
 
 Phila., 12th mo. 15th, 1822. 
 
 My dear Parents, — We have your acceptable letters, 
 conveying the pleasing intelligence of your good health, 
 which we also are all favored with. 
 
 Our dear friend Elias Hicks is now in the city, engaged 
 in visiting families in Green St. Mo. M g . I suppose you 
 will hear a good deal about various circumstances that have 
 transpired since he was in this place : some true, and some 
 untrue. Previous to Elias’ coming to the city, it was 
 
80 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 rumored that he had advanced some unsound doctrine at 
 the Southern Quarterly m g , . . . It proceeds from an un- 
 justifiable prejudice, founded I apprehend upon little else 
 better than the vague report of some, and the envy of 
 others. My opinion is that Elias is as sound in the essen- 
 tial doctrines of Christianity as any among us ; and of what 
 consequence is it if he should differ from some of us in 
 minor points, mere matters of opinion, in which he may 
 be correct, and we incorrect ; certainly not of sufficient con- 
 sequence to make it necessary to call him to account, es- 
 pecially when he is travelling in discharge of his ministerial 
 duty, with the approbation of his Mo. and Quar. m gs . I 
 consider this an attempt for stretch of power on the part 
 of our Elders, which I hope will never be countenanced 
 by the Society: if it should be, we should soon have arti- 
 cles of faith to which our ministers must subscribe. This 
 however I believe will never be the case. I think there is 
 a spirit of persecution afloat, and I cannot remain neutral 
 in my feelings, nor altogether in my words and actions : 
 yet I most sincerely desire to be preserved from this spirit, 
 in thought, word, or deed ; and that the uninterrupted har- 
 mony that has prevailed in our society in this city may not 
 be broken or impaired, which is much more to be feared 
 than any injurious effects from Elias’ doctrines or opinions. 
 
 Elias expressed to me the day he came to the city, that 
 he had never performed a journey so much to his own 
 peace, and, so far as he knew, to the satisfaction of his 
 friends, as the present. All his public communications 
 with us have borne the stamp of divine authority, and the 
 humble Christian spirit which has shone conspicuously in 
 the trials and sufferings he has met with here, evince that 
 he is a man of God. 
 
 I have always considered the visiting of families a ser- 
 vice which required a closer attention to the pointings of di- 
 vine wisdom than any other (if we can make a difference), 
 as being more likely to be influenced by outward observa- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 81 
 
 tion ; yet, when properly gone into, more likely to be use- 
 ful than general visits. 
 
 Our children attend school steadily, and enjoy uninter- 
 rupted health. With much love to all, I am affectionately, 
 
 Jas. Mott, Jr. 
 
 JAMES MOTT TO HIS PARENTS. 
 
 Phil., 12th mo. 29th, 1822. 
 
 Although no acknowledgment of my late letter has been 
 received, yet, as no etiquette is, or ought to be observed 
 in our correspondence, I again allow myself the pleasure 
 of writing to you. Most of my last was respecting the oc- 
 currences in this city in relation to our worthy friend Elias 
 Hicks ; and as he has now left us, I can finish the narra- 
 tive. 
 
 The Elders . . . had several conferences by themselves, 
 and after a week sent Elias a letter, in which they stated 
 the unsound doctrines that had been advanced by him last 
 spring in N. Y., as asserted by Joseph Whitall ; and at the 
 Southern Quarterly m g , a few weeks since, as asserted by 
 Ezra Comfort. The charges were in substance that he de- 
 nied the divinity of Jesus Christ. In the letter his own 
 expressions were given, and marked as such. They also 
 stated that endeavors had been used to have a conference 
 with him, but not being able to obtain one that was satis- 
 factory, they had taken this method of informing him that 
 they could not unite with such doctrines, or with his pro- 
 ceedings. To this communication Elias replied, that as it 
 related to the charge made by J. Whitall, he nor they had 
 anything to do with it, it being an expression made use of 
 while at his own Yearly m g , and among his friends, who 
 were the only persons that could call him to account at 
 that time ; and as none of them had expressed any dissat- 
 isfaction, but, on the contrary, many had expressed their 
 unity with his exercises, and his Monthly and Quarterly 
 m gs had since granted him certificates, he concluded they 
 6 
 
82 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 were not dissatisfied with any communication he had made. 
 With respect to the charge of E. Comfort, part he ad- 
 mitted to be in substance correct, but most of it incorrect 
 and misrepresented. This letter was accompanied with a 
 certificate of three Friends, members of the m g , one of 
 whom, an Elder who happened to be in the city, stating 
 what the substance’ of his expressions was. I have made 
 this statement of these communications from only one 
 hasty perusal of the papers, and perhaps it may not be ex- 
 actly correct, but 1 believe it is. Thus has ended this very 
 unpleasant and trying affair. ... I am strongly inclined 
 to the hope that the effects will not be injurious, but, on 
 the contrary, advantageous to Society in this city. The 
 Elders who acted in this business had not much personal 
 knowledge of Elias, but grounded their proceedings upon 
 the representation of others. Elias attended eleven meet- 
 ings in the city, and in all of them had much to say, but 
 in each one, nothing could be found to object to. Had 
 there been, it would have been eagerly taken hold of, as 
 every expression was watched ; and not being able to find 
 fault with what he did say, he was censured for not say- 
 ing what his opposers said he ought to. 
 
 The letter to Elias was signed by ten Elders ; four oth- 
 ers could not unite with the proceedings of their brethren, 
 and one was sick. I am confirmed in the opinion expressed 
 in my last, that Elias is sound in the essential doctrines of 
 Quakerism and Christianity ; and the great opposition to 
 him arises, in some, from a difference in sentiment on 
 minor and unimportant subjects ; and in others, from tra- 
 dition in themselves ; a striking instance of the influence of 
 which occurred in our last Mo. m g , by disowning Rebecca 
 Paul, a minister and poor widow, for assenting to the mar- 
 riage of her daughter to a man, not a member of Society, 
 but a professor, and in every respect a suitable connexion. 
 I say that this honest-hearted, good woman is sacrificed to 
 superstition and tradition. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 83 
 
 Lucre tia Mott adds as follows : — 
 
 James’ last letter was finished and sent when I was from 
 home, but from what he told me he then wrote, added to 
 the above, I judge you have a pretty full account of the 
 transactions of some Friends in this city in regard to Elias, 
 and it may not be necessary for me to add much. I have 
 been pleased to observe a disposition to prevail among a 
 large majority to hear and judge for themselves. We have 
 been much in his company, and find him the same consist- 
 ent, exemplary man that he was many years ago ; and I 
 believe the criterion still remains, that “ the tree is known 
 by its fruit.” We had a very pleasant visit from him, and 
 dined in company with him at Dr. Moore’s, who has had 
 independence enough to remain his fast friend. An Elder 
 of Green St. M g . accompanied him in his family visits, 
 and expressed much or entire satisfaction ; as did many 
 others. When he was about leaving the city, Hannah L. 
 Smith expressed a belief that He who had delivered him 
 in six troubles, would not forsake him in the seventh, but 
 that the language of his heart would be, “ Return unto thy 
 rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with 
 thee ; ” after which, in a very broken manner, he desired 
 to commemorate the loving kindness of our gracious Crea- 
 tor, in that He had been with him, and followed him from 
 meeting to meeting. I never saw such crowded meetings 
 as those on First-days were ; and very solemn sittings. 
 
 In love, L. Mott. 
 
 JAMES MOTT, SR., TO J. AND L. MOTT. 
 
 New York, 2nd mo. 1823. 
 
 Such is the failure of my recollection that I cannot say 
 when I wrote to my precious James and Lucretia last. . . . 
 
 How oft and anxious has been the arising wish that we 
 might be preserved from so unprofitably spending our time 
 in perplexities about speculative opinion upon incompre- 
 
84 
 
 JAMES AND LUC RET I A MOTT . 
 
 hensible subjects, to the neglect of clearly manifested duty. 
 Is love, that badge of discipleship, ever increased thereby ? 
 Is it not frequently much lessened? This is a melancholy 
 fact as respects some members in this city ; and if reports 
 are true, not much less in your city. The expression of 
 our Saviour sometimes occurs to me, “ These are but the 
 beginning of sorrows.” 
 
 How much better it would be for those who have suf- 
 fered themselves to get into a spirit of contending about 
 opinions, could they have felt and seen as John Wesley did, 
 when he said, “We may die without the knowledge of 
 many truths, and yet be carried into Abraham’s bosom ; 
 but if we die without love, what will knowledge avail ? ” 
 Well might this great man call opinions “ frothy food.” 
 Therefore, dear James and Lucretia, your aged grandpa- 
 rent, who tenderly loves you, greatly desires your firm es- 
 tablishment on religious ground ; that you know what is 
 required of you, and be favored with strength to perform it. 
 Stand open to hear and obey the inward calls to duty, but 
 shut your ears to what this, or that, party would whisper 
 into them. Let party business alone, meddle not with it, 
 but endeavor quietly to repose yourselves where safety is. 
 “ To your tents, O Israel,” — God is your tent. 
 
 This was the last letter written by this excellent 
 man to the grandchildren, whose career he had 
 watched with such tender solicitude. He died soon 
 after at his home in New York. The following ex- 
 tract, taken from a long and minute account of his 
 illness and death, by his daughter, Anne Mott, to her 
 son, James Mott, fitly closes this chapter : — 
 
 New York, 5th mo. 12th, 1823. 
 
 “ The chamber where the good man meets his fate 
 Is privileged beyond the common walks of life.” 
 
 How have I felt the force of these lines for a day or two 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 85 
 
 past ; and amidst the mingled feelings that arise in the 
 breast of an attached daughter, whilst a most venerated 
 and beloved parent lies a corpse before her, the mother’s 
 heart has often turned to that dear, absent child, who bears 
 his grandsire’s name, with fervent aspirations that the man- 
 tle of a meek and quiet spirit, which clothed him we mourn, 
 may rest upon her son ; and the name of James Mott con- 
 tinue to be honorable in life, as well as precious in death. 
 Let his bright example be as a mirror in which thou mayst 
 compare thyself, and find where thou art lacking in the 
 standard of the perfect man. Emulate his virtues, copy 
 his active goodness, and imitate his disinterestedness ; then 
 in that hour that cometh upon all flesh, those that surround 
 thy dying pillow will have the unspeakable consolation that 
 we now witness, even whilst our tears are flowing, that 
 those who fought the good fight, and kept the faith, will re- 
 ceive a crown of righteousness, which is laid up in store 
 for all who love the Lord, and keep his commandments. 
 
 Our excellent father was spared to us for a longer time 
 than many reach , 1 yet still the separating stroke is keenly 
 felt, and came unlooked for, some of us being so unpre- 
 pared, that for a time resignation was not found, nor its 
 whisperings scarcely heard ; but we begin, I hope, to rest 
 in the belief, that his removal was in the order of that wis- 
 dom that- doeth all things right, and to sorrow not as those 
 who have no hope. Long will his memory live in the 
 bosom of his children, and be as the odour of sweet oint- 
 ment to the wise and good who shared his friendship ; and 
 they are not a few, for he had not lived in obscurity, and 
 where he was known, he was beloved. May we all care- 
 fully follow his footsteps, and bear in mind, that the narrow 
 path of self-denial, in which he trod from youth to age with 
 humility and fear, leads to that city, whose walls are salva- 
 tion and whose gates praise. 
 
 1 He died in his eiglity-first year. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 From about 1822 to 1830 James Mott was en- 
 gaged in the domestic commission business, which 
 included the sale of cotton, heretofore considered a 
 legitimate article of merchandise, even by people of 
 anti-slavery proclivities. It was a popular, and gen- 
 erally a very profitable business. But Elias Hicks’ 
 powerful preaching against any voluntary participa- 
 tion with slavery was arousing Friends to a newer 
 understanding of the subject, and many were led to 
 unite with him in abstinence, as far as possible, from 
 the products of slave labor. James and Lucretia 
 Mott were in sympathy with his views, and adopted 
 them, so far as their household was concerned, resolv- 
 ing to u make things honest” in this respect. A 
 letter written by the latter many years after gives a 
 quaint account of what might be called her conver- 
 sion on this matter. She says : — 
 
 About the year 1825, feeling called to the gospel of 
 Christ, and submitting to this call, and feeling all the peace 
 attendant on submission, I strove to live in obedience to 
 manifest duty. Going one day to our meeting, in a dispo- 
 sition to do that to which I might feel myself called, most 
 unexpectedly to myself the duty was impressed upon my 
 mind to abstain from the products of slave labor, knowing 
 that Elias Hicks long, long before had done this. I knew 
 that in the boarding-school, where I had received such edu- 
 cation as was then customary, we had had the middle pas- 
 sage of the slave-ship represented to us, and the appeals 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 87 
 
 from Clarkson’s works for the abolition of the slave trade 
 were familiar to all the children in the school. I knew 
 that some of our committee were not free to partake of the 
 sweets obtained from this unrighteous channel, so I was 
 somewhat prepared for this duty, and yet it was unexpected. 
 It was like parting with the right hand, or the right eye, 
 but when I left the meeting I yielded to the obligation, and 
 then, for nearly forty years, whatever I did was under the 
 conviction, that it was wrong to partake of the products 
 of slave labor. 
 
 She felt concerned about her husband’s business 
 for several years before it became clear to his mind 
 that it was his duty to give it up ; and his mother, as 
 we have seen in a previous letter, had admonished her 
 son seriously as to his course. He was not a man 
 to shrink from any step which duty demanded ; he 
 was cautious, and slow to form convictions, but, once 
 formed, these were steadily adhered to. As a friend 
 wrote afterwards, “ This was one of those spiritual 
 crises which never leave a man exactly as they find 
 him, but always touch his moral vision to brighten, 
 or to dim it. In the contest, his conscience was vic- 
 torious.” But, judging from allusions in the letters 
 of the next five years, we may believe the struggle 
 in his mind was both long and painful. It was no 
 easy matter to turn away from a newly found pros- 
 perity, and face again the doubtful chances of a busi- 
 ness with which he was not familiar; but finally, 
 about 1830, he quitted the profitable trade, that could 
 only be carried on at the cost of self-respect, and en- 
 tered the wool commission business. In this he re- 
 mained, with various successes and reverses, until he 
 retired in 1852, with a moderate competency. 
 
 Meantime, this “ providing things honest” in the 
 
88 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 home involved daily discomforts and annoyances, and 
 not a few sacrifices of personal pride ; but they per- 
 sistently followed the path indicated by their convic- 
 tions, until the Proclamation of Freedom in 1863 
 made it no longer necessary. As far as possible, they 
 bought their groceries and dry - goods at the well- 
 remembered free-labor stores ; but unfortunately, free 
 sugar was not always as free from other taints as 
 from that of slavery; and free calicoes could seldom 
 be called handsome, even by the most enthusiastic ; 
 free umbrellas were hideous to look upon, and free 
 candies, an abomination. 1 It was often difficult for 
 the younger generation growing up around them to 
 comprehend the principle involved in these matters, 
 and the heroism with which it was sustained. But 
 to those who had solemnly engaged in the warfare 
 against slavery, whose sympathy with the oppressed 
 had become a religion, apparent trifles became of 
 grave importance ; and these, as well as the more 
 evidently vital testimonies, were upheld with an en- 
 thusiasm and devotion that derision could not laugh 
 down, nor persecution dismay. 
 
 We find very few letters of special interest at 
 this period, and most of these are from James Mott, 
 who probably took the burden of correspondence 
 from his wife’s busy hands. We may be very sure, 
 
 1 One of the children at a small birthday party had, as part of the en- 
 tertainment, some “secrets,” — candies with mottoes, wrapped in bright- 
 colored papers, in great favor with children. Imagine the disappointment 
 on opening the pretty packages, to find, instead of the usual delightfully 
 silly couplets, a set of good, improving, anti-slavery sentiments ! They 
 had been bought at the free store ! These are two of them : — 
 
 “ If slavery comes by color, which God gave, 
 
 Fashion may change, and you become the slave.” 
 
 (i f T is not expedient the slave to free? 
 
 Do what is right: — that is expediency! ” 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 89 
 
 however, that what either one wrote or said was 
 meant for both, for their agreement was almost per- 
 fect. Who can tell what blight might have befallen 
 Lucretia Mott, if her energy had been drained by 
 domestic discord, her hopeful spirit crushed by dis- 
 couragement and disagreement at home? She was 
 fortunate in herself, — blessed with divine gifts ; but 
 she was doubly fortunate, doubly blessed, in the com- 
 panionship of a noble, loving husband, who, so far 
 from being a hindrance to her in the path “ where- 
 unto she was called,” was a support and an inspira- 
 tion. Although he was not so widely known as she, 
 and his field of usefulness in consequence might 
 seem more restricted, yet no one can contemplate the 
 lives of two, so united, — each seeming the other’s 
 complement, — without realizing that his life made 
 hers a possibility. He was a man, “ calm, sensible, 
 and clear-sighted ; one who feared not the face of 
 man, and whom nothing could move to the slightest 
 bitterness.” 
 
 He was as different from his wife in disposition 
 and manner, as in personal appearance ; he was 
 reserved and silent, while she was impulsive and vi- 
 vacious. He was apt to become depressed and dis- 
 couraged ; she, on the contrary, was a sunbeam of 
 hopefulness. His was the gentler and more yielding 
 disposition ; hers the indomitable energy and resolu- 
 tion, which in a less disciplined character might have 
 been willfulness. He was a good listener, she a good 
 talker ; and it naturally fell to her part to express 
 the convictions they held in common. No one was 
 more sensible of the contrast between his quiet ways 
 and her animation, than they were themselves ; and 
 she liked sometimes to rally him a little on his taci- 
 
90 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 turnity and reticence. On one occasion, happening 
 to enter a room where he and his brother Richard — 
 almost a counterpart of himself — were sitting to- 
 gether in perfect silence, she said, “ I thought you 
 must both be here, it was so still ! ” 
 
 Letter-writing, except in the most familiar style, 
 to some member of the family, was a dread to my 
 grandmother. It was difficult for her to express her- 
 self in this way, though as a public speaker she was 
 unusually fluent, and in conversation was easy and 
 unembarrassed. In a formal letter she was apt to 
 be constrained. Perhaps her rather striking lack of 
 imagination contributed to this difficulty ; she needed 
 the bodily presence and the personal magnetism of 
 the person whom she addressed. Fortunately, when- 
 ever it would answer, my grandfather, who was ready 
 with his pen, came to the rescue. No doubt his long 
 narrations of meeting proceedings, some of which 
 have already been given, were written largely at her 
 suggestion, for she felt an interest in the condition 
 of the Society, although debarred from taking an 
 active part, by her increasing family cares. They 
 formed part of her mothers family until some time 
 in 1824, when they began housekeeping again in a 
 comfortable house in Sansom Street. As she kept 
 no nurse, she was closely occupied by the care of her 
 children, — a fourth child, another Thomas, having 
 been born in 1823. Besides this, she did much of 
 her own housework, and all her own sewing, as they 
 could afford to keep only one servant, and felt the 
 necessity of strict economy. It is interesting to find 
 in an old account-book that the yearly expenses of 
 this household were 1655.58 in 1820, increasing to a 
 little over $1,000 in 1824, when they ventured into 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 91 
 
 the luxury of housekeeping for themselves, but did 
 not reach $1,700 for several years later; 1 and this, 
 notwithstanding the addition of two more children : 
 Elizabeth, born in 1825, and Martha, in 1828. It 
 was in these years, during the infancy and early child- 
 hood of her younger children, that she read and re- 
 read with an absorbing interest the writings of Wil- 
 liam Penn. She had a folio copy of his works, and 
 this ponderous volume she would lay open at the foot 
 of her bed ; then, drawing her chair near, and with 
 her baby on her lap, she would study the passages 
 that had especially attracted her attention, till she 
 had them stored in her retentive memory. In her 
 public discourses throughout her long life, she con- 
 stantly used them to illustrate, or confirm, the views 
 she advanced. She also 64 searched the Scriptures 
 daily, often finding,” as she said, 44 a wholly different 
 construction of the text from that which was forced 
 upon our acceptance.” Her appreciation, as well as 
 her intimate knowledge of them, was shown in her 
 frequent quotations from them, — quotations strik- 
 ingly apt, and invariably correct. 
 
 This familiarity with venerated authorities often 
 served her in good stead in the contests drawn upon 
 her by fault-finding critics, and she was enabled to 
 disarm them with their own weapons. On one such 
 occasion she was visited by two Elders (women) of 
 Twelfth Street Meeting, to which she also belonged, 
 who, after sitting some minutes in silence with her, 
 
 1 The record reads : — 
 
 1820 .... $ 655.58 1825 $ 1 , 399.10 
 
 1821 .... 789.23 1826 1 , 175.84 
 
 1822 .... 982.09 1827 1 , 626.59 
 
 1823 .... 939.18 1828 1 , 659.94 
 
 1824 .... 1 , 488.81 1829 1 , 407.71 
 
92 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 said, that “ Friends ” had sometimes been unable to 
 unite fully with the views she advanced, and that 
 they had felt particularly tried with an expression 
 used by her in her communication in Meeting on the 
 previous First-day ; they could not exactly remember 
 the sentence, but it was something about “ notions of 
 Christ.” She repeated the entire sentence, “ Men are 
 to be judged by their likeness to Christ, rather than 
 by their notions of Christ,” asking if that was the 
 one they had objected to. On their saying it was, 
 she quietly informed them that it was a quotation 
 from their honored William Penn. The Friends 
 again sat in silence a few minutes, then arose and 
 went their way. 
 
 It is thus evident that Lucre tia Mott, although 
 still an acceptable minister to the majority of the 
 Meeting, was beginning to offend a portion by her 
 liberal views ; her well-known sympathy with the 
 sentiments of Elias Hicks also contributed to this 
 growing unpopularity. From the time of her recog- 
 nition as an “ approved minister ” in the Society, 
 until the year 1827, the elements of discord were be- 
 coming more and more apparent, as is shown by some 
 of the following letters : — 
 
 JAMES MOTT, JR., TO HIS PARENTS. 
 
 Phila., 1st mo. 28th, 1825. 
 
 . . . The anticipation of our next Quarterly M g is by 
 no means pleasant. It is much to be feared, that a scene 
 similar to our last Quarter may again be witnessed. I 
 suppose you hear numerous reports of the divided and un- 
 settled state of the Society among us ; we also hear of 
 things among you. Our situation is bad enough, and I 
 fear you are not much better ; there is great need, in these 
 times of commotion, for each one to repair the wall over 
 against his own house. . . . 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 93 
 
 JAMES MOTT, JR., TO HIS PARENTS, AFTER THEIR VISIT 
 TO PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 Phila., 5th mo. 14th, 1825. 
 
 We have your acceptable letter informing of your ex- 
 peditious journey and safe arrival. . . . The packet W. 
 Thompson brought us fifty packages of goods, most of 
 which we have already sold, and could sell twice the num- 
 ber without difficulty ; but must await the arrival of the 
 Florida, which we hope will bring us an increased quan- 
 tity. . . . The receipt and bill for a keg of rice is rec d , 
 for which we are much obliged. It will be a great treat, 
 and will relish better than that which is stained with blood. 
 
 To which his wife adds : — 
 
 We did indeed feel stripped at both our houses after 
 parting with so many ; and as my mother often told us it 
 was a good plan to go to work when we were left in that 
 way, rather than sit down and brood over lonely feelings, 
 I immediately began adjusting the drawers and closets, 
 which were heaps upon heaps, sweeping, etc., and by 
 twelve o’c. had things pretty well arranged. . „ . 
 
 After the marriage and removal of her two daugh- 
 ters, Lucretia and Eliza, Anna Coffin filled her roomy 
 house with lodgers, and retired from her shop-keep- 
 ing business. Lucretia, as before said, was settled in 
 Sansom Street. Her sister Eliza, married in 1814 
 to Benjamin H. Yarnall, of Philadelphia, was also 
 at housekeeping near by, and absorbed in the care of 
 a young family. The intimate intercourse of the 
 venerated mother and her children continued almost 
 as if they were all under one roof. They met to- 
 gether regularly on certain afternoons of every week 
 to talk over everything of interest to any one of 
 them ; and the mother’s opinion was consulted in the 
 
94 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 little every-day nothings, as much as in the graver 
 issues of life. Her approbation was always desired. 
 It was a time, often referred to in the years to come, 
 when long distances separated the family. The first 
 break came in a very painful way ; Sally, the oldest 
 daughter of Anna Coffin, unmarried, and living at 
 home, was fatally injured by a fall, and died in 
 Third month, 1824. This sad event was followed, a 
 few months later, by the death of a younger daugh- 
 ter, Mary Coffin Temple, only twenty-four years old ; 
 and soon after this, in the same year, came the mar- 
 riage, and departure to the South, of the youngest, 
 Martha, the child most like her mother. She mar- 
 ried Peter Pelham, of Kentucky, a captain in the 
 United States Army, and went with him to his sta- 
 tion in Florida, 1 a long distance in those days. Of 
 this Lucretia writes : — 
 
 My mother has experienced so many changes in her 
 family during the past year, some deeply painful, and aw- 
 fully affecting, that in the prospect of parting with Martha 
 to go such a distance, it seemed as if she might adopt the 
 language of the patriarch, “ Joseph is not, and Simeon is 
 not, and ye will take Benjamin away ! all these things are 
 against me ; ” but on a further acquaintance with our dear 
 brother, Peter Pelham, we found much to attach us to him ; 
 and from favorable accounts of his character we cherish 
 the hope that this present deprivation will result in future 
 blessings. 
 
 In the spring of 1826, their four children, Anna, 
 Maria, Thomas, and Elizabeth, together with their 
 little niece, Anna Temple, who had been living with 
 them since her mother’s death, had the measles. 
 
 1 In the early autumn of 1826 Martha returned, a widow, to her moth- 
 er’s house, with a baby daughter, Mariana, born in 8th month, 1825. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 95 
 
 James Mott closes a letter to his mother, giving de- 
 tails of their illness and recovery, with these words : 
 “ What with nursing and attending to five sick chil- 
 dren, my L. sterns almost worn out, and I am fearful 
 will be ill herself. ... It is getting late, and the 
 children require my attention.” 
 
 J. M. TO HIS PARENTS. 
 
 Piiila., 4th mo. 23rd, 1826. 
 
 . . . Our Yearly Meeting closed on Sixth-day, and on the 
 whole was more quiet and satisfactory than I feared it 
 would be. No subject was introduced which was calcu- 
 lated to excite the party feeling which subsists among us ; 
 on two occasions, however, it was manifested that it still 
 existed ; and were it confined to the younger part of Soci- 
 ety, we might hope a little experience would convince 
 them of the impropriety and folly of suffering a party spirit 
 to govern in our deliberative assemblies ; but when those, 
 who for years have been considered as pillars in the church, 
 allow themselves to act under its influence, there is no 
 probability that the floor members will improve much. . . . 
 Our children have recovered from the measles, and Lucre- 
 tia from the fatigue of nursing them, so that she could at- 
 tend all the sittings of the Yearly Meeting, though for two 
 or three days in much weakness of body. We have had 
 almost no company, Lucretia not feeling able to attend to 
 them and to Meeting . 1 . . . 
 
 L. M. adds to the above as follows : — 
 
 Our Yearly Meeting does not furnish much to pen, al- 
 though it was acknowledged by all whom I heard speak of 
 it, to be very satisfactory. Anna Braith waite, E. Robe- 
 
 1 It was the custom among Friends, during Yearly Meeting week, to 
 open their houses for the accommodation of Friends from a distance, and 
 to take as many into their families as they could make room for. Some 
 went so far as to subdivide their chambers by temporary partitions, and 
 put up extra beds. 
 
96 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 son, Rebecca Updegraff, attended with certificates, all of 
 whom had full opportunities to relieve their minds, and we 
 had much preaching. I was obliged to leave the Meeting 
 on Seventh-day morning, and did not get out again till 
 Second-day, after which I felt better every day. The chil- 
 dren did pretty well, though were more exposed to the air, 
 by running out while we were at Meeting, than I liked. 
 Thomas is still poorly, very fretful, and requires patient at- 
 tention. I wrote the foregoing with my babe in my arms. 
 I wish you could see what a lovely, fat, little pet she is ; 
 and her father already flatters himself she looks pleased 
 when he takes her. If she has had the measles, it was very 
 light ; there was a slight eruption which Dr. Moore thought 
 looked like it, but no fever. The crape gown will be use- 
 ful to make over for Anna, unless I conclude to keep it 
 for Maria, as I have just prepared Anna to go to West- 
 town boarding-school. They have both had their bomba- 
 zines made up this winter. 
 
 James’ present partner is a young man, and appears in 
 good spirits. They have already some goods consigned to 
 them, and their friends think their prospects good. I con- 
 fess I should be much better satisfied, if they could do busi- 
 ness that was in no wise dependent on slavery, and perhaps 
 some will appear after a while. 
 
 J. M. TO HIS PARENTS. 
 
 Phila., 9th mo. 9th, 1826. 
 
 ... I have this evening attended a meeting of about 
 forty Friends, to take into consideration the propriety of 
 forming an association to procure cotton, sugar, etc. raised 
 by free labour. A committee of twelve was appointed to 
 consider what means will best promote the object, and re- 
 port to an adjourned meeting to be held the last of next 
 week. This concern has spread very much in this city and 
 neighborhood within a few years, and I believe will event* 
 ually prevail. . . . 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 97 
 
 L. M. TO HER FATHER AND MOTHER MOTT. 
 
 Phil., 9th mo. 19th, 1826. 
 
 It is not pleasant to us that so long time is suffered to 
 elapse without the exchange of letters. We conclude it is 
 ow r ing to the unsettled state of the several families, and to 
 your absence from the city, and on our part to James’ hav- 
 ing made two visits in person. Let us each try to do better 
 in future. 
 
 Our family is favored with the blessing of good health. 
 Thomas appears to have recovered from his chills, and lit- 
 tle Elizabeth is fat and healthy ; she has six teeth, and is 
 very forward on her feet ; gets up by chairs and creeps 
 about with rapidity. Maria has begun to go to her cousin 
 Rebecca’s school, and is much pleased with learning to 
 write and cipher. We frequently receive letters from 
 Anna, at West-town, and hear good accounts of her from 
 various quarters. 
 
 My mother has added a number of new boarders to her 
 family. Our friends generally are well. . . . 
 
 J. M. adds as follows : — 
 
 Having been out all the evening on meeting business — 
 rather a tough case, — and now beiug near eleven o’clock, 
 I cannot fill the sheet as intended, to give you a faint ac- 
 count of our Quarterly Meeting ; for faint indeed would any 
 written description be, compared to the reality. On Second- 
 day the sitting lasted until after five p. m., adjourned to nine 
 next morning, and did not close till half past one. Notwith- 
 standing the very discouraging state of things amongst us, 
 we must hope that better days are in store. 
 
 L. M. TO HER MOTHER MOTT. 
 
 Phil., 2nd mo. 26th, 1827. 
 
 ... It is with heartfelt regret that we learn the state of 
 things at Jericho M g , as well as in many others. If we c d 
 7 
 
98 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT . 
 
 only do as our beloved grand fr advised, “ leave the present 
 unprofitable discussion, and endeavor to go on unto perfec- 
 tion,” how much better w d it be for us all. The apostle 
 has truly forewarned us, “ But if ye bite and devour one 
 another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of an- 
 other : ” for have we not found this to be the case, that 
 the stronger are consuming the weaker, in the several M ss 
 where these party feelings exist. I know it is a serious 
 thing to set up individual judgment against that of a Mo. 
 M s ; but when we see those of unblemished lives repeat- 
 edly arraigned before their tribunal, and remember the test 
 which the Blessed Master laid down, “ By their fruits shall 
 ye know them,” it is difficult always to refrain, though we 
 still endeavor to do so. 
 
 It is not within the plan of this memoir to enter 
 upon the causes of the “ Separation ” of 1827. There 
 are sources of information open to those who may- 
 wish to obtain a knowledge of the subject. It will 
 only be necessary to state that what is known as the 
 liberal party was that with which James and Lucre- 
 tia Mott sympathized, as the one whose sentiments 
 and principles accorded more with their own, and, in 
 their opinion, with those of George Fox, William 
 Penn, and other “early Friends.” The discussion 
 of doctrines and dogmas was distasteful to them, and 
 they both bore a decided testimony against whatever 
 had a tendency to interfere with the right of private 
 judgment and individual opinion. 
 
 During the week of the Yearly Meeting of Phila- 
 delphia, held in 1827, it became evident that a sep- 
 aration or reorganization of that body was inevita- 
 ble. A meeting composed of a large number of 
 Friends from the different branches of the Yearly 
 Meeting was therefore convened, for the purpose of 
 conferring together on the unsettled condition of the 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 99 
 
 Society, and to consider what measures it might be 
 proper to take, to “ remedy the distressing evil.” An 
 address to the members at large was adopted and 
 issued by this body, in accordance with which, a for- 
 mal reorganization took place, Orthodox Friends re- 
 taining most of the meeting-houses in the city of Phil- 
 adelphia, while the greater number in the outlying 
 districts were held by the liberal, or Hicksite Friends. 
 Among others, the Orthodox retained the one known 
 as Twelfth Street Meeting, which James and Lucretia 
 Mott had been accustomed to attend. While their 
 new house on Cherry Street was being built, the 
 Hicksites, comparatively a small number, met in 
 Carpenter’s Hall, an old historic building, still stand- 
 ing in a court, back of Chestnut Street, below Fourth. 
 
 James Mott was ready to join the new organiza- 
 tion some time before his wife felt prepared to leave 
 the one with which she had been associated, and no 
 pains were spared to keep her in the old commun- 
 ion. She hesitated ; dear and valued friends were 
 on both sides; and it may be, judging from her ex- 
 perience in her own Society, that she already had 
 some misgivings as to the trammels of all religious 
 associations ; she may, perhaps, have sympathized 
 with the feeling that prompted a liberal-minded 
 Friend, who, when asked why he remained in con- 
 nection with the Orthodox branch, replied, “ For the 
 short distance you propose to move, it seems scarcely 
 worth while to get up.” In a month or two, how- 
 ever, she became prepared to join her husband, and 
 make the social sacrifice ; and notwithstanding the 
 disappointments, trials, and baptisms, that awaited 
 her in the transfer of her right of membership, she 
 felt that she had done right in leaving the Orthodox 
 
100 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 Friends : on this point she never afterwards had the 
 least misgiving. 
 
 A reorganized Yearly Meeting having been estab- 
 lished, James and Lucretia Mott attended with reg- 
 ularity the one held in Cherry Street, of which they 
 had become members. Their disownment by the 
 Monthly Meeting held on Twelfth Street followed as 
 a matter of course. Lucretia Mott’s joining the re- 
 organization was recognized with more than usual 
 approbation. The conviction seemed to be universal, 
 that a “gift was committed ” to her, which promised 
 extensive usefulness. 
 
 As her mental endowments and strength of char- 
 acter became enlarged and more fully developed, her 
 sphere of duty became wider and wider, and while 
 she labored faithfully in the advocacy of views that 
 distinguished Friends from other religious sects, she 
 believed that there was yet other work for her to 
 do ; she must devote her life also to the abolition of 
 slavery, the elevation of woman, the cause of temper- 
 ance, and the promotion of universal peace. These 
 became the subjects of her earnest and constant 
 ministry, within and without the pale of her own re- 
 ligious society. 
 
 The controversy which led to the “ separation ” 
 estranged life - long friends, and often caused bitter 
 feeling between members of the same family ; but 
 James and Lucretia Mott took no part in personal 
 controversies. Their broad, catholic views of life, 
 and its practical duties, raised them above such con- 
 tention. Lucretia’ s beloved sister Eliza, though lib- 
 erally inclined herself, felt best satisfied to remain 
 with her husband’s family, who were identified with 
 the Orthodox side. This was a trial to both sisters; 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 101 
 
 but the separation of interests never led to any es- 
 trangement in the two families. 
 
 The parents of James Mott also held to the Ortho- 
 dox faith ; but in this case, with so much feeling, that 
 it alienated them temporarily from their son in Phil- 
 adelphia. This was very trying to the latter, who 
 cherished only the kindest feeling, even for those less 
 intimately connected. Through his forbearance and 
 good sense, the old amicable relations were soon re- 
 sumed. The following letter alludes to this estrange- 
 ment, and exhibits the admirable temper with which 
 he met it. 
 
 J. M. TO HIS MOTHER. 
 
 Phil., 5th mo. 23rd, 1828. 
 
 Thy letter of 19 th I received yesterday, in reading which 
 my mind was much affected, under an apprehension, which 
 this letter tends to confirm, that thou hast for some time 
 cherished feelings towards me, and my precious Lucretia, 
 which; our difference of opinion on subjects of controversy 
 in our religious society does not warrant. I feel no dis- 
 position to enter into a discussion of them, believing that 
 no advantage would result to either of us by so doing at 
 present. The time however may come, when we shall dis- 
 cover, that the difference between us is not so great as 
 thou may now suppose. The part that I have taken has 
 been conscientiously done, and experience confirms me in 
 the rectitude of it. The Declaration issued by the late 
 Yearly M g has this effect, because I understand from it, by 
 imputation, that they hold opinions on doctrinal points 
 which I never did, and which are opposed to what I have 
 always believed to be the principles of Quakerism. We 
 have abundant evidence that the way to the Kingdom is 
 through tribulation, and that this way consisteth not in 
 assenting to certain opinions and doctrines, but in doing 
 
102 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 the will of our Heavenly Father. Jesus said, “he that 
 heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them.” Had we 
 as a Society been more concerned to do the things that 
 were manifested, it is not likely there would be so much 
 animosity and bitter reviling, as is now sorrowfully the 
 case. 
 
 The reason thou assigns for our not being favored with the 
 perusal of letters from our brother and sister, has not been 
 so obvious as thou supposes. We did not know that we 
 were deprived of this gratification, because we entertained 
 different opinions on some points from them, and do not, 
 even now, see why such a consequence should result. It is 
 trying to my feelings to be thus deprived of the opportunity 
 of participating in the joys and sorrows of those whom I 
 tenderly love. If, however, their letters are filled with mat- 
 ter relating to the controversy in our Society, instead of the 
 interesting details of domestic occurrences, as they used to 
 be, my desire to see them is lessened ; for I am tired of 
 hearing so much said, and seeing so much written, on a 
 subject which, I am sure, tendeth not to profit. 
 
 I have no letters in my possession from my grandfather 
 to Moses Brown, or from Moses Brown to him. All that I 
 had, I gave to thee when thou wert last in this city. I do 
 not recollect ever to have seen one, that contained a differ- 
 ence of sentiment between them on doctrinal subjects ; and 
 I have no clear recollection of ever seeing one on doctrines. 
 His letters were generally practical, not doctrinal. 
 
 It seems some have said he was one in sentiment with 
 Elias Hicks, and thou art desirous of proving that he was 
 not. Now I think it likely one will be about as difficult to 
 show as the other, and I do not believe either would add 
 one jot or tittle to the excellent name which he has left be- 
 hind him. I wish we had more such bright examples 
 among us, and desire we may not try to make him out to 
 have been a party man ; for surely he was not, as his last 
 letter to us, written about two months before his death, 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 103 
 
 abundantly proves. It was his concern to do justly, to 
 love mercy, to walk humbly, and to keep himself unspotted 
 from the world. Let it be our concern to follow his ex- 
 cellent example, and not be drawn into a controversy or 
 dispute as to what were, or were not his sentiments. To 
 those who may be desirous of supporting their opinions, or 
 belief, on what they may suppose he thought, I would say, 
 live as he lived, and walk as he walked, and I will not 
 quarrel with you about his opinions. I herewith send the 
 books containing the extracts from his letters, which I 
 value very highly. 
 
 We should be very glad to have a visit from our sister 
 Sarah, and if she can spare the time to spend a few days 
 with us, it shall be no expense to her. . . . 
 
 Very affect 17 , James Mott. 
 
 At this period Lucretia Mott was enabled to ar- 
 range her domestic duties so that she could attend 
 the meetings of her Society with much regularity, — 
 she and her husband being joined by such of their 
 children as were of sufficient age. It was their ear- 
 nest concern that their children should be well edu- 
 cated, not merely in academic knowledge, but that 
 they should be “ brought up in the fear and admoni- 
 tion. of the Lord.” As they increased in years the 
 pressure of domestic care became lightened, and 
 their mother felt at liberty to enter into larger fields 
 of labor than she had hitherto sought, although at 
 the time of the following lefters it is evident she was 
 still closely occupied at home : — 
 
 L. M. TO HER MOTHER MOTT. 
 
 12th, 29th, 1828. 
 
 . . . The observation of sister Sarah touching our Anna’s 
 dress at her uncle’s wedding was acceptable, and I hope 
 
104 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE Tl A MOTT . 
 
 that it may strengthen her to keep in the simplicity. The 
 custom of the times is for girls to dress so much, even 
 those from whom we are looking for better things, that it 
 is difficult for some of us to keep ours as moderate as we 
 should wish. . . . Dr. Moore’s daughter Martha is to be 
 married to-morrow to Dr. Rodman. They are to go to his 
 uncle’s to have the ceremony performed, and a carriage 
 will be in waiting to take them to their new home, ten 
 miles distant. This has been quite a trial to her parents, 
 altho’ they have no other objection to the young man 
 than his not being in membership with us, which has 
 placed them in an embarrassing situation respecting the 
 necessary preparations to be made for her ; the views of 
 Friends differ so much, as to what constitutes “ conniving.” 1 
 I sincerely hope we shall be prepared for a change in our 
 discipline on that subject next year. I understand the sub- 
 ject is coming up from one of the Quarters. I have not 
 yet heard a substitute proposed, that altogether pleases me, 
 and have been reminded of a remark of our grandfather in 
 a letter on the subject : “ It is wrong now ; but how to 
 make it right, wiser heads than mine are required.” . . . 
 
 Our children are all well. Anna is at Clement Biddle’s, 
 helping sew carpet rags. She is considered forward in her 
 learning for one of her age. Maria is more fond of her 
 needle than her books. 1 never had so many cares press- 
 ing upon me. Little Martha is more troublesome than 
 either of the others, which confines me pretty much to 
 
 1 “Let such of our members be admonished, who are either present 
 themselves, or consent to their children being present at marriages of those 
 not in membership, which are accomplished by the assistance of a priest. 
 . . . Monthly Meetings are authorized to give forth testimonies of denial 
 against such parents or guardians who consent to, connive at, or encour- 
 age the marriages of their children and those under their care (members of 
 our religious society) contrary to the good order established among st us; 
 if, after Christian and brotherly labour with them, they cannot be brought 
 to a due sense of their error, and a satisfactor}^ acknowledgment of the 
 same.” — Rules of Discipline. 
 
 This passage was modified later. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 105 
 
 her, and I sometimes have three of them in bed with me by 
 daylight in the morning, — Thos., Eliz th ., and Martha. 
 
 Do write often, without waiting for us, for I never had 
 less time to take the pen ; now it is towards eleven. 
 
 To which J. M. adds : — 
 
 We are all in usual health, and our little Martha grows 
 finely ; she is called handsome. Maria and Thomas attend 
 their schools regularly, and make satisfactory improve- 
 ment. Anna is pursuing her Latin study in company 
 with her Yarnall cousins. 
 
 Elias Hicks has attended our meetings two successive 
 First-days, and preached excellently to crowded audiences, 
 giving evidence that he is still “ great and good,” and ear- 
 nestly engaged to do the work of his Divine Master, and to 
 persuade all to follow his holy example. . . . 
 
 X i 
 
 J. M. TO THE SAME. 
 
 Phil., 5th mo., 16th, 1830. 
 
 We have been again favored with the rec* of a letter 
 from our mother, dated the 9 th inst. Although the corre- 
 spondence between us has rather declined for a few years 
 past, in consequence of our not assimilating in our views 
 and opinions on an all-engrossing subject, yet I trust, that 
 as the excitement which always attends a revolution or 
 reformation subsides, and sober reason again takes her seat, 
 we shall discover, that what we apprehended to be erro- 
 neous was so in appearance only, and should not interrupt 
 the reciprocal feelings of friendship and affection, that 
 ought to exist between near relatives, and which I hope 
 is felt as ever with us, though not so frequently manifested 
 in this way. ... I am tired of mercantile business, and 
 have thought and talked much lately of withdrawing from 
 it and doing something else, — perhaps going to the coun- 
 try. . . . 
 
106 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 L. M. adds to the above : — 
 
 We feel quite unsettled with regard to the future. 
 I always had rather an objection to James’ engaging in his 
 present business, and yet not sufficient to have him give it 
 up for my sake ; but of latter time I cannot regret, that the 
 dealing in slave goods is becoming increasingly burdensome 
 to him, and should the relinquishing of it be attended with 
 some sacrifice, we are nearly prepared to receive the conse- 
 quences. 
 
 This is the last mention of the mental struggle 
 which resulted in James Mott’s giving up the cotton 
 business. The change occurred soon after, with 
 great sacrifice of material prosperity, but with a 
 spiritual gain, which those can best appreciate who 
 have “ fought the good fight ” themselves. 
 
 Both parties of the Quakers were still active in 
 endeavoring to uphold their claims to be considered 
 the true Society of Friends. Proceedings at law for 
 the possession of property were carried on through 
 many months, causing much unsettlement. They 
 stimulated the desire of each to make its own side 
 appear the better one, the effect of which was to 
 keep alive party feeling and animosity. The inter- 
 est in these proceedings was heightened by the fact 
 that eminent counsel were engaged on both sides, 
 and Friends, distinguished for their intelligence and 
 weight of character, were put forward as witnesses 
 to maintain the cause of their respective parties. In 
 addition to this cause of agitation, many leading 
 persons connected with the reorganized Society were 
 absorbed in measures for the proper administra- 
 tion of the Discipline, and schemes were proposed, 
 and in some cases resorted to, which seemed to 
 Lucre tia Mott to retard religious progress, and to 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 107 
 
 abridge the advancement of those testimonies, which 
 inculcated obedience to the Inner Light, as the test 
 of discipleship. She soon discovered that the course 
 which seemed to her to be the right one, was not ac- 
 ceptable to some of those who had been leaders in 
 the Separation, and who were now ready to institute 
 measures marked more by a desire to uphold secta- 
 rian purposes and individual plans, than to advance 
 the principles of Christian liberty, so ably set forth 
 in the document issued by Friends at the time of the 
 reorganization of the Yearly Meeting, in 1827. 
 
 This was particularly shown in an Epistle, which 
 the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of 1830 addressed 
 to that of London, — where there had been no divis- 
 ion, — in which an attempt was made to represent 
 their views as in no wise inconsistent with those held 
 by Friends in England. When, according to custom, 
 this Epistle was brought into the women’s meeting 
 for its approval, Lucretia Mott, who was the clerk, 
 and whose duty it became to sign the document, find- 
 ing that it contained sentiments utterly opposed to 
 her own convictions, and to what she believed to be 
 the inherent spirit of Quakerism, protested against 
 it, and stated-that, while as clerk it might be proper 
 and necessary for her to sign it on behalf of the 
 Meeting, yet as an individual she could not approve 
 of it ; she objected to any statement in the nature of 
 a declaration of faith, other than the “ inward light,” 
 — the Divine Light in the soul, — which she re- 
 garded as the cardinal doctrine of Friends. 1 
 
 Many years after, a member of the Select Meeting 
 of Ministers and Elders, one strongly inclined to or- 
 
 1 This Epistle was returned from England with the charge of “mendac- 
 ity.” It was not even permitted to be read in London Yearly Meeting. 
 
108 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 tliodoxy, and fearful of the growing influence of 
 Lucretia Mott, sought to confound her by reminding 
 the Meeting that she had signed this Epistle of 1830. 
 With unusual earnestness, as well as suppressed in- 
 dignation, she forthwith related the true history of 
 the circumstance, which, far from being discreditable 
 to her, was an honorable instance of her devotion to 
 the true spirit of the Society. 
 
 It is especially painful to recur to this period in 
 the life of Lucretia Mott. She discovered that her 
 failure to sympathize and cooperate with those who 
 seemed to be taking a retrograde course, met with 
 coldness and unfriendly admonition. It was a deep 
 disappointment and sorrow to her, that those from 
 whom she had expected so much, those who had “ put 
 their hands to the plough, were looking back.” This 
 was a sad blow to the hopes and expectations which 
 she had cherished in leaving the other portion of the 
 Society, with which were some of her most valued 
 associations. But she was not in the way of speak- 
 ing of personal grievances. It might well be said of 
 her at this time, that she was “dumb with silence, 
 and held her peace even from good ; and her sorrow 
 was stirred.” It was as early as the year 1831 that 
 she met with the following from the writings of Wil- 
 liam Ellery Channing, which impressed her deeply as 
 a beautiful expression of divine truth, and which she 
 often repeated in her public ministry. A copy of 
 this, in her husband’s handwriting, was found after 
 her death in the quaint, little, old portfolio in which 
 she kept her especial treasures. She often quoted 
 other passages, but this must have been the one she 
 loved best, for it is an admirable statement of her 
 own views. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 109 
 
 “ There is one principle of the soul which makes all men 
 essentially equal. I refer to the sense of duty, to the power 
 of discerning and doing right, to the moral and religious 
 principle, to the inward monitor which speaks in the name 
 of God. This is the great gift of God, — we can conceive 
 no greater. . . . All mysteries of science and theology fade 
 away before the grandeur of the simple perception of duty, 
 which dawns on the mind of the little child. He becomes 
 subject from that moment to a law which no power in the 
 universe can abrogate ; he begins to stand before an inward 
 tribunal, on the decisions of which his whole happiness 
 rests ; he hears a voice, which if faithfully followed will 
 guide him to perfection ; and in neglecting which, he brings 
 upon himself inevitable misery.” 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 In forming a correct estimate of the character of 
 Lucretia Mott, it must be remembered, that deeply- 
 interested as she was in every cause that could better 
 humanity, she was, before all, a Friend. Up to the 
 time of the Separation in the Society, her interests 
 had been busied chiefly within its own limitations, 
 and although the question of slavery had already 
 engaged her attention, she had been satisfied to re- 
 gard it as important, only so far as Quaker tra- 
 dition imposed that duty upon all conscientious 
 minds. But in the severe mental discipline of the 
 Separation, when for the first time she was obliged 
 to judge even of herself what was right, and to abide 
 by that decision at whatever sacrifice, her whole 
 spiritual vision widened, and she beheld directly be- 
 fore her extended fields of labor wherein honest 
 workers were sorely needed. To see, with her, was 
 to do. As she says of herself, “ The millions of 
 down-trodden slaves in our land being the greatest 
 sufferers, the most oppressed class, I felt bound to 
 plead their cause in season and out of season, to en- 
 deavor to put myself in their soul’s stead, and to aid 
 all in my power, in every right effort for their im- 
 mediate emancipation.” She recognized that it was 
 not the cause of a sect or a party, nor of a single 
 generation, but of “ universal benevolence, and ever- 
 lasting truth.” To its furtherance she dedicated her 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . Ill 
 
 life, and her loyalty was “ without variableness or 
 shadow of turning.” 
 
 Before this time, in England, Elizabeth Hey rick 
 had published her work on “ Immediate, not Grad- 
 ual, Emancipation ; ” Clarkson, Wilberforce, and 
 others, had secured the attention of the British Par- 
 liament to the wrongs of the African, and public 
 sentiment, to a good degree, was enlisted on the side 
 of the slave. In this country but little of importance 
 had been accomplished, until the untiring labors of 
 the devoted Benjamin Lundy, editing the “ Genius 
 of Universal Emancipation,” in Baltimore, and the 
 startling leaders by William Lloyd Garrison, in his 
 “ Liberator,” awoke the sleeping nation, and pre- 
 pared the way for a convention in Philadelphia, in 
 1833, to take the ground of “ immediate, not gradual, 
 emancipation ; ” and to impress the duty of “ uncon- 
 ditional liberty without expatriation.” 
 
 It would hardly be possible to find a more graphic 
 account of the now historical convention of 1833 
 than that given by J. Miller McKim, before the 
 American Anti-Slavery Society at its third decade 
 meeting, held in Philadelphia, in 1863. The follow- 
 ing extracts are selected : — 
 
 “ For two or three years previous to the period now re- 
 ferred to, the country — a very considerable portion of it — 
 had been in a state of high religious excitement. Every- 
 where people’s attention was directed with unusual ear- 
 nestness to the subject of personal religion. Since the days 
 of Whitfield, it was said, there had been no excitement 
 equal to it in depth and intensity ; but toward the latter 
 part of 1833 this excitement began to subside. . . . With 
 the subsidence of this religious excitement in the country, 
 the feelings of the sincere and enlightened who had shared 
 
112 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 in it began to take a new turn. Their attention was called 
 away from themselves to the condition of others. They 
 had made sufficient progress in the divine life to under- 
 stand that cardinal injunction : 4 Let no man seek his own, 
 but every one his neighbor’s weal.’ . . . 
 
 “In the latter part of 1833, I learned that there was to 
 be a convention in Philadelphia, for the purpose of form- 
 ing a National Anti-Slavery Society. . . . The little band 
 of pronounced Abolitionists in Carlisle — all of whom 
 were black, except myself — appointed me a delegate, and 
 I set off for the city. It was in the days of stage-coaches, 
 before the new era of railroads, and I was two days in 
 coming. I stopped at the ‘ Indian Queen,’ in Fourth Street, 
 then considered one of our best hotels. . . . The conven- 
 tion met in the Adelphi Building, in Fifth Street, below 
 Walnut. Its proceedings were not secret, though they were, 
 nevertheless, not thrown open by advertisement to the 
 public. There were some sixty or seventy delegates pres- 
 ent, and a few spectators who had been especially invited. 
 A small number, it will be said, for a national convention. 
 But at that time, it must be remembered, the movement 
 was in its incipiency. The cloud of abolitionism was not 
 even so big as a man’s hand ! When I entered the hall, 
 which was on the morning of the second day, the proceed- 
 ings had begun ; though, as I soon learned, there was no 
 specific business before the meeting. A committee had 
 been appointed the day before to draw up a declaration of 
 sentiments, and the convention was now awaiting their 
 report. . . . Mr. Tappan’s speech was interrupted by the 
 announcement that Mr. Garrison and the rest of the com- 
 mittee were coming in with their report. They had pre- 
 pared a draft of a declaration, and it devolved upon Dr. 
 Edwin P. Atlee to read it. After the reading followed 
 criticism of its contents, — or rather, criticism of some of 
 its phrases ; for as a whole, the paper commended itself at 
 once to all who heard it. . . . Among the speakers, while 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 113 
 
 the declaration was under discussion, were two who inter- 
 ested me particularly. One was a countryman dressed in 
 the plainest garb, and in appearance otherwise not partic- 
 ularly calculated to excite expectation. His manner was 
 angular, and his rhetoric not what would be called graceful. 
 But his matter was solid, and as clear as a bell. It had 
 the ring of the genuine metal, and was, moreover, pat to 
 the point in question. When he sat down, — which he did 
 after a very brief speech, — the question was asked, 4 Who 
 is that ? ’ and the answer came, 4 Thomas Whitson, of 
 Lancaster County, in this State.’ 
 
 44 The other speaker was a woman. I had never before 
 heard a woman speak at a public meeting. She said but a 
 few words, but these were spoken so modestly, in such 
 sweet tones, and yet withal so decisively, that no one could 
 fail to be pleased. And no one did fail to be pleased. She 
 apologized for what might be regarded as an intrusion ; 
 but she was assured by the chairman and others that what 
 she had said was very acceptable. The chairman added 
 his hope that 4 the lady ’ would not hesitate to give expres- 
 sion to anything that might occur to her during the course 
 of the proceedings. 
 
 44 This debate on the declaration took place in committee 
 of the whole. After one or two slight verbal changes, the 
 committee arose, and reported the document to the conven- 
 tion. It was adopted unanimously, and ordered to be en- 
 grossed. The next morning being the last session of the 
 convention, it was brought in engrossed, and ready for sig- 
 nature. Before the work of signing began, it was agreed 
 that it should be read once more. The task was assigned 
 to our friend, Samuel J. May, who performed it with much 
 feeling. At times his emotion was such as to prevent him 
 for a while from proceeding. The same feeling pervaded 
 the audience. Then followed informally the ceremony of 
 signing. Each one as he came up to put his name to the 
 instrument showed by his manner, and in some instances 
 
114 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 by his words, that he was doing a very solemn thing. . . . 
 Looking back upon this interesting occasion, the whole 
 thing comes up before me, with the distinctness of a pic- 
 ture. I see the convention just as it sat in that little hall of 
 the Adel phi Building. I see the president, Beriah Green, 
 of Oneida Institute, sitting on an eminence in the west end 
 of the hall ; at either side of him the two secretaries, 
 Win. Green, Jr., and John G. Whittier. . . . At that con- 
 vention there were no adjournments for dinner. We sat 
 daily from ten o’clock a. m. till dark, without recess. We 
 hail meat to eat, which those who have never been 4 caught 
 up into the third heaven ’ of first principles, wot not of. 
 The last hours of the convention were especially impres- 
 sive. I had never before, nor have I ever since, witnessed 
 anything fully equal to it. The deep religious spirit which 
 had pervaded the meeting from the beginning became still 
 deeper. The evidence of the Divine presence and the Di- 
 vine approval was palpable. Had we heard a voice saying, 
 4 Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the ground 
 whereon thou standest is holy ground,’ our convictions 
 could scarcely have been clearer.” . . . 
 
 It is needless to say that the u other speaker — a 
 woman,” whom Mr. McKim mentions — was Lucre- 
 tia Mott. James Mott was one of the members of 
 the convention, and, as such, signed the immortal 
 document. But it does not seem to have occurred 
 to Lucretia Mott, Lydia White, Esther Moore, and 
 Sydney Ann Lewis, the four women who were pres- 
 ent, that they too should have been members, and 
 have had their names recorded. They were there 
 by invitation, as “ listeners and spectators.” Lucre- 
 tia Mott, speaking of this many years afterwards, 
 said : — 
 
 Although we were not recognized as a part of the con- 
 vention by signing the document, yet every courtesy was 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 115 
 
 shown to us, every encouragement given to speak, or to 
 make suggestions of alteration. I do not think it oc- 
 curred to any one of us at that time, that there would be a 
 propriety in our signing the document. It was with diffi- 
 culty, I acknowledge, that I ventured to express what had 
 been near to my heart for many years, for I knew we 
 were there by sufferance ; but when I rose, such was the 
 readiness with which the freedom to speak was granted, 
 that it inspired me with a little more boldness to speak 
 on other subjects. When the declaration was under con- 
 sideration, and we were considering our principles and our 
 intended measures of action, when our friends felt that 
 they were planting themselves on the truths of Divine Rev- 
 elation, and on the Declaration of Independence, as an 
 Everlasting Rock, it seemed to me, as I heard it read, that 
 the climax would be better to transpose the sentence and 
 place the Declaration of Independence first, and the truths 
 of Divine Revelation last, as the Everlasting Rock ; and I 
 proposed it. I remember one of the younger members 
 turning to see what woman there was there who knew 
 what the word “ transpose ” meant. 
 
 Another of her suggestions led to the amendment 
 of the phrase, “ We maybe personally defeated, but 
 our principles never can be,” by the omission of the 
 last two words. She was too modest to speak of the 
 most important service she rendered that conven- 
 tion, — and perhaps she did not fully realize it, — but 
 some of those whom she addressed felt that her lofty 
 encouragement strengthened and confirmed their pur- 
 pose at a critical moment, when an over-cautious pol- 
 icy suggested delay. Thomas Wistar and Roberts 
 Vaux, influential men of philanthropic reputation, 
 who had been honored by an invitation to preside at 
 the convention, had declined for prudential reasons; 
 which, on being reported, made a sensible impression 
 
116 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 on the assembly. At that moment Lucretia Mott 
 rose, and spoke a few words, “ brief, timely, well- 
 chosen, and weighty.” She reminded, her hearers 
 that “right principles are stronger than great names. 
 If our principles are right, why should we be cow- 
 ards? Why should we wait for those who never have 
 had the courage to maintain the inalienable rights of 
 the slave ? ” 
 
 Amidst calls of “ go on,” she took her seat, and not 
 another word was uttered in favor of delay. 
 
 The young “ member who turned to look at the 
 woman who knew how to use the word 4 transpose,’ ” 
 was James Miller McKim. He was then a young 
 man, studying for the ministry, but he soon relin- 
 quished this to espouse the Anti-Slavery cause, with 
 which he was identified throughout its entire course. 
 No one can follow its progress in Pennsylvania with- 
 out admiring his ability, his sagacity, and his devo- 
 tion. James and Lucretia Mott met him for the first 
 time at the Convention, and were greatly pleased 
 with his eager adoption of the despised cause. This 
 was the beginning of a strong and abiding friend- 
 ship. They were also deeply interested in the war- 
 fare then waging in his mind between inherited 
 Presbyterianism and liberal Christianity. A mental 
 struggle of this kind was sure to engage the sym- 
 pathy of Lucretia Mott ; and in this case, we may 
 infer from the two following letters that her advice 
 also was asked. Unfortunately, Mr. McKim’s letters 
 to her are not to be found. We can only infer their 
 purport. 
 
 Phila. 1 st mo. 1 st , 1834. 
 
 My dear Friend, J. M. McKim, — The reception of 
 thy letter was truly pleasant, even though less minute than 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 117 
 
 we wished, concerning the welfare of thy brothers and sis- 
 ters, in whose interest thou allowed us to participate. 
 
 Our friend Wm. L. Fisher, of Germantown, called here 
 the day thou left, and expressed regret that we did not go 
 there on the day appointed. We have since made them a 
 visit, when he handed us his work on “ Pauperism and 
 Crime,” directing that it should be sent to thee. Its pages 
 are characteristic of its eccentric author. 
 
 Benjamin Ferris, of Wilmington, also came on the even- 
 ing of that day hoping to find thee here. Agreeably to his 
 promise, he has collected some abolition reports and pam- 
 phlets, which, however, he did not bring with him. While 
 he professed unity with the Anti-Slavery cause, he objected 
 to the word, “ immediate,” inasmuch as it required an ex- 
 planation of our meaning. It is to be regretted, that those 
 who might be powerful advocates in a righteous cause avail 
 themselves of such excuses for the withdrawal of their aid. 
 
 We had an interesting visit from Wm. L. Garrison. He 
 gave us many particulars of his visit to Clarkson and 
 others in England, and read some important letters. Some 
 of his friends would like for him to remove here, and pub- 
 lish a daily paper : he has taken it under consideration, 
 but has some doubts of the time being fully come to leave 
 Boston. 
 
 I regret that we cannot procure for thee all that Stuart 
 has written opposed to Charming, because justice requires 
 that we should acquaint ourselves with both sides, before we 
 judge. What is furnished may satisfy thy mind, as far as 
 controversial writings can do this : but permit me to ques- 
 tion whether thy present wants will be met by the perusal 
 of works of this character. Rather consult the volume of 
 thy own experience, and as thou acknowledges thy views 
 slowly brightening, be patient, and rest in full faith for the 
 rising of the sun, when, as thou art able to bear it, all mists 
 and clouds will be dispelled. In the meantime, while read- 
 ing and studying the Scriptures, let the general tenor of 
 
118 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 these invaluable writings govern thy conclusions, making 
 all due allowance for the time and circumstances in which 
 they were written ; but do not puzzle and perplex thy mind 
 with inferences from isolated passages here and there, which 
 are contrary to the spirit of the whole, and do violence to 
 the noble gift of reason, divinely bestowed upon us. The 
 Apostle wrote formerly to the young men not because they 
 knew not the truth, but because they knew it, and also be- 
 cause the Word of God abode in them ; and while thou holds 
 fast to that excellent sentiment, that no text of Scripture 
 however plain can shake thy belief in a truth which thou 
 perceives by intuition, or make thee believe a thing which 
 is contrary to thy innate sense of right and wrong, it will 
 lead thee to frequent introversion, and thou wilt know “ of 
 whom thou learnest these things,” and wilt not have need 
 that any man should teach thee ; but, “ as this same anoint- 
 ing teacheth all things, and is truth, and no lie,” thou wilt 
 come to give paramount heed to this, and become, I trust, 
 settled on that foundation which cannot be shaken. 
 
 Worcester’s “ Causes of Contention among Christians” I 
 have in vain looked for, to send thee. Mine was returned 
 a few days since. I enclose it for thy perusal ; to be re- 
 turned when thou hast done with it. John Woolman’s 
 Journal will, as we told thee, bear an attentive perusal ; 
 and although thou may see some parts strongly marked 
 with Quaker superstitions and technicalities, yet lay it not 
 aside on that account. Thou art capable of judging of 
 the spirit of the writer ; let that, with his sound reasoning, 
 commend it to thy notice. I defend not the visionary 
 part. 
 
 Our family join in offering thee the good wishes of the 
 season. Very truly thy friend, L. Mott. 
 
 Phila., 5th mo. 8th, 1834. 
 
 My dear Friend, J. M. McKim, — Thy interesting 
 letter was received yesterday. I cannot doubt that the 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 119 
 
 good feeling subsisting between us hitherto in our discus- 
 sions, will continue in any future examination of subjects, 
 even should we find ourselves not so nearly united in senti- 
 ment as we anticipated last winter. 
 
 My husband called on our dear friend, Wm. H. Furness, 
 to inquire where the controversy thou wishes to see might 
 be found. He is becoming increasingly interested in the 
 Abolition cause, and we hope it will ere long be with him 
 a pulpit theme. 
 
 Last week we had the renewed pleasure of a visit from 
 Wm. L. Garrison. He passed several days with us; ad- 
 dressed the colored people in two of their churches ; and 
 would have had a public meeting, had he met with more en- 
 couragement from our timid Philad a abolitionists. He was 
 also discouraged in the desire he felt to say a few words to 
 our young men, on the evening of their forming themselves 
 into a society, — at their request, he took no part, — they 
 thinking the feeling here, of opposition to his zeal and ar- 
 dent measures in the cause, was such, that it would be 
 rather a disadvantage. How much more congenial with 
 my feelings was the noble appeal in his behalf made by 
 Lewis Tappan and others at the Convention. It appears 
 to me important that he should have the countenance and 
 support of his friends. We passed an evening with him 
 at James Forten’s, and were highly interested in the con- 
 versation. The cause is certainly making rapid progress ; 
 we may yet live to see the desire of our souls, with re- 
 gard to this oppressed people. We have received a letter 
 from Benjamin Lundy, — he has strong hopes of ultimate 
 success. . . . 
 
 Our family unite in affectionate remembrance. 
 
 Thy friend, L. Mott. 
 
 Somewhat later, she writes again : — 
 
 Thank thee for the extracts from thy Diary. I believe 
 thou wilt yet have to let all thou hast learned “at the feet 
 
120 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 of Gamaliel” go for what it is worth, without going “from 
 one form to another.” The “ Christians ” may be a pious 
 and Christ-like sect, but I do not like their numbering the 
 Commandments. Whatsoever He — the Spirit of Truth — 
 biddeth us do, that we are to do, without vainly seeking to 
 ascertain the exact number of the Jewish, or other written 
 commandments. It is quite time we read and examined 
 the Bible more rationally, in order that truth may shine in 
 its native brightness. I do not wonder at thy doubts of 
 the propriety of occupying thy “ station as minister” in 
 preaching any system of Faith, and care not how soon thy 
 Orthodox brethren detect thy heresies ; though I shall be 
 careful how I expose thee, well as I know that thy relig- 
 ious or theological opinions have been for some years past 
 undergoing a change. I want thee to have done with call- 
 ing Unitarian rationalities, “ icy philosophizing.” The step 
 thou art taking is a serious one, and thy conclusions are of 
 great importance. I pray that thou mayst be rightly di- 
 rected. 
 
 She also writes to her sister, Martha C. Wright : — 
 
 The more my attention is directed to a studied theology, 
 and systematized Divinity, the more deeply do I deplore its 
 unhappy effect on the mind and character ; the tendency 
 is to lower the estimate of practical righteousness, and ra- 
 tional Christian duties. How inviting is religion when 
 stripped of the appendages of bigoted sectarism, and gloomy 
 superstition ! This is exemplified in our friend J. M. Mc- 
 Kim. His mind has at length burst the fetters of Presby- 
 terianism, and, retaining all that is truly “pious ” and valua- 
 ble, he is walking forth in “the liberty wherewith Christ 
 makes free.” 
 
 The Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society was 
 formed immediately after the organization of the 
 American society, with Esther Moore as president. 
 A majority of its members belonged to the Society 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 121 
 
 of Friends. It was almost an unheard-of thing then, 
 in Pennsylvania, for women to have societies of their 
 own, unless under the patronizing shelter of church 
 organization ; and these women, as they confessed 
 with amusement afterwards, were obliged to ask a 
 man to preside at their first meeting. Lucretia Mott 
 said, in speaking of it : — 
 
 At that time I had no idea of the meaning of pream- 
 bles, and resolutions, and votings. Women had never been 
 in any assemblies of the kind. I had attended only one 
 convention — a convention of colored people — before 
 that ; and that was the first time in my life I had ever 
 heard a vote taken, being accustomed to our Quaker way 
 of getting the prevailing sentiment of the meeting. When, 
 a short time after, we came together to form the Female 
 Anti-Slavery Society, there was not a woman capable of 
 taking the chair and organizing that meeting in due order ; 
 and we had to call on James McCrummel, a colored man, 
 to give us aid in the work. 
 
 The work once begun, however, was steadily car- 
 ried on for thirty-six years. The secretary of the 
 society for many years, Mary Grew, of Philadelphia, 
 in reviewing its labors, said : — 
 
 It cannot be claimed for its members that they counted 
 the cost of the warfare upon which they were entering, nor 
 the number of the years which lay stretched out in the dim 
 future, between their first battle and their final victory. It 
 was well for them, well for the cause to which they had 
 vowed allegiance, that this knowledge lay beyond their 
 reach. The soul that would have fainted or faltered be- 
 fore the prefigured vision of that long period of toil and 
 strife, was yet stronger for the buoyant hope of early vic- 
 tory, and addressed itself to the labors of each successive 
 year all the more ardently for the bright possibility that its 
 
122 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 close might usher in the jubilee. As they went on, they 
 found their work widening, their responsibility deepening, 
 at every step. It is now a page of history ; it was then a 
 startling revelation daily made, a painful experience daily 
 borne, that the churches which had nurtured their sons and 
 daughters on the words of Christian love and human broth- 
 erhood, had no desire to see them practically illustrated 
 towards the slave or the negro. With more of keen dis- 
 appointment and sorrow than of indignation, did we look on 
 the strange spectacle of the American Church standing by 
 to keep the garments of an enraged populace, stoning the 
 Stephens of that martyr age. 
 
 It is sad to have to record that the Society of 
 Friends was no exception to this indictment. Not- 
 withstanding the fact that many of its members 
 were also members of the various Anti-Slavery Soci- 
 eties, it was, as a body, untrue to its righteous testi- 
 mony against slavery, and was becoming increasingly 
 averse to the agitation of so unpopular a question. 
 Only here and there could a meeting-house be found 
 where an avowed discussion of the subject was per- 
 mitted ; Friends were exhorted by those in authority 
 to “keep in the quiet,” to “avoid all contention,” 
 and to be careful about “ going out into the mix- 
 ture.” Those ministers who persisted in introducing 
 the obnoxious topic into their discourses, were re- 
 garded as “ subjects of uneasiness.” Lucretia Mott, 
 as one of these, encountered many difficulties ; but, 
 so far from being deterred by them, she sought every 
 opportunity to plead the cause of the oppressed, both 
 in and out of the limitations of her Society. Al- 
 though never employed as a lecturer by the Anti- 
 Slavery Society, she did as faithful work as any, in 
 her own way. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 123 
 
 After her elder children were grown up, and the 
 younger ones well in their teens, she felt at liberty 
 to leave home occasionally “ to travel in truth’s 
 service,” as is customary among Friends. In doing 
 this she was often required to sacrifice both comfort 
 and convenience. While still an acceptable minis- 
 ter, she generally carried a “ minute ” 1 from her 
 Monthly Meeting. With this regularly constituted 
 authority she traveled through New York State, 
 into parts of New England as far as Nantucket, 
 and as far south as the northern part of Virginia. 
 In one of these journeys, accompanied by her hus- 
 band, she attended seventy-one different meetings, 
 and spoke more or less at each one. They were 
 absent from home seventy days, and traveled a 
 distance of twenty-four hundred miles, most of it 
 in a stage-coach. Her discourses at such times were 
 mainly on religious subjects, but she never failed to 
 bear testimony against the sin of slavery. It was 
 this u lugging in ” (to use the words of her oppo- 
 nents) of a distasteful subject which finally brought 
 her into such disfavor in the Society, that the time 
 came when it seemed doubtful whether the Meeting 
 would be willing to furnish her with a u minute.” 
 During these years she did not ask for their concur- 
 rence in prosecuting her labors ; but, through favor 
 
 1 For the benefit of such readers as are unacquainted with this form of 
 
 permission, I quote one “ minute,” as a sample of all : “ opened 
 
 in this meeting a concern she felt to pay a religious visit to the families 
 
 of Friends constituting Monthly Meeting, and some others as way 
 
 may open, likewise to appoint some meetings among those more remotely 
 situated in its vicinity; which claiming the attention of Friends, was fully 
 united with; and women’s meeting informing that they also united there- 
 in, she is left at liberty to pursue her prospect as Truth may direct, being 
 a minister in unity with us. The clerk is directed to furnish her with a 
 copy of this minute on behalf of the meeting.” 
 
124 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 and disfavor, she “ shunned not to declare the whole 
 counsel of God.” She continued to travel exten- 
 sively, but was careful to avoid any infringement of 
 the spirit or letter of the Discipline, which might 
 render her liable to be brought before the Meeting 
 as an “ offender.” 
 
 About this time one of her intimate friends wrote, 
 for his own entertainment, a descriptive sketch of 
 Lucretia Mott. It was never printed, or shown to 
 any one but her children, as she thought it too flat- 
 tering, but was found after her death among her pa- 
 pers, and is given here. It shows nice discrimina- 
 tion, as well as an intimate knowledge of her char- 
 acter : — 
 
 I scarcely know whether to pronounce Mrs. Mott hand- 
 some or not. She appears so to me, though I think it 
 probable that she would not, by others, be called more than 
 “quite good-looking.” Her features, taken separately, do 
 not possess that symmetry of proportion which is necessary 
 to constitute beauty ; yet the contour of her countenance, 
 with its intellectual, sprightly, and agreeable expression, 
 appears to me not only interesting, but exceedingly lovely. 
 In her person she is under the middle size. She is very 
 active in her movements, and when in health, elastic. Her 
 manners are very easy, and are marked by a dignified sim- 
 plicity and grace almost peculiar to herself. 
 
 But it is the intellectual and moral features of Mrs. 
 Mott’s character which are most apt to arrest attention. 
 Her mind is one of superior order. Always active, it seems 
 to abhor inanity as nature does a vacuum. Yet she takes 
 no interest in ordinary scientific pursuits. Mineralogy, bot- 
 any, geology, and such like natural sciences, have no 
 charms for her. The science of morals is the sphere in 
 which her mind delights to act; the pursuit of moral truth 
 is the exercise in which her mental powers are most at 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 125 
 
 home. Her perceptions are very quick, and generally very 
 clear. She reasons logically, though not systematically. 
 If she sometimes “ jumps at conclusions, ”it is the fault not 
 so much of her mind as her temperament. She is naturally 
 very impatient of delay, and cannot therefore endure what 
 appears to her the drudgery of slowly and cautiously collat- 
 ing facts, and inquiring into their various bearings and re- 
 lations. As a consequence, her premises are often too nar- 
 row for her conclusions. She loves poetry, not however 
 for the sublimity of its style, or the beauty of its imagery, 
 but for the truth and force of its sentiments. 
 
 The intellectual features of Mrs. Mott are much more 
 easily described than those of her moral character. I 
 should say, however, that benevolence was the presiding 
 genius of her heart. “ To do good and communicate ” is 
 not only her delight, but the chosen business of her life. 
 She u seeks not her own, but her neighbor’s weal.” She 
 knows how to put the Christian definition on that term 
 “neighbor ; 99 all are regarded as her neighbors who are 
 within the reach of her influence. Low as well as high, 
 poor as well as rich, bond and free, black and white, friends 
 near, and strangers remote, all receive a share in her kind 
 offices and benevolent exertions. She forgets herself in 
 thinking of the wants of others. In her efforts to promote 
 the health of others she neglects to pay proper attention 
 to her own. To vindicate the name of a friend she ex- 
 poses her own to reproach. In short, she, if any one does, 
 " loves her neighbor as herself.” 
 
 I need hardly say that love of justice is a conspicuous 
 feature in this lady’s moral profile. u Fiat justitia ruat 
 ccelum ” is with her, not a rhetorical flourish, but a gov- 
 erning sentiment of her heart. In no question which the 
 moral law can arbitrate, and under no circumstances where 
 principle is at stake, is she heard to ask, “ what is expedi- 
 ent ? ” “ what is policy ? ” “ what will folks say ? ” or “ what 
 will people think ? ” but “ what is right ? 99 “ what do ab- 
 
126 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 gtract truth and justice require ? ” This being ascertained, 
 the question with her is settled, and her pathway made 
 plain. It might be added, that Mrs. Mott is a woman of 
 great firmness of purpose, and decision and energy of char- 
 acter. With spirits buoyant and apparently inexhaustible, 
 she seems to have courage to dare, and fortitude to endure 
 anything to which a woman can be called. 
 
 It must not be supposed, however, that because no 
 blemishes have been brought to view in this portraiture, 
 that none exist to mar the beauty of the original, or that I 
 regard her as free from defects. An artist in painting a 
 likeness is not obliged to portray blemishes any further 
 than may be necessary to his design. By way of per- 
 spective, though, it ought to be added that the energy of 
 our friend sometimes runs into rashness, and her decision 
 into hastiness and willfulness. Her freedom from suspi- 
 ciousness, and her readiness to confide in the professions 
 of others, frequently expose her, and with justice, to the 
 charge of credulity. Her kindness often degenerates into 
 a spirit of indulgence, and her goodness into mere good 
 nature. She has more knowledge than learning, and yet 
 more wisdom than knowledge. Her information, though 
 it extends to a very great variety of subjects, is, on many 
 of these, superficial. She thinks and reads much, but does 
 both without system. Her independence of thought more 
 than borders on temerity. 
 
 As a wife, Mrs. Mott is all her husband can desire ; as 
 a mother, she is more than her children have any right to 
 ask. As a hostess, she is unsurpassed, her hospitality often 
 exposing her to imposition from its excess ; and as a friend, 
 she is ever faithful and true. As a woman, she has few 
 superiors. 
 
 Tlie Female Anti - Slavery Society, as has been 
 said before, was organized immediately after, and 
 under the inspiration of the convention of 1833. It 
 enrolled the names of many excellent women : Syd- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 127 
 
 ney Ann Lewis, Esther Moore, Lydia White, Sarah 
 Pugh, Mary Needles, and others. Mary Grew, its 
 admirable secretary for many years, joined it a year 
 later. Lucretia Mott was its president during most 
 of its existence. Of her in this capacity, Mary Grew 
 says : — 
 
 She was always an inspiration to its members, a wise 
 counselor, and an active worker in its various depart- 
 ments of labor. None of us can ever forget the sweetness 
 and dignity with which she moved among us ; the pleasant 
 humor with which she enlivened our meetings ; the firm- 
 ness with which she maintained a principle in all its appli- 
 cations ; and the grace with which she yielded her prefer- 
 ences where no principle of right was involved. Her 
 perception was quick. She readily divined the difference 
 between a “tradition of the Elders,” and a moral law, and 
 as quickly acted accordingly. One illustration of this was 
 her course when it was proposed to hold our first Anti- 
 Slavery Fair. A majority of the members of the Female 
 Anti - Slavery Society were members of the Society of 
 Friends; and by that Society, Fairs were regarded with 
 much suspicion, if not absolute disapprobation. So sensibly 
 was this pressure felt by some of the abolitionists, that it 
 was with difficulty our Society was induced to replenish its 
 treasury by such an innovation ; and our first Fair was 
 called by the modest name of “Anti-Slavery Sale.” But 
 Mrs. Mott saw that it was a perfectly legitimate and proper 
 measure, and gave her cordial assent and assistance to it 
 and its long train of annual successors. In contrast with 
 our later ones, this first Fair appears, in retrospect, very 
 plain and simple. It was a “day of small things; ” and in 
 order to diminish expenses and increase the profits, all the 
 manual labor was performed by volunteers. I recollect 
 going into the Hall one morning at an early hour, and be- 
 ing attracted by the appearance of a boy who was assisting 
 in sweeping the room. I asked his name, and was told 
 
128 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 that he was the only son of James and Lucretia Mott. 
 Their eldest daughters were among the saleswomen at the 
 tables, and they were generous purchasers. So great were 
 Mrs. Mott’s liberality, thoughtfulness, and zeal in purchas- 
 ing, that after a few years, I think our saleswomen began 
 to rely upon her to clear their tables of unattractive articles 
 left on their hands ; chiefly articles of clothing, which were, 
 undoubtedly, bestowed on some of her numerous pen- 
 sioners. 
 
 The young generation of this day would probably find it 
 difficult to conceive of the savage form of opposition to the 
 abolitionists, which prevailed during many years. In these 
 perilous periods, Mrs. Mott proved her fidelity to her prin- 
 ciples of non-resistance, as well as her anti-slavery faith. 
 Self-possessed and unshrinking in the stormiest scenes, a 
 mob howling around the house, assailing its windows with 
 stones, or clamoring within its walls, scattering vitriol among 
 the audience, leaping on the platform, drowning the voices 
 of the speakers in their own mad cries, she held fast her 
 integrity, never compromising in the slightest degree a prin- 
 ciple, and never giving her consent that the protection of 
 the police should be asked for the maintenance of our rights. 
 
 In the year 1838, when Pennsylvania Hall was burned 
 by a mob, and the Mayor of Philadelphia connived at the 
 outrage, the furious rioters marched through the streets 
 threatening an assault upon the house of James and Lucre- 
 tia Mott. Warned of the peril, and aware of the unsated 
 wrath of the savage men, Mrs. Mott made preparation for 
 the attack by sending her younger children and some arti- 
 cles of clothing out of the house, and with her husband and 
 a few friends sat in their parlor, quietly awaiting the ap- 
 proach of the mob. Before it reached the house, a sugges- 
 tion that it should attack the shelter for Colored Orphans 
 in another part of the city diverted its course, and the 
 rioters proceeded to that work of destruction. During the 
 night they passed the house of Edward and Mary Needles, 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 129 
 
 prominent abolitionists, who were also serenely expecting 
 their arrival. But they satisfied their rage by hideous yells, 
 and passed on. 
 
 Another account, by a guest staying with James 
 and Lucretia Mott at the time, gives a graphic pic- 
 ture of the peril to which their family was exposed, 
 and the lawlessness which reigned in the ordinarily 
 quiet city. 
 
 On Friday afternoon the rumors were thick and strong 
 that this house would be assaulted the coming night. A 
 few light pieces of furniture, and some clothing, were re- 
 moved to the next house, and in the evening we sat down 
 to await the event, whatever it might be. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Mott sat near the middle of the room, with many friends 
 around them. Thomas went out into the street now and 
 then to reconnoitre, and then return and tell us the result 
 of his observations. Several young men came in ready for 
 any emergency which might require their services, and at 
 any rate, to cheer us by their presence and sympathy. 
 About eight o’clock Thomas came running in, saying, 
 “They’re coming! ” The excited throng was pouring along 
 up Race-street ; we could hear their shouts distinctly ; but 
 they crossed Ninth-street without turning up, and for the 
 present we were relieved from apprehension. We have 
 heard since, that when the mob reached Ninth - street, a 
 young man friendly to the family joined in the cry, “On 
 to Mott’s,” at the head of the gang, and rushed on up Race- 
 street, — they blindly following their leader, — and thus 
 we escaped. We thought, however, they might still be 
 down upon us, and sat in calm expectation of their ad- 
 vance ; hearing every few minutes by some of our friends 
 who were on the alert what points were occupied, and what 
 movements were going on. At length, learning that the 
 mob seemed broken and scattered, we concluded we were 
 to escape that night at least, and retired to rest. 
 
 9 
 
130 
 
 JAMES AND LUC RET LA MOTT. 
 
 During Friday, and several successive days, a number 
 of “ prudent” Friends called to see Mrs. Mott, and exhort 
 her to coolness and calmness ! It was really amusing and 
 somewhat ludicrous to hear them, all tremulous with agita- 
 tion, gravely counseling her to keep cool, and avoid undue 
 excitement ; while she all the time was as calm as a sum- 
 mer evening ; perfectly composed, and with all her faculties 
 entirely at command. 
 
 Dr. Parrish was much frightened; he seriously coun- 
 seled that we gradually dissolve our Anti-Slavery Societies, 
 disband all our organizations, and let things go on in the 
 old way, so far as Abolition is concerned. I verily believe 
 the good Doctor, in his alarm, did, with the very best inten- 
 tions, about as much harm, as some who were bent on mis- 
 chief.” 
 
 Lucretia Mott also writes on the same subject to 
 her son-in-law, Edward M. Davis, then in Paris : — 
 
 6th mo. 18th, 1838. 
 
 My dear Edward, — We have had a season of much 
 excitement, since thou left, in the burning of Penn a Hall, 
 and the breaking up of our Convention by the mob ; ac- 
 counts of which have been sent to thee, in much detail. 
 Our proceedings, though not yet published, have greatly 
 roused our pseudo-abolitionists, as well as alarmed such 
 timid ones as our good Dr. Parrish. He has left no means 
 untried to induce us to expunge from our minutes a resolu- 
 tion relating to social intercourse with our colored brethren. 
 In vain I urged the great departure from order and propri- 
 ety in such a proceeding after the Convention had separated. 
 He and Charles Townsend were “ willing to take the re- 
 sponsibility,” if the publishing committee would consent to 
 have it withdrawn : and when he failed in this effort, he 
 called some of the respectable portion of the colored people 
 together at Robert Douglas’, and advised them not to ac* 
 cept such intercourse as was proffered them, and to issue a 
 disclaimer of an}^ such wish. This they have not yet done; 
 but it has caused not a little excitement among us. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 131 
 
 In Boston the bone of contention has been the admission 
 of another proscribed class — women — to equal partici- 
 pation in the doings of the Convention. 
 
 I was glad to hear thou hadst received letters from Wm. 
 Lloyd Garrison, introducing thee to Anti-Slavery friends in 
 England. Whether or not there is one to Harriet Marti- 
 neau, I hope thou wilt call on her, if thou hast opportu- 
 nity ; as far as the tendering of our affectionate regard may 
 serve as an introduction, avail thyself of it. Assure her 
 of the satisfaction we have had in the perusal of her late 
 works, and the desire we feel that her pen will not cease to 
 be employed in aid of personal and political freedom until 
 every vestige of slavery shall be effaced from our land. 
 
 In warm affection, thy mother, L. Mott. 
 
 The story of the burning of Pennsylvania Hall, 
 only three days after its dedication “ to Liberty and 
 the Rights of Man,” has been told too often to need 
 more than a brief mention here. It was destroyed 
 by a mob of Southern medical students, and their 
 Northern pro-slavery tools and sympathizers. The 
 last meeting held in it was the Anti-Slavery Conven- 
 tion of American women, presided over by Mary S. 
 Parker, of Boston. It was a company of calm, dig- 
 nified, and earnest women, who prosecuted the busi- 
 ness for which they were assembled until the usual 
 hour for adjournment, unmoved by the mob which 
 crowded around the building all day, threw stones 
 through the windows, hooted and yelled at the doors, 
 and at times even threatened forcible entrance. 
 When they left the hall, the streets near by were 
 almost impassable, and, not many hours after, the 
 sky was reddened by the flames that consumed the 
 noble building. But these women, intrepid and de- 
 termined, responded to Angelina Grirnke Weld’s fer- 
 
132 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 vent appeals, and to Lucretia Mott’s exhortations to 
 be “ steadfast and solemn,” by reassembling the next 
 day in a schoolhouse occupied by Sarah Pugh, — who 
 “ regarded the security of private property as of less 
 importance than the defense of a great moral princi- 
 ple,” — and closing their session by renewed pledges 
 of labor and devotion. 
 
 Dr. Channing said, when speaking of this great 
 outrage, the burning of Pennsylvania Hall : “ In that 
 crowd was Lucretia Mott, that beautiful example of 
 womanhood. Who, that has heard the tones of her 
 voice, and looked on the mild radiance of her benign 
 and intelligent countenance, can endure the thought 
 that such a woman was driven by a mob from the 
 spot to which she had gone, as she religiously be- 
 lieved, on a mission of Christian sympathy ? ” 
 
 This was not the only mob through which her 
 courage carried her unhurt. The spirit of persecu- 
 tion was abroad. It showed itself under many dis- 
 guises : in private detraction, public abuse, and 
 sometimes in actual physical violence; but she was 
 as fearless, surrounded by a surging crowd of mad- 
 men, as if sitting by her own fireside. Her thoughts 
 and fears were not for herself. This is strikingly 
 shown by an occurrence, a little more than a year 
 after the Philadelphia riot, during her religious visit 
 to Delaware. She was accompanied by a highly es- 
 teemed Friend, Daniel Neall, 1 and his wife. Her 
 meetings in various parts of the State were satisfac- 
 tory, until they arrived at Smyrna, whither reports 
 of their being “ abolitionists ” and “ dangerous and 
 incendiary characters ” had preceded them. Here, 
 
 1 A well-known Abolitionist, and President of the Pennsylvania Hall 
 Association. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 138 
 
 also, she was listened to quietly ; although she did 
 not hesitate to declare her views on the forbidden 
 subject. On* the way back, however, to the friend’s 
 house where they were lodging, stones were thrown 
 at the carriage, and after tea, as they were all sitting, 
 talking together, a man came to the door asking to 
 see Daniel Neall, and saying that he was wanted to 
 u answer for his disorganizing doctrines.” On Friend 
 Neall’s refusing to go with him, other men appeared, 
 who compelled him to accompany them. Fearing 
 violence and personal injury, the others followed as 
 soon as possible in a carriage, and overtook the mob, 
 with whom Lucretia Mott remonstrated on the in- 
 justice of maltreating an innocent person, when she 
 was the real offender. Her appeals seemed in vain, 
 for they hurried the gentle old man off in the dark ; 
 but, after a very moderate tarring and feathering, 
 they allowed him to rejoin his friends without fur- 
 ther persecution. No violence was offered to his 
 brave champion, who accomplished her further jour- 
 ney without molestation. 
 
 On another memorable occasion, several years 
 later, when the annual meeting of the Anti-Slavery 
 Society in New York was broken up by rowdies, 
 some of the speakers, as they left the hall, were 
 roughly handled by the crowd. Perceiving this, 
 Lucretia Mott asked the gentleman who was escort- 
 ing her, to leave her and help some of the other 
 ladies, who were timid. “ But who will take care of 
 you?” said he. “ This man,” she answered, quietly 
 laying her hand on the arm of one of the roughest of 
 the mob ; “ he will see me safe through.” Though 
 taken aback for the moment by such unexpected con- 
 fidence, the man responded by conducting her re- 
 
134 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI. A MOTT. 
 
 spectfully through the tumult to a place of safety. 
 The next day she went into a restaurant near by the 
 place of the meeting, and, recognizing the leader of 
 the mob at one of the tables, sat down by him, and 
 entered into conversation with him. When he left 
 the room, he asked a gentleman at the door who 
 that lady was, and on hearing her name, remarked, 
 “ Well, she ’s a good, sensible woman.” 
 
 The third, and what proved to be the last, Annual 
 Anti-Slavery Convention of Women, was held in the 
 Hall of the Pennsylvania Riding School, on May 1st, 
 1839. In an early session (I quote from the re- 
 port), — 
 
 “ Lucretia Mott informed the meeting that a messenger 
 from the Mayor had just called her out to inquire at what 
 time our Convention would close, as he had some officers 
 in waiting whom he would like to disperse. She had re- 
 turned answer that she could not tell when our business 
 would be finished, but that we had not asked, and, she pre- 
 sumed, did not wish his aid. She further stated that the 
 Mayor had called upon her a few days before, and inquired 
 where the Convention would be held, — if it would be con- 
 fined to women, — if to white women, or white and col- 
 ored, — if our meetings would be held only in the day- 
 time, and how long they would continue ; — expressing his 
 determination to prevent, if possible, the recurrence of last 
 year’s outrages. He suggested that we should hold our 
 meetings in Clarkson Hall, which was already guarded by 
 his officers ; that we should not meet in the evening ; 
 should avoid unnecessary walking with colored people ; 
 and close our Convention as soon as possible. She replied, 
 that Clarkson Hall would not, probably, be large enough 
 for us ; we did not apprehend danger in meeting at the 
 house proposed ; she doubted the necessity of such protec- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 135 
 
 tion as he contemplated. We should not be likely to have 
 evening meetings, for to the shame of Philadelphia be it 
 spoken, the only building we could procure of sufficient 
 size, had but a barn roof, was without ceiling, and could 
 not therefore easily be lighted for such a meeting ; that we 
 had never made a parade, as charged upon us, of walking 
 with colored people, and should do as we had done before, 
 — walk with them as occasion offered ; — that she had 
 done so repeatedly within the last month, meeting with no 
 insult on that account ; it was a principle with us, which 
 we could not yield, to make no distinction on account of 
 color ; that she was expecting delegates from Boston of 
 that complexion, and should probably accompany them to 
 the place of meeting. ,, 
 
 This convention, after a comparatively peaceful 
 session, adjourned to meet in Boston in 1840 ; but 
 before that time came, some of the abolitionists 
 made the discovery that men and women could do 
 more efficient work together than alone, and that 
 separate organizations were no longer advisable. 
 The following letter from Lydia Maria Child, de- 
 clining to be present at the convention of 1839, fore- 
 shadows the coming advance, and alludes to the hard 
 feeling among the anti-slavery ranks consequent 
 upon the threatened innovation. 
 
 Northampton, March hth, 1839. 
 
 My dear Friend, — Your letter was received a few 
 days since, and it gave us great pleasure to hear from you 
 once more. My husband wanted me to write a letter ex- 
 pressing sympathy when we heard of your pecuniary losses 
 last summer . 1 I tried ; but I threw it up in despair, say- 
 ing, “ I cannot compassionate such souls for the loss of 
 
 1 This refers to the burning of Penn Factory in which James Mott was 
 part owner. The loss was very heavy. 
 
136 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 worldly goods. Have they not each other ? Have they 
 not inward peace, which the world giveth not, and cannot 
 take away ? ” I could only feel sorry that they who would 
 give liberally to the Anti- Slavery cause, and other benevo- 
 lent projects, should have less to give away ; but even in 
 this point of view, I could not express condolence ; for was 
 not money the least of your doings ? Could its absence 
 impair your moral influence? 
 
 As to your request, I think it more than doubtful 
 whether I can comply with it. There are several obstacles 
 in the way. Besides, as I am growing very scrupulous 
 about exact truth, I will not disguise that I do not want to 
 go to the convention, much as I should like again to visit 
 Philad a . I never have entered very earnestly into the plan 
 of female conventions and societies. They always seemed 
 to me like half a pair of scissors. This feeling led me 
 to throw cold water on the project of the Boston Female 
 Anti-Slavery Society. You will remind me of the great 
 good done by that society. I admit it most cordially. I 
 am thankful there were those who could work heartily in 
 that way. To pay my annual subscription, and occasion- 
 ally make articles for sale, was all I ever could do freely 
 and earnestly. I attended the first convention because I 
 was urged by friends, and I feared I might fail in my 
 duty if I obstinately refused. But I then thought the large 
 sum necessarily expended in getting the delegates together 
 might be otherwise expended with far more profit to the 
 Anti-Slavery cause. This opinion has been confirmed by 
 the two conventions already held. For the freedom of 
 women, they have probably done something ; but in every 
 other point of view, I think their influence has been very 
 slight. 
 
 I should think an Address to the Women of the U. S. 
 would be somewhat stale, unless written with peculiar orig- 
 inality and piquancy. What think you of a letter to the 
 Women of Great Britain, written by yourself, on the sub- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 137 
 
 ject of abstaining from U. S. cotton ? A discriminating 
 duty between free and slave labor produce in England 
 would strike a heavier blow to slavery here than anything 
 else in the wide world. 
 
 In my opinion, the convention last year, in rejecting 
 Maria Chapman’s “ Address to the Clergy,” threw away a 
 gem “ richer than all their tribe.” I have long considered 
 Mrs. Chapman as one of the most remarkable women of 
 the age. Her heart is as large and magnanimous as her 
 intellect is clear, vigorous, and brilliant. I am glad Har- 
 riet Martineau has done her justice in England, for very 
 few appreciate her here. The Westminster article, though 
 abounding in small mistakes, appears to me discriminating 
 and forcible. I am sorry, however, that it is published. 
 Persecution is much better for the abolitionists than praise. 
 The immortal radiance of the Truths they are commis- 
 sioned to maintain may be mistaken for a glory around 
 their own brows. Just at this particular time, too, they are 
 not behaving quite well enough to have the gaze of the 
 world fixed upon them. Oh ! how my heart is grieved by 
 these dissensions ! I wish our dear and much respected 
 friend Garrison would record them more sparingly in his 
 paper ; but I suppose he thinks it necessary. In addition 
 to disguised enemies of sound Anti- Slavery, I think there is 
 now a large class of sincere abolitionists, with narrow views 
 of freedom, who require some other paper than the “ Lib- 
 erator.” They are frightened, sincerely frightened, at new 
 and bold views. They think the mere utterance of them 
 is in danger of resolving all shapes back to chaos. It re- 
 quires great faith to trust truth to take care of herself in 
 all encounters. 
 
 Great changes have come over my spirit since we last 
 met. There has been a great movement, — whether it be 
 progress or not, I am not certain. A little while ago I re- 
 joiced that I was growing more entirely and universally 
 tolerant. Now, I cannot abide the proud, self-sufficient 
 
138 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 word. What right have I, or any other fallible mortal, to 
 
 be tolerant ? 1 
 
 My dear husband unites with me in kind and grateful 
 remembrance to your husband, yourself, and children. 
 Farewell. Yours very truly, L. M. Child. 
 
 In the year 1839, the British and Foreign Anti- 
 Slavery Society of London called a General Confer- 
 ence, “to commence on the 12 th of June, 1840, in 
 order to deliberate on the best means of promoting 
 the interests of the slave, of obtaining his immediate 
 and unconditional freedom ; and by every pacific 
 measure to hasten the utter extinction of the slave- 
 trade. To this conference they earnestly invite the 
 friends of the slave of every nation and of every 
 clime.” The Massachusetts and Pennsylvania Anti- 
 Slavery Societies responded to this invitation by 
 sending both male and female delegates to the Con- 
 vention. They chose their best representatives, 
 whether men or women. They had discovered, not 
 without bitterness and division in the ranks, “ that, 
 as concert of action between men and women was im- 
 portant to success, so mutual counsel and discussion 
 in their business meetings were convenient and prof- 
 itable ; ” and had therefore admitted women to equal 
 membership with men. Those who were opposed to 
 this measure, and thought that its advocacy would 
 ruin the Anti-Slavery cause, formed what was called 
 the “New Organization.” In this unhappy differ- 
 ence between those who professed to be working 
 toward the same end, — the overthrow of the slave 
 power, — James and Lucretia Mott, together with 
 most of their Pennsylvania associates, sympathized 
 
 1 Lucretia Mott very often quoted this sentence both in public and in 
 private. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 139 
 
 entirely with Mr. Garrison. With him they were 
 delegates to the World’s Convention, and with him 
 shared the difficulties and annoyances with which 
 this “New Organization” contrived to harass them 
 while in England. Mr. Garrison alludes, in the let- 
 ter that follows, to the trouble that was evidently 
 brewing, and which culminated in the Annual Con- 
 vention of 1840. 
 
 FROM WM. LLOYD GARRISON. 
 
 Boston, April 28 th f 1840. 
 
 Esteemed Friend, — It is the sentiment of my heart, 
 that, among all the friends and benefactors of the human 
 race with whom it has been my privilege to become ac- 
 quainted on this side of the Atlantic and in England, no 
 one has impressed me more deeply, or filled me with greater 
 admiration, on the score of intellectual vigor, moral worth, 
 and disinterested benevolence, than yourself. I make this 
 avowal with the more freedom, inasmuch as it is no part 
 of my character to play the flatterer ; and, particularly, on 
 account of my delinquencies as a correspondent. 
 
 When I reflect upon the many kindnesses which have 
 been manifested toward me by yourself and your estimable 
 husband, running through a period of ten years, and then 
 remember how few have been the expressions of gratitude 
 on my part, and how seldom I have written to either of 
 you, I am filled with surprise and regret. Believe me, 
 however, that, though my epistles have been “few and far 
 between, ” — though I have not been voluble in the ex- 
 pression of my gratitude, — I have felt more than words 
 could express, and shall ever retain a lively sense of your 
 goodness. Well do I know that you neither ask nor desire 
 a profusion of acknowledgments for anything that you 
 have done, and therefore I have abstained from dealing in 
 “ words, words, words,” even though those words would 
 have been spoken in all sincerity. 
 
140 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TJ A MOTT. 
 
 For the tracts recently put forth by “ Friends,” on the 
 subject of slavery, which you have kindly forwarded to 
 me, be pleased also to accept my thanks. These tracts all 
 contain excellent sentiments ; and yet in nearly all of them 
 something is wanting. The phraseology of Friends’ docu- 
 ments is generally peculiar, and sometimes obscure. The 
 duty of immediate emancipation, they do not set forth in 
 explicit terms ; and the plunderers of God’s poor are ad- 
 dressed in a style far different from that used by Isaiah, 
 Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. For example in “ an Address to a 
 portion of our Southern Brethren,” etc., which is written in 
 admirable temper of mind, there seems to be something like 
 an attempt to propitiate the spirit of these cruel and un- 
 godly oppressors, in a way which I do not like. The sec- 
 ond paragraph commences — “ We are aware of the pecul- 
 iar and trying situation wherein you are placed, in relation 
 to slavery. You have been reared from the tenderest in- 
 fancy, as in its lap,” etc. I do not regard this as either a 
 philosophical, or the Christian method to bring such men 
 to repentance. It really looks like hunting up excuses for 
 their nefarious conduct ! At least, they will not be slow to 
 regard them as palliatives for defacing the image of God, 
 and transforming human beings into cattle and creeping 
 things. God, in calling individuals and nations to repent- 
 ance, never tells them, in limine , how unfortunate they 
 have been, and how trying is their situation ; but He always 
 takes it for granted that they are without excuse, and calls 
 upon them to break off their sins by righteousness with- 
 out delay. The “ Address ” speaks of the circumstances 
 thrown around the Southern man-thief ( you will pardon 
 me for using “ plain language,” though I am not a member 
 of the Society of Friends), as “ leading them to believe it 
 lawful and right to hold their fellow-creatures in uncondi- 
 tional bondage.” They believe no such thing ; they never 
 did, they never can believe it ! What ! talk of those who 
 “ hold these truths to be self-evident ; that all men are 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 141 
 
 created equal ; that they are endowed by their Crea- 
 tor with certain inalienable rights ; that among these 
 are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness ; ” talk of 
 such believing it “ lawful and right ” to trade in slaves, and 
 souls of men, to keep back the hire of the laborer by fraud, 
 to hold their fellow-beings in chains and slavery ! ! It is 
 all moonshine, and can never melt ice. 
 
 My dear friend, Edward Needles, is somewhat disturbed 
 by a resolution, which was lately adopted by the Anti- 
 Slavery Society at Lynn, severely censuring the Friends, as 
 a body in the United States, for their timidity and indiffer- 
 ence in relation to the Anti-Slavery cause. The Lord for- 
 bid that I should accuse them of what they are not guilty ; 
 but, while I am willing to make many honorable excep- 
 tions, I am nevertheless constrained to rank them among 
 the corrupt sects of the age. 
 
 I have scarcely left room to say how delighted I am to 
 learn that you and James are soon to embark for England, 
 in order to be at the “ World’s Convention.” My heart 
 leaped at the intelligence ; for I could not be reconciled to 
 the thought that you were to remain behind. I have only 
 to regret that I shall not be able to go over in the same 
 packet with you both ; but duty requires me to be at the 
 annual meeting of the Parent Societjr, which is pregnant 
 with good or evil to our sacred cause. It will be a trying 
 occasion, but I think the right will prevail. A most afflict- 
 ing change has come over the views and feelings of some 
 of our old friends and co-workers : especially in regard to 
 myself personally ; whom they seem now to hate and de- 
 spise, more than they once apparently loved and honored. 
 My peace and happiness, however, are derived from God, 
 in whom I live and shall rejoice evermore : therefore, it is, 
 it will ever be, in my estimation, a small thing to be judged 
 of man’s judgment. 
 
 It is somewhat uncertain, whether I shall go to England, 
 because it is impossible to foresee what may transpire at 
 
142 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 the New York m g , but it is my intention to go, if practi- 
 cable. 
 
 My best regards to James, and to all your children — in 
 which my dear wife cordially unites. 
 
 Heaven bless and preserve you ! 
 
 Your grateful friend, Wm. Lloyd Garrison. 
 
 The health of Lucretia Mott at this time was 
 much broken, and her condition at times so critical, 
 that it seemed as if life could not be continued much 
 longer. It was hoped that the sea-voyage might 
 prove beneficial. She had naturally a strong consti- 
 tution, but was careless of herself, and continually 
 overtaxed her strength ; sometimes it seemed as if 
 the frail body could not keep pace with her amazing 
 mental activity and enthusiasm ; but it was seen af- 
 terwards that this spiritual vitality was the sustain- 
 ing influence of her long life. To her indomitable 
 spirit, each fresh field of labor called her impera- 
 tively to renewed exertion, and she welcomed the 
 mission to England accordingly. No mere trip for 
 health would have tempted her to leave home. Ow- 
 ing to severe pecuniary losses, it might have been dif- 
 ficult for her and her husband to bear the expense of 
 this journey, had not a kind friend, and distant rela- 
 tive, sent them the generous gift of a sum of money, 
 with the following cordial note. This thoughtful 
 attention was the more gratefully valued, because of 
 the sympathy and appreciation it evinced, at a time 
 when friends were growing fewer and fewer, and the 
 difficult way was being made more difficult, by stud- 
 ied neglect and unkindness. 
 
 Dear Friend, Lucretia Mott, — Understanding thou 
 hast an appointment to attend the World’s Convention, if 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 143 
 
 it suits thy views, and thou feels it thy duty to go, I am 
 aware many necessaries must be provided for thy comfort 
 on shipboard, and elsewhere, and being desirous of contrib- 
 uting thereto, the annexed is offered for thy use ; and I 
 hope thou wilt feel no hesitation in appropriating it, excus- 
 ing the liberty I have taken. The undertaking may appear 
 formidable, but in performing an act of duty, I have no 
 doubt hard things will be made easy. And if anything can 
 possibly be done to ameliorate the condition of the poor 
 suffering slaves, it cannot fail of yielding peace and conso- 
 lation to every feeling mind. 
 
 My time is limited to a very short space, or I would not 
 send thee such a sad looking scrip. 
 
 With love and good wishes, thy very affectionate cousin, 
 
 Elizabeth Rodman. 
 
 From the answer I quote only that part in direct 
 acknowledgment, the rest not being pertinent. 
 
 . . % I feel regret for the delay in acknowledging the 
 letter containing thy generous offer, and hope thou wilt not 
 attribute it to any indifference on our part, for we are sen- 
 sibly impressed by thy kindness. I am far from feeling 
 that my almost worn-out efforts are worthy thy estimate of 
 them ; — and yet I would not undervalue any power be- 
 stowed for the advocacy of human freedom ; and while 
 life and strength enable, my ardent nature prompts me to 
 work on, well rewarded in the evidence that the labor is 
 not in vain. • . . 
 
 Many at the present day may wonder, that it was 
 possible thus to receive assistance without feeling 
 under too heavy an obligation ; but customs and cir- 
 cumstances then were very different from ours now ; 
 and perhaps, in the absorbed and devoted life of an 
 abolitionist, there was small chance for fictitious 
 pride. Reformers were used to helping, and being 
 
144 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI. A MOTT. 
 
 helped ; and although it seldom came to the lot of 
 my grandparents to be helped, they had that true 
 humility of spirit which could receive, as well as 
 give. It was very likely easier in this case, from the 
 fact that they belonged to a Society, in which it was 
 not an unusual proceeding to furnish means to ena- 
 ble Friends to accomplish their religious journeys ; 
 indeed, the Discipline provides that “ when the con- 
 cern of a Friend for the performance of a religious 
 visit ... is united with, . . . that the monthly 
 meeting do carefully examine and see that the ser- 
 vice may not be impeded, or the individual improp- 
 erly burthened, for want of requisite means to defray 
 the expenses of such a journey.” 
 
 Another friend, Joseph Warner, of Philadelphia, 
 also contributed liberally toward this journey. About 
 a year afterwards, James Mott, feeling better satisfied 
 to consider his contribution a loan, returned the 
 amount ; but the next day it was sent back, with 
 this note : “ J. W. considers the money was well ex- 
 pended, and does not feel easy to receive it.” 
 
 In addition to their credentials as regular dele- 
 gates from the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, 
 they were given a certificate from the u Association 
 of Friends for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery,” 
 signed by many prominent members, and a “ min- 
 ute ” from the Monthly Meeting to which they be- 
 longed. This was given voluntarily by the meeting, 
 without their “ opening their prospect ” as a religious 
 concern. It showed their standing in the Society of 
 Friends, and stated that Lucretia Mott was an ap- 
 proved minister; but it was not expected, whatever 
 might be their status at home, that any certificate 
 from their meeting would give them place with the 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 145 
 
 Orthodox Friends in England. Care was promptly 
 taken by the Orthodox party in Philadelphia to no- 
 tify Friends in England of the proposed visit, with 
 the information that James and Lucretia Mott were 
 not in unity with them. This was a wholly unnec- 
 essary trouble, for no attempt to obtrude themselves, 
 or to pass for other than they were, was contem- 
 plated. Nevertheless, during their sojourn in Great 
 Britain, some Friends felt very uneasy, — and, as 
 will be seen in Lucretia Mott’s diary, given in the 
 next chapter, — embraced every opportunity to ex- 
 press disunity with the u heretics,” and to warn the 
 “true fold” of their erring sinfulness. This duty 
 once performed, however, there was a general dis- 
 position to show civility to the strangers. Indeed, 
 their company was so much sought after, and the at- 
 tentions they received from many sources were so ab- 
 sorbing, that they had no regrets or disappointments 
 to feel because of any social omissions, or the neg- 
 lect of that sectarian recognition to which they had 
 laid no claim. 
 
 While in England, Lucretia Mott, for the first and 
 only time, kept a diary ; probably with the intention 
 of writing out in full at some future time the inci- 
 dents of so interesting a visit. In her busy life that 
 time never came, and the diary remains the brief, 
 disjointed account it was originally. While in some 
 parts we wish for further detail, and in others might 
 be satisfied with less, as a whole it is so characteris- 
 tic of the writer, that it is given here, with very few 
 omissions. 
 
 10 
 
CHAPTER VIL 
 
 DIARY. 
 
 We sailed from New York, 5 th mo. 7 th , 1840, in the 
 fine packet ship Roscoe, Capt. Huttleston, a quiet comman- 
 der, and very kind. Our company was Henry and Mary 
 Grew, Sarah Pugh, Abby Kimber, Eliz th J. Neall, Isaac 
 Winslow and daughter Emily, Abby Southwick, and 
 George Bradburn. Among the thirty-two cabin passengers, 
 Henry Morley of London, Arthur Biggs of York, and 
 Frederick A. Whitewell of Boston, were most companion- 
 able. Much time was passed in the round-house, and on 
 the sides of the ship, watching the billowy deep, and look- 
 ing afar for sails. Much interesting conversation on slav- 
 ery with West Indians, particularly a Dr. M’Knaught; on 
 theology, with sectarians ; and on politics, with tories and 
 haters of O’Connell. No conversions; “bread cast upon 
 the waters.” Isaac Winslow, beloved of all, in his abun- 
 dant kindness, distributed freely from his supplies of or- 
 anges, lemons, soda, and other comforts and luxuries. E. 
 Neall, the life of our company, and favorite of the Captain. 
 Meeting on First-day. Father Grew read and preached. 
 Some additional remarks well received. 1 
 
 5 th mo. 2S ih . — Landed at Liverpool, and went to the 
 Adelphi Hotel. Lodging rooms nice, with curtained beds, 
 and night-caps provided for gentlemen. Many things dif- 
 ferent from what we had seen before. Tea always made 
 at table, with urn of water generally, or else a small tea- 
 kettle in the fire-place, with a heater in it ; dry toast always 
 
 1 Undoubtedly made by herself. It is noticeable that she mentions her- 
 self throughout the diary in this obscure way. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 147 
 
 in a rack. Walked out, and admired all but the brick 
 buildings, which, rough and black, are inferior to ours. 
 Police officers at every turn, always civil and ready to di- 
 rect strangers. William Rathbone and wife called, and 
 engaged us to tea. E. Wilson also invited us to his coun- 
 try place, which kindness we had not time to accept. James 
 Martineau and J. Townsend also called. In going from 
 Liverpool to Chester, when crossing the Mersey in the 
 ferry-boat, a man inquired if that “ old lady ” had crossed 
 the Atlantic ! . . . Top of coach to Chester. . . . Outside 
 seats to Manchester, passing fine country seats, and exten- 
 sive artificial forests. 
 
 First-day, 31 st . — Went to Friends’ Meeting ; silent; a 
 handsome house with nice benches, all cushioned. Friends 
 wearing high bonnets, and veils. Afternoon at the Sunday 
 School at Isaac Crewdson’s church, where the children are 
 instructed in the importance of baptism, and supper, and 
 orthodox faith. Accepted invitation to tea with John Cock- 
 burn and wife, and went with them to evening meeting ; 
 Isaac Crewdson, pastor, with two assistants. After a short 
 silence and prayer, a chapter was read from Luke, followed 
 by a sermon by Isaac Crewdson ; then silence, prayer, and 
 benediction. The house is built after the manner of 
 Friends, but more ornamented, having maple benches with 
 green cushions and footstools, and the floor carpeted with 
 coarse India matting, as in most meeting houses we saw. 
 The gallery is small, designed for only five or six, to the 
 exclusion of women. Some Friends in England are also 
 of the opinion that women would not be called to that office, 
 if men were faithful to their vocation ; and these claim to 
 be the legitimate descendants of George Fox and his noble 
 and worthy cotemporaries ! Isaac Crewdson invited us to 
 go home and sup with him ; gave us books explanatory of 
 their tenets, and treated us kindly and charitably. We 
 respected their zeal and sincerity, while we mourned such 
 a declension from the simplicity of the faith of the Society 
 of Friends. 
 
148 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTE 
 
 6 th mo. 1 st , Second-day . — William Nield called, and pro- 
 vided a guide to the cotton factories, where the women 
 and children looked better than we expected to find them. 
 Women earn 9s. a week; girls from 3s. to 6s.; men, 16s. 
 Visited some of their homes, which seemed quite comfort- 
 able. . . . 
 
 We learned that Mary S. Lloyd was going to Wales, and 
 would not be at the Convention, which is a disappoint- 
 ment, as she was the first to suggest the formation of Fe- 
 male Anti-Slavery societies in America. William Harrold 
 called ; was kind and polite in giving us directions how to 
 proceed on our journey. . . . 
 
 2 nd , Third-day. — Coach to Warwick, twenty miles. Vis- 
 ited the Hospital of the Twelve Brethren ; a bequest of 
 long standing, originally for soldiers, but now for trades- 
 men, uniformed, dressed up like gentlemen, living in idle- 
 ness on the labor of others ; miscalled charity. A pleas- 
 ant kitchen, where I sat some time admiring the old 
 furniture like Grandfather Folger’s ; three-cornered chairs, 
 large andirons, jack for roasting, large bellows, pipe box, 
 iron and brass candlesticks, &c. ... 
 
 3 rd , Fourth-day. — To Warwick Castle. . . . Rode to 
 Kenilworth ; ruins indeed ! more interesting to the girls 
 than to us. In my view, a “ catch-penny.” . . . Post- 
 chaise to Woodstock, passing through a beautiful coun- 
 try. . . . 
 
 4 th , Fifth-day . — Posted from Woodstock to Oxford to 
 breakfast. Colleges and churches galore. . . . Oxford to 
 Slough Railroad on top of coach ; rail to Windsor, where 
 a stranger recommended us to the “ Crown ” inn, clean, but 
 not gratifying to pride. . . . Eton boys celebrating George 
 Ill’s birthday, a fete they are unwilling to give up. In 
 the evening we saw beautiful fire-works on the Thames, 
 thousands witnessing the scene. 
 
 5 th , Sixth-day. — To the Castle, and through the magnifi- 
 cent apartments ; thence to the chapel during morning ser- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 149 
 
 vice. I could not understand the indistinct speaker; the 
 boys’ responses and chauntings, with banners waving over 
 their heads, bordered on the ridiculous. It was war and the 
 church united. . . . The cenotaph of the Princess Char- 
 lotte is most moving — most melancholy ! . . . From 
 Windsor to London, twenty miles, top of coach, our coach- 
 man communicative, and as we generally found them, more 
 intelligent than ours in America. They are well-dressed, 
 would-be gentlemen, seldom leaving their seats, and giving 
 no assistance in changing horses. 
 
 We saw gypsies’ carts, and a few of the “ vagabond and 
 useless tribe.” Women in the fields weeding; others, with 
 small children, gathering manure in their aprons and sell- 
 ing it in small quantities. The road was swept and scraped 
 like our streets, and the walking so good that women 
 may well walk five or six miles in the country without 
 dread or fatigue. As we drew near London, we passed 
 through places familiar to us by name, Brentford, Houn- 
 slow Heath, Kingsbridge, Piccadilly, Hyde Park, Charing 
 Cross, Strand, Temple Bar, Fleet Street, Ludgate Hill, St. 
 Paul’s, Cheapside, gazing and admiring, till our coachman 
 turned into Friday Lane, and up a dark court, where we 
 dismounted in the rain at the “ Saracen’s Head,” and were 
 ushered into a dismal, dark, back room, — “ and this,” we 
 exclaimed, “ is London ! ” We did not rest until we found 
 a more comfortable lodging, at Mark Moore’s, No. 6 Queen 
 St. Place, Southwark Bridge, Cheapside, where we met 
 with many abolitionists, among whom a number from 
 America, James G. Birney, H. B. Stanton and his nice 
 Elizabeth, E. Galusha, Nathan 1 Colver, Wm. Knibb and 
 W. Clark from Jamaica, two colored men, Barrett, and 
 Beckford, and Samuel Prescod from Barbadoes. 
 
 Seventh-day , 6 th . Joseph Sturge breakfasted with us, 
 and begged our submission to the London Committee, ac- 
 knowledging that he had received letters from America on 
 the subject, and reading one from Thomas Clarkson. He 
 
150 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 invited us to tea at the A. S. rooms, with such of the del- 
 egates as had arrived. We endeavored to show him the in- 
 consistency of excluding women delegates, but we soon 
 found he had prejudged, and made up his mind to act with 
 our New-Organization, therefore all reasoning was lost 
 upon him and our appeals made in vain. Elizabeth Pease 1 
 called, a fine, noble-looking young woman. The evening 
 visit to the A. S. rooms was pleasant and interesting. It 
 is a common practice in England when committees meet, to 
 have a simple tea and invite company to join them, after 
 which they appoint a chairman, and make the conversation 
 general. Wm. A. Crewdson was chairman. Conversation 
 on the expediency of continuing such conventions ; inquired 
 if their, as well as our, recent efforts were based on the 
 duty of “ immediate emancipation ; ” on being answered 
 affirmatively, gave them to understand that this idea hav- 
 ing originated with E. Heyrick, a woman, when the con- 
 vention should be held in America, we should not contem- 
 plate the exclusion of women. Many spoke kindly to us, 
 some responded “ hear hear ! ” all were pleasant. Eliza- 
 beth Pease was the only female member present beside our- 
 selves. 
 
 First-day , 8 th mo., 7 th . — Went to Grace Church St. meet- 
 ing ; no preaching ; two hours’ formal silence ; none spoke 
 to us. In the afternoon to St. Paul’s ; a pretty good ser- 
 mon, but the service formal. It is a mockery for sensible, 
 intelligent people to employ children to chant and make 
 responses. . . . The Morgans of Birmingham and C. E. 
 Lester called. . . . 
 
 Second-day , mo., 8 th . — Breakfasted at Joseph Pease’s 
 
 lodgings, in company with Professor Adam. Many call- 
 ers. Tea at the A. S. rooms, where we were introduced to 
 many whom we had not before met, Jonathan Backhouse, 
 Josiah Forster and his brother Robert, Wm. Smeal, Wm. 
 Ball, Anne Knight, George Alexander, George Thompson 
 and others. . . . 
 
 1 Afterwards wife of Dr. Nichol, the astronomer. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 151 
 
 9 th , Third-day . — George Thompson and Rob’t. Doug- 
 lass to breakfast. Wendell Phillips and wife called, and 
 Cousin Starbuck. Dined at Jacob Post’s. Evening party 
 at Mark Moore’s. W. D. Crewdson and Win. Ball came 
 with official information that women were to be re- 
 jected. . . . 
 
 Fourth-day, 10* A . — Joseph Sturge, and Scales, called to 
 endeavor to reconcile us to our fate. We called a meeting 
 of women to protest, joined by Wm. Adam, Geo. Thompson, 
 and Wendell Phillips. Tea again at A. S. rooms. Wm. 
 Edward Forster very kind and attentive. The subjects of 
 conversation were more diversified than usual, colonization, 
 British India, etc. When free produce was introduced, 
 some called on me to speak ; replied, that we had been 
 asked why we could not get the gentlemen to say for us all 
 we wished, so now I would request Henry Grew or James 
 Mott to speak for me ; they insisted on my going on, so I 
 gave some rubs on our proposed exclusion ; cries of “ hear ! 
 hear ! ” Offended C., who told me I should have been 
 called to order if I had not been a woman. 
 
 Fifth-day, 11*\ — Wm. Boultbee and Wm. Edward 
 Forster breakfasted with us. Met again about our exclu- 
 sion, and agreed on the following protest : — 
 
 “ The American Women Delegates from Penn a to the 
 World’s Convention, would present to the Com. of the 
 British and Foreign A. S. Society their grateful acknowl- 
 edgments for the kind attentions received by them since 
 their arrival in London. But while as individuals they re- 
 turn thanks for these favors, as delegates from the bodies 
 appointing them, they deeply regret to learn by a series of 
 resolutions passed at a meeting of the Committee, bearing 
 reference to credentials from the Massachusetts Society, 
 that it is contemplated to exclude women from a seat in the 
 Convention, as co-equals in the advocacy of Universal Lib- 
 erty. The Delegates will duly communicate to their con- 
 
152 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 stituents, the intimation which these resolutions convey ; in 
 the mean time, they stand prepared to cooperate to any 
 extent and in any form, consistent with their instructions, 
 in promoting the just objects of the Convention, to whom 
 it is presumed will belong the power of determining the 
 validity of any claim to a seat in that body. 
 
 “ On behalf of the Delegation, 
 
 “Very respectfully, 
 
 “ 6* mo. 11 th , 1840. “ Sarah Pugh.” 
 
 Sixth-day, 6 th mo., 12 th . — The World’s Convention, alias 
 the “ Conference of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery 
 Society,” assembled, with such guests as they chose to in- 
 vite. We were kindly admitted behind the bar, politely con- 
 ducted to our seats, and introduced to many whom we had 
 not before met ; Dr. Bowring, William Ashurst, and a 
 Mrs. Thompson, grand-daughter of Lady Middleton, who 
 first suggested to Wilberforce some action in Parliament on 
 slavery. I introduced William Forster to Sarah Pugh, as 
 orthodox ; he begged there might be no allusion to differ- 
 ences between us, saying, “Thou touches me in a tender 
 spot; I remember thee with much affection in Baltimore in 
 1820.” The meeting was opened in a dignified manner, in 
 silence, those who wished prayer being informed that the 
 next room was appropriated to them. Thomas Clarkson’s 
 entrance was deeply interesting, accompanied by his 
 daughter-in-law, and her little son, his only remaining rep- 
 resentative. He was received standing, and in silence; 
 when he had taken the chair, all resumed their seats, and a 
 solemn pause of some minutes followed. Joseph Sturge 
 then introduced him, briefly, but impressively. 1 . . . Most 
 
 1 Thomas Clarkson, in his opening address, said : — 
 
 “I stand before you as a humble individual, whose life has been most 
 intimately connected with the subject which you are met this day to con- 
 sider. I was formerly, under Providence, the originator, and am now un- 
 happily the only surviving member of the committee, which was first 
 instituted in this country, in the year 1787, for the abolition of the slave- 
 trade. My dear friend and fellow-laborer, Mr. Wilberforce, who was one 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 153 
 
 of the speeches being reported in the papers, renders it un- 
 necessary to record any part here. . . . 
 
 The Friends present were nearly all opposed to women’s 
 admission. We were told that the secret of it was, that 
 our coming had been announced in London Yearly Meet- 
 ing, and that they were put on their guard against us, as 
 not of their faith. . . . 
 
 Seventh-day , 13^. — Sat with the family during their 
 worship, as was our practice, when not otherwise engaged. 
 E. Galusha led the exercises, and in his prayer was rather 
 personal, praying at us, rather than for us. He was re- 
 plied to according to his deserts. These occasions some- 
 times furnished opportunity for explaining sentiments that 
 had been misrepresented. Our host, Mark Moore, offered 
 his services to get the use of a room belonging to their con- 
 gregation ( Baptist ) for us to have a religious meeting in. 
 He succeeded so far as to have some notice given, when 
 some Friends, hearing of it, came forward and represented 
 us in such manner as to induce them to withdraw the 
 grant. The Unitarians then offered theirs, which we 
 gladly accepted, and for which we were more than ever de- 
 nounced. Dr. Hutton, of Carter Lane, kindly called to 
 see us from Wm. Adam’s recommendation. Jonathan 
 Backhouse called to invite the orthodox part of our com- 
 pany to Samuel Gurney’s the next day ; would ask the 
 others, but where there were young people present, they 
 were afraid of our principles ! . . . Meeting very interest- 
 ed them, is, as you know, dead, and here I may say of him, that there 
 never was a man, either dead or living, to whom your cause was more in- 
 debted, than to him. . . . 
 
 “ My dear friends, I was invited, many months ago, to be at this meet- 
 ing ; but old age and infirmities, being lame and nearly blind, besides be- 
 ing otherwise seriously afflicted at other times, gave me no hope of 
 attending. But I have been permitted to come among you, and I rejoice 
 in it. ... I can saj^ with truth, that though my body is fast going to de- 
 cay, my heart beats as warmly in this sacred cause, now in the eighty- 
 first year of my age, as it did at the age of twenty-four, when I first took 
 it up. And I can say further, with truth, that if I had another life given 
 me to live, I would devote it to the same subject.” . . . 
 
154 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 ing ; roll called, and titles given to the worthy and the un- 
 worthy. J. C. Fuller answered to his, “I’m no squire ” 
 
 First-day , IT*. — Went to Devonshire House meeting. 
 Rec d a note from Thomas Clarkson, addressed to the 
 “ American Ladies ” : — 
 
 Mr dear Friends, — Being very much indisposed to- 
 day, and on that account obliged to leave London to-mor- 
 row for the country for a few days, where I can get a little 
 ease and quiet, I should not like to take my departure 
 without paying my personal respects to you, and acknowl- 
 edging the obligations which our sacred cause owes to you 
 for having so warmly taken it up, and protected it on your 
 side of the water, against the attacks of its adversaries; 
 and this in times of threatened persecution. We owe you 
 also a debt of gratitude for having made the sacrifice of 
 leaving your families and encountering the dangers of the 
 ocean to serve it. If you will permit me, I will call upon 
 you for half an hour for this purpose, and bring with me 
 my daughter and little grandson. 
 
 I am, ladies, with the most cordial esteem and gratitude, 
 your sincere friend, Thomas Clarkson. 
 
 Much preparation for him. He came attended by Jo- 
 seph Sams, Anne Knight, and others. He made touching 
 speeches to several ; and when Elizabeth Neall was intro- 
 duced as the grand-daughter of Warner Mifflin, he ex- 
 claimed with emotion, “ Dear child ! he was the first man 
 who liberated his slaves unconditionally.” A short address 
 to him from the oldest delegate. J. Sams invited James 
 and self to go home with them and sup with our venerable 
 friend, but a previous engagement at Dr. Hutton’s pre- 
 vented. Calls from E. Reid and Julia Smith, friends of 
 H. Martin eau. . . . 
 
 Second-day, 15**. — Sir Eardly Wilmot introduced; first 
 in parliament to oppose the apprenticeship, and the Hill 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 155 
 
 Cooley oppression. O’Connell, excellent and amusing, came 
 to us ; thanked him for pleading our cause, but rejected 
 complimentary speeches in lieu of robbed rights. . . . Dined 
 at E. Reid’s, with Julia Smith and Eliza Ashurst ; every- 
 thing very nice. E. Reid manifested much sympathy with 
 us in our exclusion. . . . Tea at Irish Friends’ lodgings, 
 Richard and Hannah Webb. Much interesting conversa- 
 tion. R. Webb and R. Allen walked home with us, two 
 miles. 
 
 Third-day, 16*\ — O’Connell made us another visit; 
 said he was not satisfied with the decision of the convention 
 respecting us, whereupon he received a note asking for his 
 sentiments, which he readily sent us. 1 Anne Knight intro- 
 duced Wm. Martin, of Cork, who first influenced Father 
 Matthew in the Temperance cause. It is gratifying that 
 this important subject has begun to awaken wine-drinking 
 England. Lunch at eating-house* large company. Tea at 
 E. Reid’s in company with Joshua Marriage, Anne Knight, 
 John Keep, and William Dawes. Cabs and omnibuses a 
 great convenience in this widely-extended city. 
 
 Fourth-day , 17 th . — Heard that Garrison, Rogers, Remond, 
 and Adams had arrived. Left the convention at two o’c. to 
 go to a meeting of the Prison Society at Westminster ; 
 house full of aristocracy and nobility, but not specially in- 
 teresting, as we were losing that which was to us more so, 
 at the convention. Elizabeth Fry gave an account of her 
 
 1 To Daniel O’Connell;- M. P., — The rejected delegates from Amer- 
 ica to the “General Anti-Slavery Conference ” are desirous to have the 
 opinion of one of the most distinguished advocates of universal liberty, as 
 to the reasons urged by the majority for their rejection, viz. : that the ad- 
 mission of women, being contrary to English usage, would subject them to 
 ridicule, and that such recognition of their acknowledged principles would 
 prejudice the cause of human freedom. 
 
 Permit me, then, on behalf of the delegation, to ask of Daniel O’Connell 
 the favor of his sentiment, as incidentally expressed in the meeting on the 
 morning of the 13th inst. It will oblige his sincere friend, 
 
 Lucretia Mott. 
 
 London, Sixth mo., 17th, 1840. 
 
 For O’Connell’s reply, see Appendix, p. 471. 
 
156 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 labors on the continent. She was unassuming, meek, and 
 modest, but nothing very striking. She has done immense 
 good to the poor prisoner. ... At our lodgings met Wm. 
 L. Garrison and party, “ with joy and sorrow too.” They 
 had resolved not to enter the convention where we were 
 excluded. We reasoned with them on the subject, but 
 found them fixed. . . . 
 
 Fifth-day, 18^. — Present of flowers from Eliza A. Ash- 
 urst, and strawberries from Anne Knight. . . . Lady Byron 
 at the meeting. I handed her my letter of introduction 
 from George Combe. . . . Several went up to welcome 
 Garrison and party, and some tried to introduce them to 
 our new-organized meeting, but were hushed. Wendell 
 Phillips tried to read their credentials, but was put down 
 with a kind of promise that he should have a hearing the 
 next day. 
 
 Sixth-day , 19*\ — Wendell Phillips again tried to intro- 
 duce Garrison and company, without success ; some angry 
 debate. We all felt discouraged. Joseph Sturge came to 
 us, — doubted whether the ladies could have a meeting ; 
 it was feared other subjects would be introduced, and he 
 partook of that fear. We are much disappointed to find so 
 little independent action on the part of women. . . . 
 
 Seventh-day , 20^. — Amelia Opie stopped us to speak as 
 we went into the meeting, and said, “ You are held in high 
 estimation, and have raised yourselves by coming.” Lady 
 Byron sat upstairs with Garrison and Remond, conversing 
 freely with the latter. . . . The convention was not dis- 
 posed to entertain the British India question, though many 
 had something to say on it. Colver made a speech betray- 
 ing his want of confidence in moral power, depending too 
 much on appeals to avarice, and holding, that with the 
 slaveholder, all else would be powerless. Many were un- 
 sound on abstinence from slave produce. J. Crewdson used 
 to be particular, until he considered that if all should do 
 so, the Manchester mills must stop, and the people starve •, 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 157 
 
 so forthwith he let fall his testimony, and now aids in per- 
 petuating our slavery, lest his own countrymen should have 
 to seek other business. I. Price, of Wales, once so zeal- 
 ous as to have the cotton linings taken out of his vests, and 
 to deny himself of many sweets, etc., all at once found he 
 might be carried too far, so he sagely concluded to im- 
 merse his conscience to the full in slave-gotten goods. 
 Then N. Colver told how tender he once was on the sub- 
 ject ; how be had gathered his little ones about him, and 
 explained to them the cruelty and wickedness of such par- 
 ticipancy, and such was the effect of his fatherly labors 
 that those children could n’t have been hired to touch a 
 sugar-plum or a cake ! when he too discovered self-denial 
 was not easy, and gave it up, leaving his children full lati- 
 tude in the gain of oppression. Geo. Bradburn too, from 
 whom we might have expected better things, added his ar- 
 guments to the wrong side ; and all the comfort we had, 
 was in beholding how weak they all were. Plainly as all 
 this sophistry might have been exposed, the weak and 
 flimsy arguments were suffered to pass almost unanswered. 
 Henry Grew was not in the meeting at this time. Chas. 
 Stuart’s mind was swallowed up in the littleness of putting 
 down woman ; James Mott, discouraged, took little interest 
 in the proceedings of the convention. Nathaniel Colver 
 then for the first time sallied forth to our bar, saying, 
 “ Now, if the spirit moves you to speak on this subject, 
 say on, — you will be allowed to say what you wish.” Out 
 of the abundance of a full heart, and an indignant spirit, 
 here might words have been uttered ! But if the Psalmist 
 withheld his mouth even from good when the wicked were 
 before him, even so now ! . . . Our Free Produce Society 
 will have to double their diligence, and do their own work ; 
 and so must American abolitionists generally, and espe- 
 cially women . George Bradburn afterwards confessed that 
 he said what he did, more to bring out others than in full 
 persuasion of the truth of his arguments, expecting a glare 
 of light to be thrown on the subject by several present. 
 
158 
 
 JAMES AND LUC RET I A MOTT. 
 
 Dined at J. and A. Braithwait’s lodgings in company 
 with Garrison, Rogers, whom I like better and better, and 
 others. The Braithwaits, though not in full unity with the 
 measures of the British and Foreign Society, were very 
 open and kind, and more liberal to us than we expected. 
 Returning to the meeting, met Lady Byron in the entry ; 
 she had called on us and left her address. Wm. Boultbee’s 
 speech was good, as principle was dwelt upon rather than 
 expediency ; “ the highest expediency is to act from prin- 
 ciple.” H. B. S. not so strong in confidence in moral 
 power as desirable. Elizabeth Stanton gaining daily in our 
 affections. . . . 
 
 First-day, 0 th mo., 21 s *. — Went to meeting with Susan 
 Hutton, who called for us, and heard her husband preach 
 very well. Went in two cabs to William Ashurst’s to dine ; 
 met there Jas. and Elizabeth Pease, Harriet Martineau’s 
 mother and brother, Dr. Epps, homoeopathic, and very 
 liberal, and William and Mary Howitt ; a visit full of in- 
 terest and delight. . . . 
 
 Second-day, 22 nd . — Could no longer have the use of Free 
 Mason’s Hall. Met in Friends’ Meeting-House, Grace 
 Church St. Front seat upstairs appropriated to “ rejected 
 delegates ; ” did n’t like being so shut out from the mem- 
 bers. 
 
 In the evening at our lodgings there was much discus- 
 sion on the protest. 1 J. Scoble acknowledged that he 
 brought the word from America about the appointment of 
 women ; much said and felt. Wendell Phillips took an 
 active part, as did his whole-souled wife. Wm. Edward 
 Forster suggested alterations, aside ; a noble young man ; 
 I like him very much. He often comes to our lodgings. 2 
 
 Third-day , 23 rd . — Last day of the Convention. Some 
 
 1 A “protest against certain proceedings of the Committee of the 
 British and Foreign Anti -Slavery Society, and of the Convention,” 
 read on the last day of the Convention bv Wendell Phillips, and signed 
 by William Adam, Wendell Phillips, Jonathan P. Miller, Charles Ed- 
 wards Lester, James Mott, George Bradburn, and Isaac Winslow. 
 
 2 Afterwards Right Hon. W. E. Forster, Chief Secretary for Ireland. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 159 
 
 excitement about the protest. We were honored with seats 
 down stairs, so that we could hold conference with those 
 who chose to come to us. Dined at Joseph Pease’s with 
 Wm. Boultbee, who said he was on good terms with all on 
 theological points, as he never asked their opinions, and 
 never told his own. . . . Protest offered. Colver boldly 
 and impudently moved that it be laid on the table. Wm. 
 Scales made excellent closing remarks, that although on 
 some subjects they had had conflicting sentiments, dividing 
 them “ distinct as the billows,” yet he believed there was 
 unity enough in our common cause to make us again “ one 
 as the sea ; ” and so the Convention closed ! 
 
 Fourth-day , 24 <A . — Exeter Hall meeting under the direc- 
 tion of British and Foreign Soc y . Com. Women delegates 
 excluded from this too, altlio’ a seat of honor was provided ; 
 Duke of Sussex in the chair. Joseph Sturge announced 
 him ; “ did n’t wish to prevent the usual expression for his 
 Boyal Highness,” but when Thomas Clarkson entered, 
 begged they would not receive him in that way. E. Fry 
 and Duchess of Sutherland were introduced with much 
 clapping, and taken to front seats on the platform, which 
 seemed rather inconsistent, after their repudiating “ such 
 exposure of ladies.” Elizabeth Fry afterwards apologized 
 for her conspicuous seat. I told her it was just the seat 
 she ought to occupy in a Prison Meeting, and there was 
 no objection to it in this one, only as showing the incon- 
 sistency of our opponents. Very interesting meeting. 
 Guizot, the French ambassador, translated by Dr. Bow- 
 ring, very good. 
 
 Tea at Crown and Anchor ; the closing scene of aboli- 
 tionists ! We were informed on entrance, that it was a 
 more liberal meeting than any we had had, undei; the man- 
 agement of the abolitionists of England, Ireland, and 
 Scotland united. The company was very large, the prep- 
 arations simple, as these soirees are generally understood 
 to be for moral and intellectual purposes, or political, as 
 
160 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 the case may be. I was pleased that there was not much 
 catering to the animal appetite. After tea, cups, etc., are 
 removed, a chairman is appointed, the company all keeping 
 their seats, and a subject being proposed, speakers are 
 called on one by one, or if any one has any remarks to 
 make, liberty is readily granted by the chair. Here were 
 about four hundred present, at three tables running the 
 length of the room, the fourth across the “ top,” in the 
 centre of which, Wm. D. Crewdson sat as chairman. The 
 speakers were J. G. Birney, H. B. Stanton, Wm. L. Gar- 
 rison, C. L. Remond, Campbell, Gov. of Sierra Leone, and 
 G. Thompson. A paper was sent up saying, “ L. M. is 
 confidently expected to make the next speech.” She was 
 therefore called on. The president announced her, when 
 J. Scoble, who had a choice in her not thus u exposing ” 
 herself, stood and requested to make some explanation of 
 Gov. Campbell’s speech, as “ that was of importance.” 
 His request was drowned by cries of, “ No ! no ! Mrs. 
 Mott ! ” so she had to inform them that she would endeavor 
 to occupy but little time. She was patiently heard ; and 
 no further explanation was then begged by friend S. 1 
 Many introductions were made ; and the Crown and An- 
 chor soiree ended satisfactorily. 
 
 Received a letter from Harriet Martineau, in which she 
 thus writes : — 
 
 1 My wife embraced the opportunity to give her views on the subject of 
 the use of the produce of slavery, which were listened to with attention, 
 and apparently well received. In the course of her remarks, she men- 
 tioned the example and faithfulness of some members of the Society of 
 Friends in this respect, without mentioning any names. Josiah Forster 
 could not allow this allusion to pass unnoticed; and when she closed, he 
 began to speak, by saying that he “felt conscientiously bound to inform 
 the company, and he did so with no other than feelings of kindness, 
 that Lucretia Mott,” — when he had proceeded so far, it was perceived 
 that he was about to disclaim religious fellowship with her, and a general 
 burst of disapprobation was manifested by cries of “down! down! or- 
 der! order! shame!” but he finished his avowal amidst the confusion, 
 though very few heard what he said. As soon as he had made his speech, 
 he left the room. — James Mott. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 161 
 
 My dear Friend, — I cannot be satisfied without send- 
 ing you one line of sympathy and love. I think much of 
 you amidst your present trials, and much indeed have I 
 thought of you and your cause since we parted. 1 May 
 God strengthen and comfort you ! It is a comfort to me 
 in my absence, that two of my best friends, Mrs. Reid and 
 Julia Smith, are there to look upon you with eyes of love. 
 I hear of you from them ; for, busy as they are, they re- 
 member me from day to day, and make me a partaker in 
 your proceedings. If you and Mr. Mott should be coming 
 near this way, how joyful it would make me to see you ! 
 I am too unwell to offer more than a few hours a day of 
 intercourse with any one, but love from my heart I do offer 
 you. Dear friend, it is doubtless a disappointment to us 
 both that we have not met; but if we cannot do so, we 
 can, I hope, bear it cheerfully. Though ill, I suffer little. 
 I should suffer greatly if I thought my friends were uneasy 
 for me. Yet I cannot but grieve for you in the heart sick- 
 ness which you must have experienced this last week. We 
 must trust that the spirit of Christ will in time enlarge the 
 hearts of those who claim his name ; that the whites as 
 well as the blacks, will in time be free. With kindest 
 regards to Mr. Mott, and remembrances to Miss Pugh, I 
 am yours affectionately, Harriet Martineau. 
 
 Fifth day, 25 th . — Visited the Borough Road School, by 
 invitation of Robert Forster, who was there to receive and 
 explain to us. The boys are well instructed, but the girls 
 too much confined to sewing. . . . Went to Tottenham to 
 tea at William Ball’s with a large company : Elizabeth 
 Fry, Countess of Brunswick, Amelia Opie, Isaac and 
 Ann Braithwait and daughter, William Allen, George 
 Stacey, Jonathan Backhouse, Elizabeth Pease, Anne 
 Knight, and many more beside all our company. Every- 
 thing was in style, with servants in livery. Tea was handed. 
 
 1 In Philadelphia, several years before. 
 
 II 
 
162 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 After much conversation and a short reading of Scripture, 
 way was opened by William Ball for any one to speak who 
 had a wish to. Elizabeth Fry asked if that included wo- 
 men, whereon G. Stacey essayed to limit the license given, 
 but William replied, “ No, I cannot do it.” He had been 
 remarkably kind during the Convention, and when he in- 
 vited us to his house, said, “ I wish you to understand that 
 tho’ we differ materially on what I consider very important 
 points, yet my heart goes out towards you in much affec- 
 tion.” He gave a short address, then William L. Garrison 
 spoke at length, very well ; and Elizabeth F ry followed in 
 prayer, that our mission might be blessed in breaking the 
 fetters of the poor captive, but above all blessed in bring- 
 ing us to the unsearchable riches of Christ. . . . 
 
 Sixth day, 26* 7i . — British Museum. There is so much 
 to see that the eye is wearied, nor could we keep together. 
 I slept while the others looked. . . . 
 
 Seventh , 27^. Stayed at home and wrote. Rec d . books 
 and a note from Lady Byron. Call from Samuel Gurney 
 to make arrangements for a visit to them. . . . 
 
 A stiff* company of Anti-Slavery ladies at our lodgings, 
 a poor affair. We find little confidence in woman’s ac- 
 tion either separately or conjointly with men, except as 
 drudges. . . . 
 
 Second day , 29^. — Two hours at Hay don’s. 1 . . . 
 
 Called on Lady Byron, and talked with her of our views 
 of woman, as we had been misrepresented. She told us 
 we were to have the company of the Duchess of Suther- 
 
 1 B. R. Haydon, the celebrated historical painter, was employed by 
 some members of the Convention to “make a sketch ” of the scene of the 
 opening day, and for that purpose, had sittings from various persons. It 
 is amusing to read in his autobiography the following mention of this par- 
 ticular sitter. 
 
 “29«*. — Lucretia Mott, the leader of the delegate women from Amer- 
 ica, sat. I found her out to have infidel notions, and resolved at once, 
 narrow minded or not, not to give her the prominent place I first intended. 
 I will reserve that for a beautiful believer in the Divinity of Christ.’ 9 He 
 afterward painted a portrait of her for the Duchess of Sutherland. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 163 
 
 land and daughter that day at Samuel Gurney’s, and she 
 hoped we would talk with the daughter, as she was an un- 
 common girl, only sixteen. . . . At two o’clock seven car- 
 riages were sent to take all our American company to 
 Samuel Gurney’s, a pleasant ride of five or six miles. It 
 is called Ham House, and has a beautiful park, with grass 
 soft as velvet, where a tent was erected in case the house 
 should overflow. T. F. Buxton, wife and children were 
 there, E. Fry and husband and son, the Braith waits, Fors- 
 ters, and many more, including the Duchess of Sutherland 
 and daughter, and Lord Morpeth ; much fuss when they 
 arrived in a coach and four grays, with outriders, and six 
 servants in livery. Samuel Gurney introduced the daugh- 
 ter , 1 and proposed her walking with L. Mott. After all 
 were coupled and arranged, we paraded about the lawn 
 awhile, then stood in a group, and heard S. Gurney read a 
 letter from the Marquis of Westminster, on the Conven- 
 tion, British India, the cotton trade, etc., which elicited 
 some remarks that were listened to with attention, though 
 startling in the beginning. . . . Fifty sat down to the ta- 
 ble, a cold collation, except the fish and soup and vegeta- 
 bles. E. Fry asked a blessing. Conversation was free 
 and pleasant during the meal, after which S. Gurney made 
 a short speech expressive of his satisfaction at having so 
 many American guests, followed by Wm. L. G., J. G. B., 
 H. B. S., T. F. Buxton, and others. Made me the offer ; 
 declined. I was honored with a seat at his right hand, 
 Ann Braithwait at the left. He invited the young people 
 to help themselves to wine ; gently reproved for it ; bore 
 it well. Many more joined at tea, which was served in 
 the drawing-room, as is the invariable custom in England. 
 Everything went off very well, and we shall long remem- 
 ber the visit. Had some talk with Josiah Forster, relative 
 to the difference of views between London Yearly Meeting 
 
 1 Afterwards the Duchess of Argyle, and mother of twelve children, the 
 eldest one of whom, the Marquis of Lome, married the Princess Louise. 
 
164 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE Tl A MOTT. 
 
 Friends and those of us in America who had not suffered, 
 ourselves to be led about with diverse and strange doc- 
 trines. Breakfasted that morning with James Haughton 
 and two daughters, from Dublin. His father was disowned 
 for countenancing Hannah Barnard. 1 I like to meet with 
 those who have suffered for their liberal views of Chris- 
 tianity. 
 
 Third-day , 30^. — Letter from William Howitt, 2 expres- 
 sive of his dissatisfaction at the decision of the Convention 
 on the woman question, and his admiration of the noble 
 course pursued by Garrison. Calls from Robert Owen, 
 R. R. Moore, Turnbull, and Dr. Madden ; Meeting at 
 Carter Lane ; reporter employed, to our sorrow. Went 
 afterward to Dr. Beattie’s, where we found a large com- 
 pany of abolitionists and intellectual persons, among whom 
 a French gentleman of distinction. 
 
 On returning to our lodgings found a note from Thomas 
 Clarkson’s daughter-in-law, enclosing his autograph for 
 each of our company, and alluding to the evening of their 
 call on the “ American Ladies ” with much feeling. She 
 says, “ That evening I shall never forget ; and bowed 
 down as I was in my inmost spirit by the recollection of 
 the missing link between grandfather and grandson, and 
 by a glimpse of the uncertain future as it regarded my 
 precious boy, I could not but catch the warmth of the en- 
 thusiasm around me, and felt that if wisdom and strength 
 were given to me from above, my greatest earthly solace 
 would be to train the dear child of him who was dearer to 
 me than my own existence, in the upward path, which, 
 though of tentime toilsome, leads through Infinite mercy to 
 eternal glory.” 
 
 Fourth-day , 1 th mo. I s *. — Dined at E. Reid’s with Lady 
 Byron. Wm. L. Garrison, N. P. Rogers, Remond, Dr. 
 Hutton and wife, and many others to tea. Much conver- 
 sation on housekeeping, neglect of families, and woman’s 
 1 See Appendix, p. 477. 2 See Appendix, p. 474. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 165 
 
 proper sphere ; a very pleasant visit. Invited by Lady By- 
 ron to visit her school. . . . 
 
 Fifth-day , 2 nd . — Went to Lady Byron’s according to ap- 
 pointment, and saw Lady Lovelace and her three sweet 
 children ; then went with her to her school, five miles out of 
 London. On the way we had much talk about Unitarians. 
 She expressed herself as not quite satisfied with any sect, 
 but had often thought Quaker and Unitarian would suit 
 her, and that an advantage would arise from visits to other 
 places of worship. Her remarks were sensible, and showed 
 dignity of character and Christian simplicity. Her school 
 is to try the experiment of manual labor, and is answering 
 well. Addressed the children; teacher expressed unity. 
 On our way home, we called to see Mrs. Jamieson, and 
 talked of slavery and other subjects. Lady Byron left me 
 at Amelia Opie’s, where I found a large company, Countess 
 of Brunswick, William Ball, R. Robbins and L. Rand, E. 
 Pease, Anne Knight, and a host of Americans. . . . 
 
 Sixth-day , 3 rd . — Breakfasted at Dr. Bowring’s in the 
 house of Mills the historian, overlooking Milton’s garden, 
 and the house of Jeremy Bentham ; several rooms lined with 
 books and curiosities. Much talk on war in general. He has 
 a sensible wife and nine children, the eldest daughter very 
 clever. Thence to Haydon’s to finish the picture. Thence 
 to Chelsea to visit Thomas Carlyle, with whom the conver- 
 sation was not very satisfactory. He was anti-abolition, or 
 rather, his sympathies were absorbed in the poor at home, 
 their own poverty and slavery. Disappointed in him. 1 . . . 
 
 Seventh-day , — Note from Lady Byron, asking us to 
 
 take an engraving to Dr. Channing, which she wished to 
 send as a mark of her “ grateful regard,” adding, “ I say 
 grateful, because his writings have done good to more than 
 one of those whom I love best.” 
 
 1 Mrs. Carlyle subsequently told George Bradburn that her husband 
 “was much pleased with the Quaker lady — Mrs. Mott — whose quiet 
 manner had a soothing effect on him.” — Memorial of George Bradburn , 
 
 p. 104. 
 
166 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 First-day , 5 th . — Meeting ; good sermon ; dined at Mus- 
 well Hill, William Ashurst’s home, with R. Owen, Wm. L. 
 G., N. P. Rogers, Dr. Epps, and others. Talk, of paying 
 priests’ demands, and military fines ; not quite satisfied with 
 Wm. L. G.’s views. William Ashurst gave an interesting 
 account of his efforts to establish the penny postage law. 
 He has enlarged views. . . . 
 
 Second-day , 6 th . — British India meeting, not so large as 
 we hoped. Sir Charles Forbes in the chair. Wendell Phil- 
 lips made his best speech. Met Lady Byron for the last 
 time ; parting expressions not soon forgotten. Left at four 
 o’c. to go three or four miles out of London to dine at 
 Cousin Starbuck’s. . . . 
 
 Third-day, 1 th . — ... Parted with several of our com- 
 pany, who went to Paris. . . . Meeting in the evening at 
 Carter Lane. . . . 
 
 Fourth-day , 8 th . — Walked three miles to Dr. Hutton’s to 
 breakfast, and thence went to an infant school, taught by 
 Pestalozzi with an owl ; children very attentive. . . . 
 
 Fifth-day, 9 A — E. Pease, George Thompson, Col. Mil- 
 ler, Dr. Hutton, and others called. . . . Tea at Dr. Bow- 
 ring’s, where we met Villiers, liberal member of House of 
 Commons ; also Dyer, author of popular hymns, old and 
 blind, but very cheerful, and his wife whom he married at 
 seventy. The evening passed pleasantly, with talk of East- 
 ern customs. Dr. Bowring is familiar with twenty lan- 
 guages. His speech in the Convention was very interest- 
 ing, going to show a nice sense of justice and religious 
 principle existing in the East ; “ When Christianity comes 
 recommended by its benevolence as well as its creeds, it 
 will recommend itself to all.” He is well acquainted with 
 George Combe, and respects him much. G. Bradburn and 
 Villiers walked home with us, two miles, and tried to per- 
 suade us to go to France. . . . 
 
 Sixth-day, 1 — George Thompson to breakfast. Inter- 
 view with C. E. Lester, Prof. Adam, Robert Forster, Eliz- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 167 
 
 abeth Pease, and others. J. Scoble called about the pro- 
 test, and spake unadvisedly with his lips to Garrison. Tea 
 at William Ashurst’s, Muswell Hill. Met Mrs. Saxton 
 and Fanny Wade. A delightful evening; went into their 
 nice kitchen and buttery. 
 
 Seventh- day, \V h . — Dr. Hutton called to take leave, 
 bringing us letters of introduction to his parents and friends 
 in Dublin. Calls also from Elizabeth Pease, Robert Fors- 
 ter, George Bradburn, and others. . . . 
 
 Railroad to Birmingham, where we were met by Wil- 
 liam Boultbee, and McDonald, the Catholic priest, who was 
 introduced to us in London. He now went with us to our 
 kind friend Boultbee’s, and renewed his offer of the use of 
 a room for a meeting. William Morgan called. . . . 
 
 First-day , 12' 7i of 7 th mo . — William Boultbee called on 
 Hugh Hutton, and introduced us and our mission ; cordially 
 received. Went to Catholic meeting and heard McDonald 
 deliver a good practical discourse, with nonsensical forms, 
 — low mass or high mass, — and sacrament. When we 
 called on him afterwards, found him eating breakfast, he 
 having fasted all the morning. In the evening heard 
 George Harris, of Glasgow, by Hugh Hutton’s invitation. 
 He was good, but in manner not so easy as McDonald, 
 who preaches extempore. 
 
 Second-day , 13^* — Rose at four o’c., to write home. 
 Joseph Sturge and sister called to invite us to breakfast. 
 Dined at home with McDonald and H. Hutton ; wine on 
 table, which led to much talk. Went to a soiree under a 
 new chapel, built by working men. Some four hundred 
 present; simple tea of sandwiches, etc. George Harris 
 gave an excellent discourse, followed by McDonald, Wm. 
 Boultbee, and others. Resolutions were then offered by 
 Hugh Hutton, welcoming us, and inviting us to take part. 
 Separated at eleven, all delighted. Walked with Hugh 
 Hutton, a congenial mind. 
 
 Third-day, 14 <7i of 7 th mo. — Breakfasted at Morgan’s. 
 
168 
 
 JAMES' AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 William Boultbee waited on us to a Unitarian Charity 
 School for girls, designed to make good servants ; a nice, 
 well-ventilated house, in neat order, but the girls too much 
 confined to sewing, and not taught enough beyond reading, 
 writing, and a little figuring. Thence to the new Cathe- 
 dral, where we met the priest, Abbott, an intelligent man, 
 but no reformer like McDonald. He likes old forms, would 
 be quiet as to abuses, and submit to the “ powers that be.” 
 Opposed him ; disliked their rearing such costly edifices, 
 which he, in turn, defended. A stranger present, listening, 
 united u with all the lady said,” and would like to know 
 her name, and where from. Went to Town Hall, and heard 
 an excellent lecture from George Harris on capital punish- 
 ment, High Bailiff presiding. Our friend Morgan united 
 with him, and L. M. asked to offer resolutions thanking 
 him, which being declined, she made a few remarks ; 
 cheered ; so much for English usage. . . . 
 
 During the rapid journey that followed, through 
 Manchester, Liverpool, Dublin, Belfast, and Glasgow, 
 the diary is merely a skeleton record, too disjointed 
 for reproduction. But there is frequent and grateful 
 mention of the “ generous hospitality extended ” by 
 Irish friends. Only a few extracts can be made. 
 
 Dublin , Fifth-day , 23 rd . — James Haughton’s daughters 
 called in their car, and took us to Joseph Hutton’s, father 
 of Dr. Hutton, of London. He was not at home, but his 
 wife, a fine old lady, received us kindly. We walked around 
 their beautiful garden, and feasted on gooseberries. After- 
 wards had lunch of bread and butter, baked apples (last 
 year’s), milk and cream, and buttermilk, all in antique style, 
 and with real Irish hospitality. . . . 
 
 First-day, 26^ of 7 th mo. — Went to Friends’ Meeting. 
 A large house, with high galleries ; only two men and one 
 woman in the upper gallery. Broke their silence, after 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 169 
 
 sitting more than an hour, and was listened to quietly ; 1 fol- 
 lowed by a prayer from a woman, the only minister of that 
 meeting, that they might be preserved from a state of luke- 
 warmness. . . . Rode three miles out of town in an outside 
 car to Greenmount, James Webb's residence, a large house, 
 in good taste, with a fine garden, where we dined in com- 
 pany with Wm. Dawes, Rich d Webb and wife, Thomas and 
 Mary Webb, Rich d and Ann Allen, James Haughton, and 
 Charles Corkran. 
 
 Second-day, 21 th . — Visited Thomas Irwin’s school, for- 
 merly National, but as the Catholics would not have the 
 Bible introduced, another was established. Commented 
 on girls’ education, as contrasted with boys’, — the latter 
 forward in arithmetic, while girls are kept at sampler 
 work, stitching, and other nonsense ; no blackboard draw- 
 ings or problems for them. The rod is dispensed with, 
 and they are trying to give up all punishments since our 
 talk at Richard Webb’s. From there to the large Na- 
 tional school ; same objections as in others, as respects 
 girls. R. Allen took us in his car to the Mendicity. . . . 
 
 Third-day , 28*\ — Rode with J. IJaughton’s daughters 
 around the beautiful Park. Dined at Joseph Hutton’s with 
 Dr. Drummond and others. . . . 
 
 Fourth-day , 29‘\ — Wm. L. Garrison and N. P. Rogers 
 arrived ; walked a mile along the quay to meet them, and 
 passed the morning delightfully with them at Richard 
 Webb’s. . . . Took leave of all our dear friends. 
 
 Fifth-day , 30 th . — Left Dublin, on top of coach, for Bel- 
 fast ; very rapid driving. Passed miserable huts, and poor 
 villages, with wretched looking people, mostly barefoot. 
 
 Sixth-day , 3\ st . — Breakfast at Wm. Bell’s, editor of the 
 “ Irish Friend.” Dined at Wm. Webb’s. Took steamboat 
 to Glasgow. . . . 
 
 Seventh-day , 8 th mo. I s *. — Arrived in Glasgow at twelve 
 
 1 A Friend afterward told James Mott that “ he expected every minute 
 Lucretia would be requested to sit down.’’ 
 
170 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT . 
 
 o’c., and stopped at McFarlane’s Temperance House, Argyle 
 St. Lodged across the street, “ 3 stairs up,” as is the com- 
 mon direction at the entrance of the court ; lower floor used 
 for shops. Fewer omnibuses and more people walking than 
 in any city we have yet been in. Barefoot women draw- 
 ing hand-barrows heavily laden, or carrying heavy burdens 
 on their backs. 
 
 j First-day, 8 th mo. 2 nd . — ■ Attended Friends’ Meeting; 
 quite small. Some strangers there, from England ; one, in 
 supplication ; the other, tedious and dry, dwelling on the 
 system of the schools of Divinity, which is now so completely 
 interwoven with Quaker faith, as to divest it of its original 
 simplicity and beauty. Mourned their degeneracy, while 
 they lamented our heresy. William Smeal and sister spoke 
 kindly to us. We took tea with them and were introduced 
 to a Friend named White, who was active in the Anti- 
 Slavery cause, and would like to pay us attention, but was 
 afraid of our principles. Wm. deprecated the treatment of 
 G. Harris and other Unitarians by the Orthodox. 
 
 Second-day , 3 rd . — Went to Edinboro’, on top of coach, 
 to meet Sarah Pugh and Abby Kimber, who had joined H. 
 B. Stanton and wife, in a visit to Paris. The country dif- 
 ferent from Ireland ; fine roads, and neat cottages ; farms 
 looking like ours in Chester County ; but licensed dram- 
 houses thick on the road. . . . 
 
 Accompanied by their attentive friend George 
 Thompson, they left Edinburgh and returned to 
 Glasgow by some of the lakes, and over the High- 
 lands of Scotland, by post-coach most of the way. 
 
 Glasgow, Sixth-day , 7 th . — Went to A. S. meeting in the 
 evening ; women voted down. George Thompson gave 
 notice of a meeting for me, and was censured for it. Rec d 
 a letter from George Harris, kindly offering the use of his 
 house and pulpit, he being absent. In it he says, “ I am 
 happy in offering you the use of my chapel pulpit, either 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 171 
 
 on Sunday evening, or any evening of the following week 
 you may choose, to address the people on slavery, educa- 
 tion, or our common faith in God and man and our Saviour. 
 The committee of our chapel likewise unanimously offer 
 you the place of worship for these purposes.” This we ac- 
 cepted for First-day eve s . 
 
 Seventh-day, 8 th . — Visited Paisley. . . . By steamboat 
 on the Clyde to our friend, J. Murray’s, to dine. His son, 
 a fine lad, read Burns in broad Scotch for our amuse- 
 ment. . . . 
 
 First-day , of 8 th mo. — James went to Friends’ Meet- 
 
 ing ; small. Their afternoon meeting put off till six o’c., 
 near the hour for which ours was appointed. . . . Met at 
 quarter past six ; the house very full ; all very attentive ; 
 we had abundant reason to believe that the opportunity 
 was satisfactory to those present. 1 
 
 1 From the London Christian Pioneer, Sept. 1840 : — 
 
 In our last number, we noticed the character and labors of Mrs. Mott, 
 of Philadelphia. Her respected husband, with herself, were invited to 
 attend the Annual Meeting of the Glasgow Emancipation Society on the 
 1st of August. . . . They came, and meetings of the so-called Emancipa- 
 tion Society were held ; but no places were appointed on the platform for 
 Mr. and Mrs. Mott, — no invitation was given them to address the assem- 
 bly! And no wonder. That assembly was held in the chapel of Dr. 
 Wardlaw, — the Directors of the Society were Quakers and Calvinists, 
 and the American Friends bore about them the taint of heresy. This was 
 sufficient to warrant neglect and insult to individuals who had periled life 
 and property in vindication of the rights of humanity. Dr. Wardlaw, in 
 the face of the assembly, could shake hands with a colored American as a 
 friend and brother, but averted looks were deemed the proper reception 
 for those who had dared to think for themselves in theology. 
 
 Mr. Harris having been fully prepared for this exhibition of intoler- 
 ance, had invited Mrs. Mott to occupy his pulpit on Sunday, or any other 
 evening she chose to honor him, and the Unitarian congregation, by its 
 acceptance. On Sunday evening, Aug. 9th, the chapel was crowded to 
 hear her. Mr. Mott first addressed the meeting, stating who they were, 
 their object in visiting this country, their difference in religious views 
 from Great Britain, and reading, in corroboration of his statements, certif- 
 icates from the Months Meeting of Friends in Philadelphia, and of Aboli- 
 tion Societies. Mrs. Mott then spoke, and for nearly two hours held a de- 
 lighted audience in breathless attention She began by saying that she was 
 glad of the opportunity which the generous offer of that pulpit had given 
 
172 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 Second-day , 10^. — Went to the Cemetery; the Jewish 
 enclosure particularly interesting ; touching inscriptions on 
 gateposts and gate : — 
 
 “ Oh where shall Israel lave her bleeding feet, 
 
 And when shall Zion’s songs again seem sweet! 
 
 And Judah’s melody once more rejoice 
 The hearts that leap before its Heavenly voice. 
 
 her to address them ; that she had been denied a hearing elsewhere be- 
 cause she was a woman, and by her own body in this country because she 
 differed from them in her views of religion; that the body of Friends 
 with whom they were connected were looked upon with the same dislike 
 by the other party, as the Unitarians were by those calling themselves 
 Orthodox; she regretted this bigotry, as she wished the enlarged and 
 beautiful and exalted views which she and the Unitarian brethren enter- 
 tained could be embraced and felt by all; and she was happy in believ- 
 ing that such views were spreading, and would continue to spread, till all 
 mankind, from their holy influence, would become like one large family, 
 living in love and harmony together as the children of one common 
 Father. Mrs. Mott called on the Unitarians to exert themselves to the 
 utmost to bring about this happy state of things ; to let no fear of man, or 
 any worldly motive, deter them from openly avowing their convictions, 
 and acting up to them; that there were too many mammon-worshipers 
 in the world, and she feared a great lack of moral courage also. She said 
 her address might be thought desultory, but as it was the only opportunity 
 she should have of speaking to them, she felt it necessary to direct their 
 attention to many topics worthy of thoughtful contemplation. She de- 
 fended, on Scriptural grounds, the right of woman to speak in public; 
 spoke of the imperfect education which women too commonly received, 
 which consequently debarred them from occupying their proper places ill 
 society; called upon her sisters to look to this, and embrace every oppor- 
 tunity of gaining knowledge on every subject; not to be content with a 
 little reading, a little writing, and a little sewing; to brush away the 
 silken fetters that had so long bound them ; no longer to be content 
 with being the mere toy or plaything of man’s leisure hours, but to fit 
 themselves for assuming their proper position, in being the rational com- 
 panions, the friends, the instructors of their race. Better views, she re- 
 joiced to know, were beginning to be entertained on this and kindred 
 subjects. War, too, was looked on in a different light from formerly. 
 Slavery also was calling forth those efforts for its extermination, which 
 it behooved humanity and Christian principle to make ; and deliverance 
 to the captives of everj T clime would be the result. Having depicted in 
 glowing colors the evils and abominations of slavery as it existed in 
 America, and roused the best and holiest feeling of her audience to rym- 
 pathy with the wrongs of the oppressed, and in resolutions for their 
 extinction, Mrs. Mott burst forth into a beautiful and fervent prayer, and 
 concluded. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 173 
 
 “ Oh weep for those who wept by Babel’s stream! 
 
 Whose shrines are desolate, whose land, a dream. 
 
 Weep for the harp of Judah’s broken shell! 
 
 Mourn, where their God hath dwelt, the godless dwell. 
 
 ‘‘Tribes of the wandering feet, and weary breast, 
 
 We roam the earth around, yet find no rest. 
 
 The wild dove hath her nest, the fox his cave, 
 
 Mankind their country — Israel, but a grave! ” 
 
 On the way home we called at the High School taught 
 by D’Orsey, to whom George Combe had given us a letter 
 of introduction ; were pleased with his mode of instruction. 
 Went in the rain to the adjourned meeting of the Emanci- 
 pation Society. The chartists took the meeting into their 
 own hands, and would not let George Thompson speak. A 
 socialist, and a chartist, had the floor, and made good 
 speeches ; I was not sorry that they could be heard to 
 plead the cause of their own poor. 
 
 Third-day , II th of 8 th mo. — Left Glasgow for Edinboro’ 
 by way of Lanark, passing falls of Stone Byre, and falls of 
 Corra Linn. Three chained prisoners in the coach, to be 
 transported for stealing sheep, their wives and children 
 crying piteously. My heart ached for them ! Arrived at 
 Edinboro’ at dusk. As we passed Gorgie Cottage, George 
 Combe was standing at the end of the lane to welcome us. 
 He and Cecilia had written to us at Glasgow inviting us to 
 be their guests while in Edinboro’. 
 
 Fourth-day , \2 th . — George Combe sent carriages for us 
 to go to Gorgie Cottage ; a delightful visit ! Andrew Combe 
 and his niece, Miss Cox, dined there with us ; some friends 
 called, and we all walked in the garden and ate gooseber- 
 ries. Passed a delightful evening, sitting in the bright 
 moonlight without other light, talking, till ten o’c., when 
 George Combe, with his characteristic punctuality, pro- 
 posed retiring to rest. 
 
 Fifth- day, 13* A . — Rose at seven ; wrote till eight. 
 George Combe was at his writing before breakfast. When 
 we were called down, a good fire was a pleasant sight. . . . 
 
174 
 
 JAMES AND LUC RET I A MOTT . 
 
 Rode in to Dr. Andrew Combe’s to dine, found there a 
 German physician, Dr. Hirschfeld, and wife. Tea was 
 handed in the drawing-room. We parted from them all 
 with mingled emotions, for we were increasingly attached 
 to them, and they expressed much for us. It is sad that 
 we shall probably meet them no more ! 
 
 Sixth-day , $ th mo. 14^. — Top of coach to Melrose. A 
 Georgia planter in company tried to convince us, that the 
 slave was better off than the workingman of England and 
 Ireland, but not succeeding, begged off, as he did not 
 want the pleasure of his day’s ride destroyed, as it was in 
 Ireland, by talking on that subject. He seemed to like 
 our company, and asked us to join their party to Abbotsford. 
 . . . Rode to Abbotsford ; the guide hurried us through, 
 as another party was waiting; but fortunately, we acci- 
 dentally met with the widow of Scott’s trusty servant, Tom 
 Purdie, who was very communicative, and invited us into 
 her cottage on the premises, where she gave us some of 
 her newly-baked bread, and water from a silver cup pre- 
 sented by Scott’s son, the present Sir Walter. Some six- 
 pences dropped into it, where upon shewas loud in praise 
 of Americans, and told us all that the time would admit of. 
 Our Georgia companion was very grateful to me for going 
 back to find him, to introduce him to her. Thence to Dry- 
 burg Abbey, in two carriages. Crossed the Tweed in a 
 small boat, rowed by our Georgia friend, who was glad to 
 do what he could to bring us over to the other side. We 
 laughed at him for having such a company of abolitionists 
 under his charge. It was a long walk after getting over. 
 I lagged behind to eat of the abundant cherries in the en- 
 closure, while the girls were hastening to sentimentalize, 
 and gather flowers from Scott’s grave. The ivy climbing 
 over the ruined windows was beautiful. We went down to 
 the Crypt, or Chapter House, full of busts and broken 
 things, wisely kept for such a place. . . . Melrose by 
 moonlight was exquisite; so pale and bright. All were 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 175 
 
 called into the churchyard to see the shadow of a sprite ; 
 returned late to a supper of oatmeal porridge and milk. 
 
 Seventh - day , 15 th . — Coach to Newcastle - upon - Tyne. 
 Sorry to leave our Georgian behind. . . . 
 
 First-day , 16 * 7i . — Rode to Tyne -Mouth by rail, then 
 walked a mile to the sea-side. Found Harriet Martiueau in 
 comfortable lodgings, seated at a window overlooking the 
 sea. She received us cordially, entered into pleasant con- 
 versation, and two or three hours passed almost before we 
 were aware of it. Many subjects were touched upon ; the 
 Furnesses of Phil a ., a favorite theme; the loss of so many 
 friends, a painful one. Returned at two o’c., parting with 
 her, never expecting to meet again, as she is afflicted with 
 a disease which she thinks will prove fatal. ... 
 
 Fourth-day , 19 </l . — Arrived in London early in the morn- 
 ing, and enjoyed the ride through the streets, all clean and 
 quiet, before the stores and houses were open. . . . 
 
 First-day , 23 rd . — Parted with all our friends with affec- 
 tion, and said farewell to London, with a feeling of sadness. 
 . . . Arrived in Liverpool at seven o’clock, and stopped at 
 J5 Bold St., Miss Knibbs’ . . . Not until our arrival here, 
 did we see this communication, which the small handful of 
 Friends in Glasgow had caused to be published in one or 
 more of their public papers. 
 
 TO THE EDITOR OF THE GLASGOW ARGUS. 
 
 Respected Friend, — Intimation having been given 
 on the 8 th current, by means of placards extensively posted 
 throughout the city, that “ on Sabbath first, the 9 th inst., 
 Mrs. Lucretia Mott, a minister of the Society of Friends, 
 Philadelphia, would hold a meeting in the Christian Uni- 
 tarian Chapel,” — and that meeting having, we understand, 
 been numerously attended by our fellow-citizens, we deem 
 it right, on behalf of the Society of Friends residing in 
 Glasgow, to inform the public, that we hold no religious fel- 
 lowship with Lucretia Mott, nor with the body in the 
 
176 
 
 JAMES AND LUC RET I A MOTT. 
 
 United States (called Hicksites), to which she belongs: 
 they not being recognized by the Society of Friends in the 
 United Kingdom, nor by those Friends with whom we are 
 in connection in America ; and that we do not wish to be 
 in any way identified with, or considered responsible for, 
 any sentiments that Lucretia Mott may have uttered at the 
 meeting above referred to. 
 
 We are respectfully thy friends, 
 
 William Smeal. John Maxwell. 
 
 William White. James Smeal. 
 
 Edward White. 
 
 Glasgow, 12th of Eighth rqo., 1840. 
 
 In answer to this, James addressed the following letter 
 to William Smeal, the only one of the signers whom we 
 knew. He had shown us much kindness both in London 
 and Glasgow, assuring us that in Scotland they would not 
 approve of excluding women from the Convention ; but he 
 was mistaken, for nowhere did we meet with more bigotry 
 and prejudice, than in Glasgow. 
 
 Liverpool, 8th mo. 24th, 1840. 
 
 William Smeal : 
 
 Respected Friend, — After reaching London, a few 
 days since, I first heard of a publication in the “ Glasgow 
 Argus,” signed by thyself and four others, respecting my 
 wife, and the notice of a meeting she had in the Unitarian 
 Chapel, but which publication I did not see until this day. 
 Had either of you been at the meeting, it is probable you 
 would not have thought such a disavowal necessary ; as I 
 distinctly stated to the audience that a division in the So- 
 ciety of Friends had taken place in the United States, 
 about twelve years since ; that we belonged to that portion 
 of the division which was not recognized as Friends by 
 those of this country ; that we claimed, however, to be 
 Friends, and were members of the largest portion of the 
 division in Pennsylvania (reading a certificate our Monthly 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 177 
 
 Meeting had furnished us), our number being about twenty 
 thousand, and the other side about eight thousand ; and 
 the whole number in the United States on our side, about 
 eighty thousand; that I mentioned these things in order 
 that it might be understood who we were, that no one 
 might be deceived, for we did not wish to pass for anything 
 different from what we were. I doubt not but all of the 
 large audience fully and clearly understood our position, 
 and could say, on seeing your disclaimer, “ You might have 
 saved yourself the trouble and exposure, for Mr. Mott in- 
 formed us they were not in connection with you.” 
 
 Now, those who are ignorant of the facts may suppose, 
 from your disclaimer, that we wanted to be considered as 
 Friends connected with you, and attempted to pass our- 
 selves off as such ; which we should be quite as unwilling 
 to do, as you would be to be identified with us. I also 
 should be as unwilling to be responsible for sentiments I 
 heard in your meeting, as you seem to be for sentiments 
 you did not hear in the Chapel. 
 
 One difference between us is this : You call yourselves 
 Friends, and claim to be such ; whatever our opinion may 
 be as to the fact, we do not deny or question your right to 
 call yourselves by this name. We also call ourselves 
 Friends, and claim to be such; but you deny us the right 
 to the name, and reproachfully apply the epithet of Hicks- 
 ites, which we disclaim, it having been used by our op- 
 posers in derision. 
 
 You may say that you lament our declension, or depart- 
 ure from what you consider and believe to be the doctrines 
 of the Society of Friends. We, also, as sincerely lament 
 your departure from what we consider and believe to be 
 the doctrines and practices of the Society ; so that in this 
 respect we stand on equal grounds. Of one thing I have 
 had such evidence, as fully satisfies me of the fact, that 
 Friends in this country are deplorably ignorant of the 
 causes of the division in America, and of the relative cir- 
 12 
 
178 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 cumstances of the two parties then, or at the present time ; 
 and that they cherish a spirit of prejudice and bigotry to- 
 ward us, incompatible with the benign religion of Jesus. Of 
 this, however, w r e do not complain, as you are the suffer- 
 ers ; but we deplore the unchristian conduct this leads 
 many into. I am satisfied a difference in opinion on doc- 
 trine does exist between you and us, but this does not 
 settle the question as to which is right, and which, wrong. 
 I suppose you believe yourselves right, and holding doc- 
 trines in accordance with Fox, Penn, and Barclay. I fully 
 believe that we do, and can bring as much evidence to sup- 
 port our views as you can. 
 
 What is the ground of warnings given in your Yearly 
 Meeting, your verbal and newspaper disclaimers ? Are you 
 afraid of being robbed of your good name ? or are your 
 doctrines of such an evanescent character, that they are in 
 danger of vanishing before the sunshine of truth ? Does 
 it not show a want of confidence in your principles, and in 
 the solidity and durability of your position ? It is a small 
 matter to us to be judged of man, or to have our religious 
 faith called in question, or to be charged with worshiping 
 the God of our Fathers after the manner called heresy ; all 
 this moves us not. But I grieve at the manifestation of a 
 spirit that will deliver a brother up to death, as far as the 
 law and customs of the country will allow ; it is the same, 
 which, a few years ago, imprisoned, burned, and hanged 
 those who held opinions on religious subjects, different from 
 those who then possessed the legal power. We do not find 
 any charge of immoral conduct brought against those mar- 
 tyrs, but holding opinions dangerous to the peace and unity 
 of the Church; or, more correctly, not holding opinions 
 that were deemed essential to salvation. It is easy to be 
 very liberal and charitable towards those who believe more 
 than we do ; but those who believe less, we are ready 
 enough to denounce as heretical, dangerous innovators, not 
 to be countenanced. When will men respect properly the 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 179 
 
 right of public opinion ! Not until they learn that religion 
 consists, not in the assent of the mind to any dogma, nor 
 yet in the belief of any mysterious proposition of faith ; 
 but in visiting the widow and the fatherless, and keeping 
 ourselves unspotted from the world. “ I am sick of opin- 
 ions, I am weary to hear them, my soul loathes their frothy 
 food : give me solid, substantial religion, — give me an hon- 
 est, devoted lover of God and man.” u It is time Chris- 
 tians were judged by their likeness to Christ, rather than 
 by their notions of Christ.” It appears to me you take the 
 latter ground of judgment ; I greatly prefer the former. 
 
 I had intended to say something about the objects of 
 our crossing the Atlantic, but my paper is full, and I must 
 subscribe, thy friend, James Mott. 
 
 Notwithstanding this, and other manifestations of a dis- 
 position to disavow religious fellowship with us, the kind- 
 ness and courtesy that was abundantly extended to us by 
 some Friends, as well as by many others not of that name, 
 will long be remembered with pleasure. George Harris, 
 and other Unitarians at Glasgow, received us very kindly. 
 My love of approbation was gratified, and the cause of 
 Truth maintained, I trust. If it be bigotry to believe the 
 sublime Truths of the Gospel u as we have learned them 
 in the school of Christ,” I rejoice in such bigotry, or her- 
 esy. . . . Received a letter from Harriet Martineau, ex- 
 pressive of satisfaction in our late visit : — 
 
 “ I felt hardly as if I knew what I was about that morn- 
 ing, but I was very happy, and I find I remember every 
 look and word. I did not make all the use I might of the 
 opportunity, but when are we ever wise enough to do so ? 
 I do not think we shall meet again in this world, and I be- 
 lieve that was in your mind when you said farewell. I 
 find that I have derived somewhat, from my intercourse 
 with you, that will never die, and I am thankful that we 
 
180 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 have been permitted to meet. You will tell the Furnesses 
 where and how you found me. Tell them of my cheerful 
 room, and fine view of down and sea. I wish my friends 
 would suffer for me no more than I do for myself. I hope 
 you have yet many years of activity and enjoyment before 
 you. My heart will ever be in your cause, and my love 
 with yourself. God bless you ! ” 
 
 Received a letter from Richard D. Webb, of Dublin : — 
 
 “We have enjoyed with unabated relish the company of 
 Sarah Pugh and Abby Kimber, and are glad that we have 
 had such opportunity of becoming acquainted with so many 
 delightful people of the right stamp, from the abolition 
 ranks. Before the Convention, and for years past, there 
 was no class of individuals anywhere, with whom I so much 
 desired to be acquainted. My expectations were conse- 
 quently high, and I am glad to say that they have not been 
 disappointed. I am not aware, that my intercourse with 
 you has unsettled any previous opinions which I held upon 
 religious matters, but it has surely confirmed my views re- 
 specting the unimportance of dogmas, in comparison with 
 the ‘ weightier matters of the law.’ I look on creeds 
 and professions, with increasing indifference ; and on real, 
 substantial, fruitful action to a good purpose, with addi- 
 tional respect. But I did not mean to trouble you with my 
 confession of faith. 
 
 “ I am glad you have met with some in this country who 
 ‘ agree to differ ’ with you, whilst they rejoice to have met 
 with you for your own sakes, and the pleasure they have 
 enjoyed in your enlightened society, as well as for what 
 you have done, and sacrificed, for the poor colored man and 
 the slave. Any abolition friends of yours will always be 
 welcome to us. I say abolition friends, for tho’ I consider 
 toleration an important attainment, which I preach up on 
 all occasions, I have not yet acquired such a measure of it 
 as to look with complacency on any American, who has ar< 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 181 
 
 rived at years of discretion without having acquired cor- 
 rect opinions on this most important subject of slavery. 
 
 “I would be most anxious to know more about C. C. 
 Burleigh, of whom 1 heard so much and so favorably from 
 you. He appears to me to be one of a thousand, — a man 
 among men. And I will take it as a favor conferred, if you 
 will recommend any such person as he, (in case he should 
 come to Ireland,) to come first to us in confidence of a 
 hearty welcome, so long as we have a house over our 
 heads, and the means to support it. 
 
 “ Let us forget the points on which our respective sects 
 differ, and be thankful that there are so many more in 
 which we can most cordially agree. Hoping you will write 
 to me on your return, and afterwards, 
 
 “ I remain, etc.” 
 
 Also received the following from Elizabeth Pease : — 
 
 “ I shall, I believe, look back through life with pleasure 
 to the hours we have recently passed together. It has 
 never appeared to me, that a difference in religious faith 
 ought to prevent a cordial cooperation in works of benevo- 
 lence, quite the reverse ; and I cannot help regretting that 
 some have thought and acted otherwise. But, my dear 
 friend, we must strive to make allowance for natural dispo- 
 sition, the influences of early education, etc., and forgive (as 
 I well know it is thy desire to do) the errors, or unkind- 
 ness, into which they may betray, remembering for our con- 
 solation, that to our own Master we must all stand or fall. 
 Remember me kindly to thy husband, and to thy son and 
 daughter Davis. Please accept thyself, and hand to Sarah 
 and Abby the assurance of my affectionate remembrance, 
 and most sincere wishes for the best welfare and happiness 
 of you all, and for your continued usefulness in the cause 
 of the slave.” 
 
 Fourth-day, 26^. — The last day we passed in England. 
 
182 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 Our friends, Joseph and Elizabeth Pease, breakfasted with 
 us, and James Webb called. After writing divers notes, and 
 making sundry last arrangements, and some few purchases, 
 we once more took leave of our loved friends with full 
 hearts, and rode down to the packet ship, Patrick Henry, 
 Captain Delano. We had twelve cabin, and one hundred 
 and forty steerage passengers, (one born on the passage.) 
 Many of these were respectable, intelligent persons, coming 
 to the United States to settle. A fair passage ; not as sick 
 as on the way out. Some slave-holders were on board, who 
 did n’t relish the discussion of the subject. Meetings were 
 held on deck, on First-days. Sail in sight every day, and 
 one night much alarm, a ship coming in close contact, and 
 carrying away our jib-boom. Captain Delano always 
 cheerful and kind, and remarkably active. He had a large, 
 and excellent library on board. . . . 
 
 To which James Mott adds : — 
 
 After a passage of twenty-nine days, we arrived at New 
 York, glad once more to reach our native land, and far bet- 
 ter satisfied with its customs, conditions, institutions, and 
 laws, slavery excepted, than with those of the mother coun- 
 try. Our blue sky, bright shining sun, and clear atmosphere, 
 are in striking contrast with the clouds, mists, and frequent 
 rains of the British Isles, and we felt no desire to change 
 our residence ; yet we were well compensated for the jour- 
 ney, in the opportunity it afforded to observe the manners 
 and usages of other nations, and above all, in the restora- 
 tion to health of my wife, the hope of which was one ob- 
 ject of the journey. 
 
 Neither James nor Lucretia Mott made any rec- 
 ord of an interesting incident of their voyage home 
 to America, which was amusingly illustrative of the 
 latter’s tact and skill in carrying out her own inten- 
 tions, while at the same time disarming the criticism 
 of those inclined to oppose her. It was told to a 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 183 
 
 friend by the commanding officer of the vessel in 
 which they sailed, Captain Delano, upon whom it 
 made an indelible impression. This friend 1 relates 
 # it, as follows : “ A large number of Irish emigrants 
 were on board in the steerage. On the voyage, Mrs. 
 Mott was moved to hold a religious meeting among 
 them. But, the matter being broached to them, 
 their Catholic prejudices objected. They would not 
 hear a woman preach, for women-priests were not 
 allowed in their Church. But the spirit that was 
 pressing on this 6 woman-preacher ’ for utterance, 
 was not to be prevented from delivering its message, 
 without a more strenuous effort to remove the ob- 
 stacle. She asked that the emigrants might be in- 
 vited to come together, to consider with her whether 
 they would have a meeting. This was but fair and 
 right, and they came. She then explained how dif- 
 ferent her idea of a “ meeting ” was, from the church 
 service to which they were accustomed ; that she 
 had no thought of saying anything derogatory of that 
 service, nor of the priests who ministered to them ; 
 that her heart had been drawn to them in sympathy, 
 as they were leaving their old homes for new ones in 
 America ; and that she had wanted to address them 
 as to their habits and aims in their every-day life, in 
 such a way as to help them in the land of strangers 
 to which they were going. And then, asking if they 
 would listen, (and they were already listening, be- 
 cause her gracious voice and words so entranced them 
 they could not help it,) she said she would give an 
 outline of what she had wanted to say at the meet- 
 ing. And so she was drawn on by the silent sympa- 
 thy she had secured, until the spirit’s message was 
 
 1 William J. Potter, of New Bedford. 
 
184 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 delivered ; and only the keenest- witted of her Catho- 
 lic hearers waked up to the fact, as they were going 
 out, that they had 6 got the preachment from the 
 woman-priest, after all/ ” 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who went to 
 London with her husband, — one of the New York 
 delegates to the World’s Convention, — met James 
 and Lucretia Mott there for the first time. A life- 
 long friendship was the result. The following extracts 
 from her reminiscences add some graphic touches to 
 the picture already given by the foregoing diary : — 
 
 ... u In June, 1840, I met Mrs. Mott for the first time, 
 in London. Crossing the Atlantic in company with James 
 G. Birney, then the Liberty Party candidate for President, 
 soon after the bitter schism in the Anti-Slavery ranks, he 
 described to me as we walked the deck, day after day, the 
 women who had fanned the flames of dissension, and had 
 completely demoralized the Anti-Slavery ranks. As my 
 first view of Mrs. Mott was through his prejudices, no pre- 
 possessions in her favor biased my judgment. When first 
 introduced to her at our hotel in Great Queen Street, with 
 the other ladies from Boston and Philadelphia, who were 
 delegates to the World’s Convention, I felt somewhat embar- 
 rassed, as I was the only lady present who represented the 
 4 Birney faction,’ though I really knew nothing of the merits 
 of the division, having been outside the world of reforms. 
 Still, as my husband, and my cousin Gerrit Smith, were on 
 that side, I supposed they would all have a feeling of hos- 
 tility toward me. However, Mrs. Mott, in her sweet, gen- 
 tle way, received me with great cordiality and courtesy, and 
 I was seated by her side at dinner. 
 
 “ No sooner were the viands fairly dispensed, than sev- 
 
186 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 eral Baptist ministers began to rally the ladies on having 
 set the abolitionists by the ears in* America, and now pro- 
 posing to do the same thing in England. I soon found that 
 the pending battle was on woman’s rights, and that, unwit- 
 tingly, 1 was by marriage on the wrong side. As I had 
 thought much on this question in regard to the laws, church 
 action, and social usages, I found myself in full accord with 
 the other ladies, combating most of the gentlemen at the 
 table. . . . Calmly and skillfully Mrs. Mott parried all 
 their attacks, now by her quiet humor turning the laugh on 
 them, and then by her earnestness and dignity silencing 
 their ridicule and sneers. I shall never forget the look of 
 recognition she gave me when she saw, by my remarks, that 
 I comprehended the problem of woman’s rights and wrongs. 
 
 How beautiful she looked to me that day ! 
 
 . . . 44 Mrs. Mott was to me an entirely new revelation of 
 womanhood. I sought every opportunity to be at her side, 
 and continually plied her with questions, and I shall never 
 cease to be grateful for the patience and seeming pleasure, 
 with which she fed my hungering soul. On one occasion, 
 with a large party, we visited the British Museum, where it 
 is supposed all people go to see the wonders of the world. 
 
 On entering, Mrs. Mott and myself sat down near the door 
 to rest for a few moments, telling the party to go on, that 
 we would follow. They accordingly explored all the de- 
 partments of curiosities, supposing we were slowly follow- 
 ing at a distance ; but when they returned, there we sat in 
 the same spot, having seen nothing but each other, wholly 
 absorbed in questions of theology and social life. She had 
 told me of the doctrines and divisions among 4 Friends;’ of 
 the inward light ; of Mary Wollstonecraft, her social theo- 
 ries, and her demands of equality for women. I had been 
 reading Combe’s 4 Constitution of Man,’ and 4 Moral Phi- 
 losophy,’ Channing’s works, and Mary Wollstonecraft, 
 though all tabooed by orthodox teachers ; but I had never 
 heard a woman talk what, as a Scotch Presbyterian, I had 
 scarcely dared to think. \ 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 187 
 
 “ On the following Sunday I went to hear Mrs. Mott 
 preach in a Unitarian church. Though I had never heard 
 a woman speak, yet I had long believed she had the right 
 to do so, and had often expressed the idea in private circles ; 
 but when at last I saw a woman rise up in the pulpit and 
 preach earnestly and impressively, as Mrs. Mott always 
 did, it seemed to me like the realization of an oft-repeated, 
 happy dream. The day we visited the Zoological Gardens, 
 as we were admiring the gorgeous plumage of some beauti- 
 ful birds, one of our gentlemen opponents remarked, 4 You 
 see, Mrs. Mott, our Heavenly Father believes in bright 
 colors. How much it would take from our pleasure, if all 
 the birds were dressed in drab.’ ‘ Yes,’ said she, 4 but im- 
 mortal beings do not depend on their feathers for their at- 
 traction. With the infinite variety of the human face and 
 form, of thought, feeling, and affection, we do not need 
 gorgeous apparel to distinguish us. Moreover, if it is fit- 
 ting that woman should dress in every color of the rain- 
 bow, why not man also ? Clergymen, with their black 
 clothes and white cravats, are quite as monotonous as 
 Quakers.’ . . . 
 
 44 I found in this new friend a woman emancipated from 
 all faith in man-made creeds, from all fear of his denuncia- 
 tions. Nothing was too sacred for her to question, as to its 
 rightfulness in principle and practice. 4 Truth for authority, 
 not authority for truth,’ was not only the motto of her life, 
 but it was the fixed mental habit in which she most rigidly 
 held herself. . . . When I confessed to her my great enjoy- 
 ment in works of fiction, dramatic performances, and dan- 
 cing, and feared that from underneath that Quaker bonnet 
 would come some platitudes on the demoralizing influence 
 of such frivolities, she smiled, and said, 4 1 regard dancing 
 a very harmless amusement ; ’ and added, 4 the Evangelical 
 Alliance, that so readily passed a resolution declaring dan- 
 cing a sin for a church member, tabled a resolution de- 
 claring slavery a sin for a bishop.’ 
 
188 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TL A MOTT. 
 
 “ Sitting alone one day, as we were about to separate in 
 London, I expressed to her my great satisfaction in our ac- 
 quaintance, and thanked her for the many religious doubts 
 and fears she had banished from my mind. She said, 
 
 4 There is a broad distinction between religion and the- 
 ology. The one is a natural, human experience, common 
 to all well-organized minds. The other is a system of spec- 
 ulations about the unseen, and unknowable, which the hu- 
 man mind has no power to grasp, or explain ; and these 
 speculations vary with every sect, age, and type of civiliza- 
 tion. No one knows any more of what lies beyond our 
 sphere of action, than thou and I ; and we know nothing.’ ” 
 
 It is also interesting, in this connection, to read an 
 account of the World’s Convention, written by Rich- 
 ard D. Webb, of Dublin, and published in the “Dub- 
 lin Weekly Herald ” in the early autumn of 1840. 
 Before this year, Mr. Webb had no personal acquaint- 
 ance with James and Lucretia Mott, although each 
 knew the other by reputation. Their friendship, 
 shown in the letters that follow in later chapters, 
 dated from their meeting in London, and continued 
 throughout their lives. 
 
 u Freemason’s Hall, Great Queen st., Drury Lane, where 
 the Convention held its first and most interesting sittings, 
 is a noble room, and one of the largest in London. The 
 delegates occupied the body of the hall, with the exception 
 of one portion of the end opposite to the entrance, which 
 was appropriated to those ladies who were admitted as vis- 
 itors. They attended in considerable numbers, and mate- 
 rially contributed, by their presence, to relieve the sombre 
 and solemn air of the assembly ; for the Convention was 
 largely made up of dissenting ministers and plain Quakers, 
 who, whatever may be the case elsewhere, form a large pro- 
 portion of the 6 pledged philanthropy ’ of England. . . . 
 
 “ The middle of the front seat of the ladies’ own portion 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 189 
 
 of the hall, was the usual seat of one who was certainly one 
 of the most remarkable women in the whole assembly. 
 Opinions differed materially as to whether Clarkson, Bux- 
 ton, O’Connell, Garrison, Thompson, Sturge, or Birney were 
 the greatest men, but nobody doubted that Lucre tia Mott 
 was the lioness of the Convention. She is a thin, petite , 
 dark-complexioned woman, about fifty years of age. She 
 has striking intellectual features, and bright vivacious eyes. 
 This lady has the enviable celebrity of being one of the 
 most undaunted, consistent, able, and indefatigable friends 
 of the slave ; being paramount even amongst the female 
 abolitionists of America. Harriet Martineau, in one of 
 her thrilling essays on American Slavery, notices her as 6 a 
 woman of an intellect as sound and comprehensive, as her 
 heart is noble ; 9 and from what we have seen and heard 
 of her, we believe the compliment to be no more than 
 just. 
 
 “ Although one of the delegates from the American 
 Anti-Slavery Society to the Convention, she was prevented 
 from taking her place in that character, by a vote passed 
 in the very first sitting; which decided that gentlemen only 
 were intended to be summoned by the London Convention, 
 through whom the assembly was convoked. Some have 
 thought that, although the ladies were defeated by a large 
 majority of votes, the weight of argument was much in 
 their favor. We shall not discuss the question here, as to 
 whether it is right for women to take an active and prom- 
 inent part with their brethren in promoting philanthropic 
 objects ; but we shall take the liberty to express our wish, 
 that half the temper, fullness of mind, warmth of heart, 
 distinctness of utterance, facility of elucidation, and vivac- 
 ity of manners, which distinguish Lucretia Mott, had been 
 the gift of nine tenths of the gentlemen who raised their 
 voices in the Convention on behalf of the slave, and for 
 our edification. We have learned, (and we think it but 
 fair to give the cause of woman’s rights the benefit of the 
 
190 
 
 JAMES AND LUC RET I A MOTT. 
 
 fact,) that the domestic economy of Lucretia Mott’s house- 
 hold is admirable. In the language of one of our inform- 
 ants, ‘ everything goes on like clock - work.’ She is an 
 early riser, a diligent housewife, and thus makes time to 
 attend to the many objects of her care and attention. She 
 is a proof, that it is possible for woman to widen her sphere 
 without deserting it, or neglecting the duties which appro- 
 priately devolve upon her at home. . . . 
 
 “ She is a Minister of the Society of Friends, and is one 
 of the most distinguished and eloquent preachers in Phila- 
 delphia. She dresses with the utmost degree of Quaker 
 simplicity known in these islands ; yet we heard that in 
 some points she would have been looked upon as rather 
 ‘gay' for a very plain Friend in America, which is almost 
 past our comprehension. Yet she is no precisian herself, 
 and is more zealous in recommending that rational sim- 
 plicity which results from humility and Christian principle, 
 than the adoption of any system of external uniformity. 
 
 6i One of her favorite themes is the importance of en- 
 couraging the use of free labor produce, and of abstaining 
 as far as possible from all the fruits of slavery. She con- 
 siders that those who protest against slave-holders, yet make 
 no scruple of purchasing the fruits of their oppression and 
 injustice, are about as consistent as the man who would 
 exclaim against a thief, and then turn round and purchase 
 from him his ill-gotten booty. She unites with many of 
 her friends in Philadelphia, who are similarly concerned 
 in procuring (although at an increased expense,) as much 
 free labor cotton as suffices for their consumption, and that 
 of their families ; thus holding forth a consistent example 
 in their own persons, while pleading in behalf of the slave. 
 We have even heard that where the choice lies between 
 their own convenience, and abstinence from the blood- 
 stained produce, they freely prefer the latter alternative, 
 if abstinence be practicable. 
 
 “ The day we left London after the conclusion of the 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 191 
 
 Convention, we met Lucretia Mott in the Egyptian saloon 
 of the British Museum, where her slender figure, animated 
 features, and simple attire, contrasted strangely with the 
 cold and solemn relics of primeval times, by which she 
 was surrounded. We heard her remark on that occasion, 
 that it was hardly reasonable to wonder so much at the 
 idolatry of the Egyptians, seeing that the prostration of 
 mind which prevails in the present day, if not so revolting 
 in its manifestations, is at least as profound. 
 
 “ The next time we met with her, was on the platform 
 of the usual meeting at the Royal Exchange, Dublin, which 
 she was invited to attend, by one of the gentlemen w r ho 
 had become acquainted with her at the Convention. Being 
 requested by the chairman to address the assembly, her 
 speech delighted the audience exceedingly. Great num- 
 bers of workingmen and their wives and daughters were 
 present ; the meeting was much crowded, but the utmost 
 silence, attention, and decorum were observed. Her re- 
 marks were discursive ; the Anti-Slavery enterprise, moral 
 reform, temperance, and the promotion of peace, were all 
 touched upon, not forgetting another of her favorite themes, 
 the exaltation of the moral and social condition of woman. 
 Her clear voice and simple language, and the beauty and 
 benevolence of her sentiments, sent her thoughts home to 
 the hearts of her hearers, who listened with deep attention, 
 and greeted her conclusion with tokens of the most cordial 
 approbation. 
 
 “ Her husband, James Mott, a highly respectable Phil- 
 adelphia merchant, was also a delegate to the Convention. 
 He is a staunch abolitionist, and we are mistaken if be- 
 neath his somewhat reserved manners we did not discover 
 much goodness of heart, sound sense, and worth of char- 
 acter. His home has long been the resort of the hunted 
 slave ; there the insulted man of color, too, is treated as 
 free and equal, and every friend of humanity is sure of a 
 kind reception. Indeed, we believe there is hardly a dis- 
 
192 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 tinguished abolitionist in America, to whom James and Lu- 
 cretia Mott are not intimately, or favorably known. At 
 the great public meeting held shortly after the Convention 
 in Glasgow, for the purpose of giving a reception to the 
 American delegates, Garrison concluded his speech by say- 
 ing that 4 he could not forego the opportunity of saying a 
 few words in reference to Lucretia Mott. She was the 
 first woman who gave him the right hand of fellowship 
 when he came out of prison, and she stood by him in many 
 perils and dangers. He was deeply indebted to her, under 
 God, for the measure of perseverance he had been enabled 
 to bring to bear on the cause.’ ” 
 
 The first letter that Lucretia Mott wrote after her 
 return to America was to her new friend, Richard 
 D. Webb. This, with one addressed to Elizabeth 
 Pease, forms a natural sequel to the Diary ; they 
 are therefore introduced here, rather than among the 
 letters of the succeeding chapters : — 
 
 Phila., 10th mo. 12th, 1840. 
 
 Dear Richard and Hannah Webb, — What can I 
 write that will be worth sending across the Atlantic ? Here 
 we are at home again, and entering into our every day 
 avocations, just as if we had not been made somebodies 
 in our Fatherland. I mean out of the Convention ! But 
 with all our fault-finding of that august assemblage, it was 
 a most interesting two weeks that we were admitted spec- 
 tators of its doings. I really think I appreciate its proceed- 
 ings and productions more fully now, than while we were 
 with you, and while the wrong done to dear Wm. L. Gar- 
 rison and others, was uppermost with us. We shall send 
 you our Report to the Female Society here. It was writ- 
 ten by Mary Grew. 
 
 Our voyage home was pleasant — twenty-nine' days’ pas- 
 sage. We were not much sick after the third day out. We 
 found our family in good health, and all things gone on well 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 193 
 
 in our absence. Our son-in-law, Edward M. Davis, we 
 passed on the ocean, and knew it not till our arrival in N. 
 Y., when we were told that he had gone to France on busi- 
 ness. How I wish he could see some of those noble souls in 
 Dublin, whom we love so well ! Abby Kimber and Sarah 
 Pugh remained a day or so in N. Y., so we came home 
 without them. Abby is now in the city and is coming here 
 this evening to meet a bridal party, in honor of J. Miller 
 McKim, agent of our Anti-Slavery office. He has lately 
 married one of the finest Quaker girls of Chester Co., and 
 is well-nigh a Quaker himself — of the right sort, I mean. 
 He came to the city in 1 833 to attend the memorable A. S. 
 Convention, and was one of the youngest signers of the 
 notable Declaration. He was then preparing himself for 
 the pulpit in the Presbyterian Society — the religion of 
 his education. We frequently conversed together, touch- 
 ing the doctrines or dogmas of that Society ; and on his 
 return home, he read some of Dr. Channing’s works, and 
 some goodly Friends’ books we furnished him, and the re- 
 sult was an entire change of views. He wrote an “ Ad- 
 dress to the Wilmington Presbytery,” avowing his change, 
 which I should like to send you ; I think your young 
 friend Charles Corkran would like to read it. He now 
 rejoices in his spiritual liberty, and I doubt not even you 
 would admit that he is every whit as good, as when grop- 
 ing in the midnight darkness of sectarian theology. How 
 sorry I am that you — 1 mean Friends in England, Scot- 
 land, and Ireland — have engrafted so much of this creed- 
 religion on your simple Quaker stock. Most heartily did 
 I respond to the remarks in Richard’s letter to us, on the 
 comparative unimportance of creeds and professions. 
 
 Have you seen the Glasgow Friends’ disclaimer, signed 
 by Wm. Smeal (honestly?); and James Mott’s reply to 
 it? Garrison has copied it into the Liberator; subjecting 
 himself to another charge of bringing in “ foreign topics.” 
 If some of our dear Friends on your side of the Atlantic 
 13 
 
194 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 could only have a correct statement of the causes of the 
 separation in our Society, and of our real situation here, it 
 seems to me that there would be some among you with suf- 
 ficient moral courage to make a stand against the “ Church 
 and State ” influence, that is crushing the minds of so many 
 in your midst. But I forbear. With you we will rejoice 
 that there are so many points on which we can agree. 
 
 I close with the warmest affection toward you all. When 
 may we hope to see some of you in our city, and return a 
 part of the many kindnesses we received at your hands? 
 You were often, very often, the subject on our voyage 
 home. Let us hear from you directly as often as you can. 
 
 Ever yours, L. Mott. 
 
 Phila., 2nd mo. 18th, 1841. 
 
 My dear Elizabeth Pease, — . . . Joseph Adshead 
 called on us two days since. I regretted much that we 
 could not have more of his company. It does my heart 
 good to meet any one from England, since our most de- 
 lightful visit in that far-famed land, and especially to greet 
 one so closely united with thy father and thyself. . . . 
 How we rejoice in thy allegiance to William Lloyd Garri- 
 son and the right! . . . W^e have had lately some most 
 pleasant meetings of our English company, or rather, our 
 ship’s company. Our beloved Isaac Winslow is here, and 
 we have been from house to house in social parties, when 
 we have talked over many of the scenes through which we 
 passed so pleasantly together. The high-handed measures 
 to which some of us were subjected were placed in the far- 
 distant background, as well as the petty indulgence of the 
 spirit of sectarism ; while very near to our view, as well as 
 to our hearts’ best feelings, were the great kindness and 
 attention of our many dear friends. It ever affords a de- 
 lightful retrospect. That three months’ travel and sojourn 
 came up to my fondest anticipations. . . . My husband has 
 been with me to the Legislatures of Delaware, New Jersey, 
 and our own State, where a patient and respectful audience 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 195 
 
 was granted while I plead the cause of the oppressed. I 
 have also attended five of our Quarterly Meetings since our 
 return home, and have some more in prospect. 
 
 With kind regards to thy parents, and the love of us all 
 in large measure to thyself, 
 
 I am thine with a sister’s freedom, 
 
 Lucretia Mott. 
 
 In the course of the following winter, James Mott 
 published a small book entitled, “ Three Months in 
 Great Britain,” in which he gives his impressions of 
 English civilization, and narrates in full some per- 
 sonal experiences, to which his wife only alludes in 
 her diary. His observations are quaintly different 
 from those of the ordinary sight-seer. 
 
 “ Windsor Castle is one of the many monuments of the 
 extravagauce and folly of the English nobility and aris- 
 tocracy, which oppresses the laborer by taking from him 
 in the shape of impost and taxes, so much of his earnings, 
 as to leave but a scanty subsistence for himself. ... We 
 met with scarcely any, who appeared to see the effect of 
 the large parks and palaces on the population. They seem 
 to think it a kind of charity in the legal owners to employ 
 hundreds of persons in beautifying these places, forgetting 
 that their labor produces nothing that ministers to the real 
 wants and comforts of life ; arid that the wages thus paid 
 are first taken from the producing laborer without compen- 
 sation, enabling the few to live in idleness, luxury, and ex- 
 travagance, at the expense of the many. . . . 
 
 “ During our stay in London we visited many places of 
 interest and curiosity, and contrasted the residences of the 
 lords and nobles, their splendid equipage and retinue, with 
 the wretched abodes of thousands, who were contriving ways 
 to obtain a few pennies wherewith to lengthen out a miser- 
 able existence. The difference of condition is very striking 
 to any observant American, and should be a warning to us 
 
196 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 to adhere to such institutions in our country as will secure 
 and perpetuate a truly democratic form of government, in 
 which the greatest good to the greatest number is the ob- 
 ject, instead of the good of the few at the expense of the 
 many. 
 
 “ Persons were beginning to assemble for the purpose of 
 attending the approaching Anti-Slavery Convention. In 
 order that they might have an opportunity to become ac- 
 quainted with each other, especially those from foreign 
 countries, the Committee of the British and Foreign Anti- 
 Slavery Society gave general invitations to tea at their 
 rooms. It had not been usual for women to be invited, but 
 as several had crossed the Atlantic, to manifest their inter- 
 est in the cause of the slave, and to give their aid to such 
 measures as would promote his liberation, it was concluded 
 by the committee to deviate from their custom on this oc- 
 casion. On the first evening, only one woman 1 was present 
 beside those from our country ; on the second, a number 
 more attended ; and on the third, nearly as many as of the 
 other sex. 
 
 “ Soon after getting there, on the second evening, I was 
 told that some persons wished to see me in a back room ; 
 following my informant, I found two Friends in waiting, 
 neither of whom I had seen before. They shook hands 
 with me, and one said, ‘ I am Josiah Forster, and this is 
 Jacob Post ; ’ to which I replied, that having a letter for 
 Jacob Post, I was glad of this opportunity to deliver it ; 
 and I was also pleased to meet with Josiah Forster, hav- 
 ing read with interest some years ago a correspondence be- 
 tween him and my grandfather. After some conversation, 
 which the mention of this circumstance led into, J. Forster 
 remarked, they had understood that on the previous even- 
 ing myself, or wife, had made use of some expressions as if 
 we were members of the Society of Friends, and they had 
 received information from the United States, that we were 
 
 1 Elizabeth Pease. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 197 
 
 not. To which I answered, that I did not know what in- 
 formation they had received, but that we were members of 
 the Society of Friends, and had a certificate of the fact 
 from the Monthly Meeting to which we belonged, at the 
 same time handing it to them to read, which they did, 
 with the remark that there were a good many names to it, 
 and with some objection to its address ; but they could not 
 recognize us as Friends. This I told them we were fully 
 aware of, and we wished to pass for just what we were, 
 and our position to be fairly understood, but that their un- 
 willingness to acknowledge us did not alter the fact of our 
 being members of the Society of Friends; and while we 
 claimed so to be, we had no disposition to impose upon 
 them, and no alarm need be felt on that account. J. Fors- 
 ter said he hoped we should have a pleasant visit, and be 
 treated with kindness, but we must not expect to receive 
 much attention from Friends, particularly from such as had 
 young people about them, fearing the dangerous tendency 
 of our doctrines. This first open exhibition of prejudice 
 and bigotry made me feel somewhat sad for a time, but 
 we soon saw so much of it, that my sadness was turned to 
 pity. 
 
 “In the course of the same evening my wife was requested 
 to give an account of the mob at Smyrna, that obliged 
 Daniel Neall to walk two miles through the mud. In nar- 
 rating the circumstance, she mentioned that they were trav- 
 eling with a minute in the usual order of Friends, adding, 
 6 1 suppose it is understood here that when I speak of our 
 Friends, I do not allude to those in connection with Friends 
 in this country.’ As soon as she had finished a detail of 
 the occurrence, J. Forster said, that altho’ Lucretia Mott 
 had kindly stated that she was not in connection with those 
 acknowledged by them as Friends in America, yet he felt 
 conscientiously bound to inform those present, that she was 
 not a member of the Society of Friends, and could not be 
 recognized by them as such. To this I rejoined that we 
 
198 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 considered ourselves as belonging to that religious body in 
 America, and that I had a certificate in my pocket from 
 the Monthly Meeting to which we were attached, which I 
 would read if any one desired ; and that it was probably 
 known to those interested, that a division had taken place 
 in the Society in the United States ; but as our object in 
 being there was not necessarily connected with any secta- 
 rian views, we had no wish to intrude the subject; still we 
 were prepared to meet it then, or at any other time. Sev- 
 eral disapproved of Josiah’s remarks, and rebuked him for 
 them, as being improper and out of place. 
 
 “ The subject of admitting women as delegates to the 
 Convention was much talked of in social circles. The Eng- 
 lish committee, having conferred with some members of the 
 executive committee in New York, and influenced by their 
 representations, seemed alarmed at the idea of such an in- 
 novation on their customs and usages. The circumstance, 
 they alleged, would be mentioned in the newspapers, and 
 the Convention might be the subject of ridicule. On such 
 flimsy reasons and excuses, the right was assumed to ex- 
 clude women as delegates, and only admit them as visitors ; 
 but even this was a small advance in the path of freedom, 
 they never before having been admitted to any business 
 meetings. 
 
 “ The subject of the admission of women was brought 
 up on the first day of the Convention by Wendell Phillips, 
 whose wife had been delegated by the Massachusetts Soci- 
 ety. An animated and somewhat excited discussion en- 
 sued, which continued several hours, when it was decided 
 in the negative by a pretty large majority. Wm. Ashurst 
 pointed them to the inconsistency of ‘calling a World's Con- 
 vention to abolish slavery, and at its threshold depriving 
 half the world of their liberty.’ 
 
 “ The female delegation, finding themselves thus ex- 
 cluded, requested they might have an opportunity to confer 
 with their sisters in England on the subject of slavery, by 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 199 
 
 having a meeting with them alone. A few manifested a 
 reluctance to granting this reasonable request, but others 
 appeared favorable. But their sectarian fears so overcame 
 their Anti-Slavery feeling that they were unwilling to trust 
 the women of England to meet half a dozen from Amer- 
 ica, on account of the religious opinions of the latter ; and 
 I am not alone in believing that this had some influence in 
 the decision of the Convention ; but we were unable to see 
 what our opinions on doctrines had to do in preventing our 
 pleading the cause of down-trodden humanity. 
 
 “ Great credit, however, is due to English abolitionists 
 for their devotion, industry, and perseverance in doing 
 what they could to break the chains of slavery, and for the 
 liberality they have manifested, in raising large sums of 
 money to carry on this work of justice and benevolence, 
 and for the kindness and courtesy extended towards those 
 from foreign lands, who were drawn together on that occa- 
 sion. . . . 
 
 “The opportunities I had for observation, though limited, 
 satisfied me that a great portion of the Society of Friends 
 in England, particularly among the young and middle-aged, 
 know very little about the circumstances of the division in 
 the Society in the United States, or that it was caused by 
 that domineering spirit of intolerance, which now has its 
 iron grasp upon many of them. 
 
 “ Friends in England, from their habits of industry and 
 economy, have become rich ; and from this cause, added to 
 their kindness of disposition and active benevolence, have 
 obtained great influence in neighborhoods where they 
 reside, and in the nation at large. They have received 
 a full share of attention and praise from those who are 
 called the higher classes, the gentry, nobility, and clergy. 
 Pleased with the flattery bestowed on them, they have 
 been gradually sliding from the simple doctrine of obedi- 
 ence to the “ light within ” as the ground of salvation, into 
 the belief, that assent to the dogmas of school divinity is 
 
200 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 essential ; so that many have come to the conclusion that 
 the letter of the Scriptures is the paramount rule of action. 
 A considerable number have joined other denominations. 
 I apprehend that, unless Friends in England return to the 
 simple doctrine of Quakerism, as believed in and incul- 
 cated by George Fox and his contemporaries, instead of 
 placing so much importance on an assent to particular opin- 
 ions, they will be in danger of being swallowed up with the 
 unintelligible dogmas of Church and State theology, while 
 they may retain their identity in forms and peculiarity of 
 dress, and address. Although I have, perhaps, expressed 
 myself strongly in reference to what I consider the declen- 
 sion of the Society of Friends in England, it is with no 
 feelings of unkindness toward them as a body, or to any 
 individually, but for the purpose of showing what appeared 
 to me to be their present situation, and that with our 
 Friends they can have no unity or religious fellowship. ,, 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 During the months of the absence of James and 
 Lncretia Mott from the United States, and indeed, 
 for some time previous to their going away, the con- 
 dition of the Society of Friends at home was becom- 
 ing more and more unsettled. The popular oppo- 
 sition to the Anti-Slavery cause was growing more 
 bitter and more widely extended, and the zeal and 
 earnestness of the abolition party was increasing in 
 even greater ratio. The South, daily more violent, 
 combined with the large cities of the North, where 
 the mercantile interest preponderated, to demand 
 that the abolitionists should be crushed at any cost. 
 This feeling found large sympathy among Friends 
 in New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Much 
 indignation was shown that any member of the So- 
 ciety — and especially a woman, an approved minis- 
 ter — should be an active co-worker with those who 
 were constantly agitating the question of slavery ; a 
 question which threatened the peace of the whole 
 country, and endangered the fortunes of those en- 
 gaged in the cotton business ; but the zeal of Lucre- 
 tia Mott was only increased by this insensibility to 
 the enormity of the transcendant evil among the 
 members of her own religious communion. She was 
 not a frequent preacher. In meetings for worship 
 she was careful to give precedence to strangers, 
 never seeming to forget that she was not the only 
 
202 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI. A MOTT . 
 
 one who had the right to speak. She ever bore in 
 mind the injunction of the Apostle: “ Let the 
 
 prophets speak, two or three, and let the others 
 judge. If anything be revealed to another that sit- 
 tetli by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may 
 all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all 
 may be comforted.” 
 
 But when she did speak, she would have consid- 
 ered herself faithless, and disobedient to the voice of 
 God in her own soul, had she not borne her testi- 
 mony against the great sin of human slavery. 
 
 Among those who were active in the cause of 
 abolition were many who held no connection with 
 any religious sect; men and women of blameless 
 lives, “ who had been careful to maintain good works.” 
 Toward such, the conservative members of the So- 
 ciety of Friends entertained an undisguised aversion. 
 On the contrary, Lucretia Mott regarded them with 
 sympathetic interest, while they, in turn, were espe- 
 cially attracted by her liberal sentiments and en- 
 larged charity. In addition to these, her company 
 was often sought by persons of superior endowments, 
 who were members of other sects, and held orthodox 
 opinions. Her interviews with such are to be remem- 
 bered as seasons of touching interest ; she not only 
 effectively discussed with them the question of slav- 
 ery in its moral and religious aspects, but, when it 
 seemed called for, was ever ready to give a reason 
 for the faith that was in her. 
 
 Notwithstanding her faithfulness in upholding by 
 precept ancj example the vital testimonies of the 
 Society of Friends, during all this active association 
 with u world’s people,” it was becoming matter of 
 offense to many of the prominent members to have 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 203 
 
 one of their own anointed “ mingling with others ” 
 in a work so unpopular and distasteful as Abolition. 
 The disaffection towards her was greatly augmented 
 by ministers and others of some position in the So- 
 ciety, openly opposing her in meetings for discipline ; 
 and especially was this hostility developed in the 
 Select Meeting of Ministers and Elders. Such were 
 the occurrences in these meetings, so wholly were 
 they at variance with Christian charity and dignity, 
 that she became convinced that the purposes for 
 which they were instituted were lost sight of, and 
 that their continued existence would be productive 
 of more harm than good. It would have been a 
 relief to her, could she have withdrawn from them 
 altogether ; but this would have constituted her an 
 “ offender,” and have rendered her liable to be 
 “ dealt with ” and deposed as an acknowledged min- 
 ister. She was careful to give her opponents no le- 
 gitimate cause of action against her, for she greatly 
 desired to remain not only in the Society, but as an 
 “ approved minister ” in it. Not only was this a 
 matter of justice to herself; it was also because she 
 loved her Society, its traditions, its inheritance, and 
 its principles. Efforts were not wanting to bring 
 her case before the Select Meeting, and at one time 
 they were well-nigh successful ; but owing to her 
 thorough and familiar acquaintance with the provis- 
 ions of the Discipline, and her experience in their 
 administration, conjoined with her sagacity in their 
 proper application, she was enabled to ward off the 
 attacks, to the chagrin and disappointment of those 
 who would have been gratified with her expulsion. 
 One of the members confessed to another that “ many 
 difficulties would be removed, if Lucretia would only 
 
204 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE Tl A MOTT . 
 
 resign.” It is pleasant to remember, that throughout 
 this bitter season of hostility, she had the sympathy 
 of many of the younger members of the Society, 
 who, though uninfluential, and unable to check the 
 tide of persecution, gave her a moral support which 
 was always a source of strength and encouragement 
 to her. 
 
 The opposition which she encountered was greatly 
 increased by the superserviceable activity of minis- 
 ters from other Yearly Meetings, who came with 
 “ minutes ” to attend that held in Philadelphia. 
 Some of these went to meetings in different sections 
 of the country within the compass of Philadelphia 
 Yearly Meeting, and u held forth” against those who 
 had taken an active part in the anti-slavery strug- 
 gle. In all this some members of the New York 
 Monthly Meeting were very prominent. Not satis- 
 fied with having disowned three of their own Friends, 
 they sent letters to Philadelphia, making complaint 
 against Lucretia Mott, in the hope that she might be 
 “ dealt with,” deposed from the ministry, and pos- 
 sibly deprived of her right of membership. It was 
 not their fault that they were not successful. 
 
 Among those most active against her was George 
 F. White, of New York. He had been separated 
 from membership for some years, but had been re- 
 ceived again into the Society and had become one 
 of its most popular preachers. It was his assumed 
 mission to attack reforms and reformers in vituper- 
 ative language. He was a man possessed of greater 
 intellectual endowments than most of his fellow- 
 preachers, and being gifted with a talent for a par- 
 ticular species of declamatory eloquence, he readily 
 secured large audiences. In his frequent visits to 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 205 
 
 Philadelphia, he found many hearers who sympa- 
 thized with his views, while others were led by curi- 
 osity to listen to his denunciations. He was emi- 
 nently successful, for a season, in holding those who 
 were engaged in the anti-slavery cause up to ridi- 
 cule and odium ; and there were not a few who found 
 it easy to tread in his footsteps. 
 
 It is certainly no pleasant task to recall the occur- 
 rences which took place in the Society during these 
 years of the anti-slavery struggle. Quaker tradi- 
 tions, testimonies, principles, were not proof against 
 the pro-slavery spirit that had corrupted the nation, 
 and the Society of that period has left us an inherit- 
 ance of shame which we would gladly forget. But 
 this memoir would be one-sided, and would fail to 
 exhibit the strength and depth of the characters of 
 James and Lucretia Mott, should this part of their 
 life’s history be omitted. Never were patience, for- 
 bearance, courage, and faith, more severely tried ; 
 never more surely and conspicuously rewarded. The 
 time came when the crown of thorns, worn for so 
 many years by the brave band of abolitionists, 
 changed to a crown of laurel. In that hour of tri- 
 umph, how many claimed to share its glory ! The 
 sweet, forgiving charity of these two overlooked the 
 inconsistency in the congratulations showered upon 
 them ; but to others, less magnanimous, it was amaz- 
 ing to witness the felicitations they received from 
 former opponents, who, clothed in complacent self- 
 delusion, seemed entirely forgetful of their own dis- 
 creditable record. 
 
 Lucretia Mott wrote few letters addressed to per- 
 sons not connected with her own family. Those fur- 
 nished in this and the following chapter were written 
 to valued friends of whose sympathy she was assured. 
 
206 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 TO NATHANIEL AND ELIZA BARNEY, OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Phila., 11th mo. 8th, 1839. 
 
 My much loved N. and E. Barney, — I fondly 
 hoped to meet you at the anniversary in Boston, and with 
 regret learned by Nathaniel’s acceptable letter, that sick- 
 ness was one cause of his absence. Do be careful in the 
 observance of the laws of health, for I can’t learn resignation 
 to the good and the useful not living out half their days. 
 
 I can assure you the word of encouragement never 
 reached me when more needed, than at the time of the re- 
 ception of that letter. Our New York friends took um- 
 brage at my going to a non-resistance meeting, and talked 
 themselves into an idea that it was almost a wicked step. 
 
 G. F. White made the subject of war his theme the First- 
 day following, and after admitting that no consistent Chris- 
 tian could take arms, he added, that he could believe the 
 warrior with his weapon in hand, ready to destroy his 
 brother, might yet be nearer the kingdom of Heaven, than 
 a member of a non-resistance society. So he might have 
 said of a member of a Quaker Soc y . We all know that 
 simple membership does not confer a testimony. Else 
 might he have a cleaner one against slavery. Not satisfied 
 with that opportunity, he came here, had the members of 
 our three mg s collected at the Cherry St. house, with many 
 others not of our fold. His text was “ He who will resist 
 God, will resist man.” He went on to show how the “ hire- 
 lings ” of the day were resisting God, as that class ever 
 had done ; how preposterous then for such to profess the 
 principles of non-resistance. He warned the young peo- 
 ple against being caught in their snares ; their “ vine was 
 as the vine of Sodom, and their grapes bitter ; ” that som§\ 
 were well-nigh hugged to death by them. What did woman 
 want in the name of rights, but liberty to roam over the 
 country from Dan to Beersheba, spurning the protection of 
 man ; to traverse the streets and lanes of the city ; to travel 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 207 
 
 in stages and steamboats, by day lines and night lines with- 
 out a male protector? For himself, before he would submit 
 to the dictation of an imperious woman, he would traverse 
 the earth while there was a foot of ground to tread upon, 
 and swim the rivers while there was water to swim in ; that 
 an Elder in the Soc y had said at his table, that she did not 
 intend to marry until she found a man to whose judgment 
 she could surrender her own. These were the sentiments 
 that would win the hearts of men ; to such as these a man 
 would bring his treasures, and pour “ into her lap and kneel 
 at her feet,” etc. 
 
 All this in the name of the Gospel of Jesus Christ ! ! This 
 is nearly verbatim. Similar denunciations of anti-slavery 
 and non-resistance soc es were repeated at the Western and 
 Cain Quarterly Mg s , which he attended with a minute of 
 unity from his Mo. M g . Benj. Ferris accompanied him, 
 and in a letter to Rich d Price reported what he said, as set- 
 ting in a true and clear light the delusion of modern aboli- 
 tionism ; exposing those who had been led away by it. 
 
 I should not give you these particulars, but that these 
 meetings have produced some excitement among us, and 
 party spirit is in danger of having the ascendancy. And 
 with the hope that you may exercise the holy office of 
 peace - makers, I want you to be apprised early of the 
 state we are in. Some of our dear young people are much 
 puzzled to understand how Stephen Treadwell and G. F. 
 White can both be right, and their messages diametrically 
 opposite. A young man from the Western Quarter thus 
 writes to me ; . . . “I write to try to dispel the burden that 
 is resting upon me. It is distressing to honest minds to 
 see two or more i public Friends 9 traveling around, both 
 professing to be led by the unerring light, and yet their 
 doctrine diverging to the widest extremes. The attack 
 upon non-resistants was most unexpected. I almost shud- 
 dered as he heaped his denunciations upon them. Instantly 
 my mind glanced over the names of a Chapman, Garrison, 
 
208 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 May, Capron, Burleigh, and Quincy, and my spirit sank 
 with despondency, and yet with something of indignation, 
 when I recollected that he was an accredited Minister of 
 the Soc y of Friends. Shame on such professors ! a few 
 such will scatter our Society to the winds, and Quakerism 
 will no longer have an organized form ! Oh, how differ- 
 ent were his doctrines from that which inculcates an every- 
 day religion which a man can carry with him on all occa- 
 sions, and practical^ apply in all cases.” . . . 
 
 Now, this is a young man who, a few years ago, when but 
 a stripling, took a stand alone against intemperance, when 
 not a society was in existence in his neighborhood ; but 
 having a brother who had fallen a victim to that dire sin, 
 he was awakened to the subject. His faithfulness in this 
 prepared his mind for the reception of other subjects of 
 moral reform, and he became an active abolitionist, and 
 made sacrifices of gain and health by lecturing on the sub- 
 ject. He has also done much among his associates to im- 
 prove their taste in literature, by establishing a library of 
 useful works ; and as a Friend, though not in the sectarian 
 exterior, is without reproach. How desirable that such 
 efforts should meet with every encouragement ! It may 
 appear strange to you that I should thus write ; and if I 
 could detect in myself any germ of unkind feeling toward 
 G. F. W., I should hesitate. But I have been so cast down 
 in view of what awaits the Society if this spirit of judging 
 and condemning is not arrested, that I have sought relief 
 by expression in this way. As to replying from the gal- 
 lery, my fervent prayer is to “ answer not again,” but hav- 
 ing done well, and suffering for it, to take it patiently. . . . 
 
 Affect ly L. Mott. 
 
 TO RICHARD D. WEBB, OF DUBLIN. 
 
 Phila., 4th mo. 2nd, 1841. 
 
 My dear Friends, Richard and Hannah Webb, — 
 How little I can write of interest, after the long letter of 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 209 
 
 my husband ; as to theology, I am sick of disputes on that 
 subject; though I cannot say just as my husband has — 
 that he “ does n’t care a fig about it ” — for I do want those 
 I love to see their way out of the darkness and error 
 with which they are surrounded. Moreover, I think there 
 is so much harm done by teaching the doctrine of human 
 depravity and dependence on a vicarious atonement, that 
 I feel constrained to call on all, everywhere, to yield such 
 a mistaken and paralyzing dogma. Richard is greatly mis- 
 taken in saying our Friends are “ declaredly Unitarian.” 
 They would be horror-struck at the idea of it ! 
 
 George F. White, the notable “ Hicksite Priest,” who 
 “ in season and out of season ” assails abolitionists, non- 
 resistants, and temperance men, has lately been in the 
 city, warning our Meeting against “ modern Unitarianism.” 
 What man of straw he has been building for himself with 
 that cognomen, I know not ; but we perceive that some are 
 searching Elias Hicks’ writings, and remembering his say- 
 ings, in proof that he was as much opposed to Unitarians, 
 as to any other sect. He was, nevertheless, Unitarian in 
 sentiment, whether they know it or not ; and so were Wil- 
 liam Penn, and some other of our early Friends. But 
 they, as well as some of our modern Friends, threw a veil 
 of mysticism and obscure expression around them — re- 
 serving to themselves an understanding of “ Christ, the 
 Light,” which many of their readers fail to perceive. This 
 practice strikes me as not quite honest ; and yet when 
 questions are put, to see how we may be caught in our 
 words, we have high authority for parrying a little, at least 
 so far as to say, “ I will also ask you.” George Combe’s 
 “ Notes on the U. S. A., during a Phrenological visit,” is 
 just out, in which he represents our Friends as Unitarians. 
 Many of our members are sorely aggrieved by this state- 
 ment, as well as by his saying that we left the Society, 
 instead of the fact, that they left us and the original doc- 
 rines of Friends. It troubles me not at all ; for our sta- 
 14 
 
210 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 bility and usefulness as a Society, depend, not so much on 
 the opinions of us, as on our strict adherence to our cardi- 
 nal doctrine of the sufficiency of the “light within,” and 
 righteousness without. We hoped to send you some books 
 by this opportunity, but the bearer of our letters cannot 
 take parcels. Now I ’ll have done with theology. 
 
 Your letter, with Cha s L. Corkran’s addition, was most 
 acceptable. I feel great affection for all the dear friends 
 with whom we so delightfully mingled in Dublin, and shall 
 long have yearnings of heart towards them ; but specially 
 for your C. C. were my interests enlisted. I cherish the 
 hope of seeing him comfortably settled here at no distant 
 day. His honesty in the avowal of sentiments that, how- 
 ever correct, have little countenance with your beuighted 
 sectarians ; his moral courage in acting in accordance with 
 convictions, when it might affect his living ; and the devo- 
 tion of his time to the moral improvement of his degraded 
 and oppressed fellow-beings ; his kind attentions to us, and 
 his interest in the company and conversation of that noble 
 man, Wm. L. Garrison; as well as his ready perception 
 of the right, and willing acknowledgment of a change of 
 views, on woman, non-resistance, etc. ; all these traits of 
 character render him an important personage in our es- 
 timation. I have read his addition to your letter many 
 times, and have only one amendment to propose, viz. 
 when he says, “I am now quite of opinion that any 
 woman who possesses the talent for publicly helping to 
 advance and improve the human race should be allowed 
 to exercise it ; ” I move that the words “ be allowed,” be 
 omitted. Our “ freedom has so long been by suff’rance, 
 and at will of a superior,” that we cannot expect a ready 
 recognition of independent judgment. The servitude of 
 woman is by so many of her kind 66 kept and guarded as a 
 sacred thing,” that we need not look for her mental fetters 
 to be soon broken. I wish we could send him some of our 
 papers and periodicals, without subjecting him to postage. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 211 
 
 How near it makes ns feel to you, to read your com- 
 ments on such recent transactions as are recorded in the 
 “ Liberator.” I fear the Sabbath, Church, and Ministry 
 Convention will not effect much, the time is so occupied 
 by St. Clair, Phelps, Torrey, Colver, and other bigots. It 
 may set the people of priest-ridden New England to think- 
 ing for themselves, and ultimately do good. 
 
 I was glad you had an opportunity to see and admire 
 Elizabeth Cady Stanton. We had never seen her till we 
 met in England, and I love her now as one belonging to 
 us. I never could regard her husband quite as a New-Or- 
 ganizationist. He, and Whittier, and Birney ought to leave 
 that clan, and return to their first love. They all seem to 
 be retiring from the Anti-Slavery field. 
 
 But I must not fill up my paper without telling you how 
 shamefully our Hicksite-Orthodox Friends in New York, 
 are treating Isaac T. Hopper and his son-in-law, James S. 
 Gibbons. George F. White’s pro-slavery friends, — over- 
 seers of N. Y. Monthly M g , — have brought them before 
 the Meeting as offenders, on the charge of aiding in circu- 
 lating a paper which promotes discord among Friends. 
 Geo. F. White has been preaching from the gallery for 
 two years past, that which has sowed more discord than we 
 shall soon be^able to root out and destroy. He has been 
 encouraged in his denunciations, by those who are now ac- 
 tive in passing Church censure on I. T. H. and J. S. G. 
 Some of us look forward to troublous times in our Church 
 on account of the opposing sentiment and action on the 
 subject of abolition. Cherry St. m g has not yet anything 
 unpleasant to disturb the harmony. They bear with me 
 and my- wanderings, wonderfully well. But when our 
 Yearly M g comes together, we may meet with some opposi- 
 tion. Our Yearly M g ’ s committee on slavery has published 
 a good tract since our return. 
 
 We do not cease to regret that our E. M. Davis did not 
 take the time to go over to Dublin and see you all. His 
 
212 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TL A MOTT. 
 
 countenance is as open, and his heart as generous, as is 
 Eliz th Stanton's. He came home late in the fall. 
 
 I have not left room to write of the love I feel for you 
 all. L. Mott. 
 
 Allusions are made in these letters to the “ dis- 
 ownment ” by the Monthly Meeting of New York, of 
 Charles Marriott, Isaac T. Hopper, and James S. 
 Gibbons, a case which is without a parallel in the 
 history of the Society of Friends. 
 
 The charge upon which they were arraigned was 
 the “ being concerned in the support and publication 
 of a paper, which has a tendency to excite discord 
 and disunity among us.” The ground of the charge 
 was, that they were members of the Executive Com- 
 mittee of the Anti-Slavery Society, which issued the 
 “ Anti-Slavery Standard,” — a paper, which for pu- 
 rity of morals, excellence of taste, and intellectual 
 ability, was not exceeded, and, perhaps, scarcely 
 equaled, by any periodical of the day. Among its 
 contributors were Lydia Maria Child, Edmund 
 Quincy, James Russell Lowell, and J. Miller McKim. 
 It was supported by a subscription list composed of 
 the names of many of the most exemplary, and en- 
 lightened men and women in the country, among 
 whom were members of the Society of Friends of 
 both divisions. 
 
 Such was the bitterness and want of honesty and 
 fairness with which the prosecution was conducted, 
 that Meetings and individuals in other parts of the 
 country issued disclaimers, expressing in no measured 
 terms their disapproval and regret. Charles Mar- 
 riott, a man of great gentleness and sensitiveness, 
 survived the unhallowed decree but for a short time. 
 
 Isaac T. Hopper lived for about ten years longer, 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 213 
 
 in active, earnest, and philanthropic work. The 
 Monthly Meeting of New York had disowned him, 
 but he never disowned the Society of Friends. The 
 Friend 1 who acted as clerk of the Yearly Meeting 
 at the time, one who was for many years the most 
 prominent individual in that body, distinguished 
 alike for his benevolence and his attachment to the 
 Society, in speaking lately of this disownment, re- 
 marked, “ O, that sad affair ! I have repented, re- 
 pented, repented ! ” Upon which it was said, u But 
 thou didst not appear to take an active part in the 
 proceeding ; ” and he replied, “ Yes, I held their 
 clothes while they stoned him ; it was all a mistake, 
 — all wrong.” 
 
 TO NATHANIEL BARNEY, OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Phila., 4th mo. lltli, 1841. 
 
 My dear Nathaniel, — Thy welcome letter was just 
 received, and if I wrote all that is in my heart in view of 
 the impending storm over our Society, a volume would not 
 contain the half. But I forbear. I have hesitated lately 
 whether to take the pen on these truly painful subjects, 
 even to commune with our beloved P. P. Willis. It has 
 been so desirable that our Society should harmonize, and 
 not again be rent in twain, that I have vainly hoped, by 
 patiently bearing denunciation and abuse, we might event- 
 ually overcome evil with good. 
 
 The recent proceedings of those blind guides in New 
 York give evidence of their state. Isaac T. Hopper writes 
 to his children on the subject, as a Christian should. 
 
 George F. White was at our m s this morning. He went 
 on in his usual strain ; telling the people that man might 
 live, as the Apostle Paul did, more than forty years in the 
 commission of wrong acts, and still not be accountable to 
 God. I am interrupted by company, and must close ab- 
 ruptly. 
 
 1 Samuel Willets. 
 
214 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 13 th . — I resume my pen, but do not now feel like say- 
 ing more of the wrong doings in New York, and the effort 
 by some of their members to produce similar action here. 
 We are, however, at peace in our several meetings, and no 
 disposition is manifested to check the course of abolition. 
 I felt badly on First-day last ; but we are now trying not to 
 fret ourselves because of evil doers. What a fine school 
 to learn non-resistance in ! “ What glory is it, if, when ye 
 
 are buffeted for your faults, ye take it patiently, but if ye 
 do well, etc.” . . . 
 
 We should like to have thy sentiments as to the pro- 
 posed discontinuance of the organ of the National Soc y . 
 My name stands as one of the Ex. Com., and though 
 merely nominal, I would not withdraw it at this crisis, lest 
 it might appear yielding somewhat to the spirit of perse- 
 cution, and deserting Isaac T. Hopper in his fiery trial ; 
 still, when there is such a disposition to watch how they 
 may catch us in our words, I confess I prefer not to incur 
 the responsibility of that which I have no opportunity of 
 seeing and altering. What does thy Eliza say ? Dear 
 Maria Chapman is so anxious that it should be well sup- 
 ported, that I should be sorry to oppose it without good 
 reason. It is extremely difficult to collect the money. We 
 are all poor. Now, is it prudent to go on with expendi- 
 tures ? 
 
 We should be very glad to see you at our house. 
 
 With much love, ever L. Mott. 
 
 J. M. TO NATHANIEL BARNEY. 
 
 Phila., 3rd mo. 6th, 1841. 
 
 My dear Friend, — Thy letter of 2 nd mo. 24 th , I re- 
 ceived yesterday. . . . The balance of funds will be handed 
 over to the Female A. S. Soc y as requested. This little 
 band (for few they are in number, and small in means,) 
 still persevere in their efforts to aid in undoing the heavy 
 burdens of the oppressed slave, and are encouraged to do 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 215 
 
 so in the faith that their work is not in vain, or their labor 
 for naught, notwithstanding the violent and unsparing de- 
 nunciations heaped upon them by the pro-slavery portion 
 of our citizens, among whom are some who call them- 
 selves Friends ; and I fear the number of this class is in- 
 creased by the preaching of some accredited ministers 
 amongst us. In the city of New York, nearly all the 
 Friends of that Mo. M g have followed their leader and 
 gone over to the enemy ; the few who remain steadfast 
 are excluded from the use of m g houses for their anti- 
 slavery m gs . In this city we also have some who have 
 been carried away by the preaching of George F. White. 
 But the influence is yet too strong on the right side for 
 his admirers to undertake any such measures as they have 
 taken in N. Y. However, the busy tongue of “ tale-bear- 
 ing and detraction ” is not idle, and what may be the re- 
 sult of its poisonous influence upon our Soc y , if it shall 
 continue to be indulged, it is impossible to say ; but we 
 must hope for the best, and trust that right action will in 
 the end produce good fruit, whatever may be the effect 
 upon the actor. 
 
 Lucretia’s health is now good. She has not been idle 
 the past winter, having visited the seats of government of 
 Del., Penn a , and New Jersey, and held meetings, at which 
 most of the members of each Legislature were present ; 
 all of which were quiet and satisfactory. At Smyrna, 
 where Dan 1 Neall was mobbed, we were at m g on First-day 
 morn g , notice having been given. When we rode into the 
 village, the piazza of the only tavern in the place was full 
 of people ; many of them followed us to the m g house, a 
 short distance, and attended the m g , all being quiet and 
 orderly, except that one man, the leader of the mob before, 
 went out when L. began to touch on the subject of slavery. 
 Truth reigned, and some “ who came to scoff, remained to 
 pray.” 
 
 After m g we found that one of the linch pins had been 
 
216 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 taken out of the carriage, which, however, was soon re- 
 placed, and we went to the tavern, where the people were 
 again collected, and calling for the landlord, asked if he 
 would give us dinner and feed our horses ; he replied, that 
 there was much excitement, and he sh d be much obliged to 
 us to excuse him from doing so. This we were willing to 
 do, and drove away ; the people around, to the number of 
 fifty or more, were quiet, and I have no doubt those of them 
 who had been at the m g , were far more mortified at our 
 being denied a dinner that we were willing to pay for, than 
 we were. Tho s Garrett, and wife, of Wilmington, were with 
 us in their carriage. We rode thirteen miles to a friend’s 
 house, to put up for the night. . . . 
 
 With much affection, thy friend, J. Mott. 
 
 L. M. TO THE SAME. 
 
 Phila., 5th mo. 21st, 1841. 
 
 My dear Nathaniel, — How greatly disappointed we 
 were that Eliza and thyself did not come to our Yearly 
 M g ! We could not give it up till the week was more than 
 half gone. We thought you might wish to be at the an- 
 niversary of the Am. A. S. Soc 7 ., and w d come here after- 
 ward. Some one of our family went to the boat several 
 days to meet you. Now that the time is past, and you 
 were not here, can you make amends better than to pay us 
 a visit after your Yearly ? 
 
 There are many things we should like to say/ that we 
 cannot well put on paper. Thy letter was exceedingly in- 
 teresting to us. In view of the divisions among our Friends, 
 I don’t wonder that thou should think of a conference on 
 the subject. Still I have such hope that the present storm 
 may blow over, as to lead me to desire that we may bear 
 a great deal, before we take any step which would threaten 
 another separation. True, the measures of Friends in Ohio, 
 and in some parts of your Yearly M g , lead us more than 
 “ partly ” to believe that there are “ divisions among us.” 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 217 
 
 But if by “ quietness and confidence ” we can gain any 
 strength, let us longer try to hold our patience. I cannot 
 see that any concessions are called for at our hands ; for we 
 are doing no more than is our duty to do. 
 
 We were very glad that C. Marriott consented to serve 
 another year on the Ex. Com., both for the good he may 
 render the cause in that way, and the strength to Isaac T. 
 Hopper and J. S. Gibbons, in bearing them company in 
 their persecutions. I hope thou wilt be very faithful with 
 the opposing spirits of N. Y. M° M g . Honesty, one with 
 another, is needed in this crisis. There is as much preach- 
 ing that is pointed and bearing in its tendency, as we 
 ever heard among our Orthodox Friends. If those who 
 are dissatisfied with this, say nothing, save to one another, 
 can we expect other than that the spirit of denunciation 
 will be strengthened ? Rachel Hicks has come out in as new 
 a character as some of the gentle spirits did in orthodox 
 days. She said in our “ Select M g ,” on Seventh-day, that 
 she had come with her life in her hands, and bound in spirit, 
 to do her Master’s bidding ; and after much preface of this 
 kind, her message was to denounce “ the three popular so- 
 cieties,” which she believed she should “ be excused nam- 
 ing,” as doing more harm, or “ a greater obstacle to the 
 progress of Christian or spiritual liberty, than all the gross 
 evils in the world ; ” and much more of the same character, 
 cautioning Friends against joining them. 
 
 In the First-day m g , she likened those thus engaged, to 
 the “ active Peter and other disciples who would go a fish- 
 ing, — and how instructive the simile, that it was night — 
 and the Master was not with them, and they toiled all night 
 and caught nothing. When morning came the Master came 
 and directed the net cast on the right side of the ship.” 
 Then came the application to those engaged with “ crea- 
 turely zeal in popular righteousness.” 
 
 May such things be said year after year over our gal- 
 lery-rail, with the claim of High Heaven’s sanction, and 
 
218 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 because no names are mentioned, all pass for an “ harmo- 
 nious labor for truth’s honor ” ? 
 
 We rejoiced to hear that your little band on the island 
 was united, and hope it may continue so. It is not needful 
 that all should think favorably of organizations, or even 
 give us countenance in the course we are pursuing. All 
 we ask is, that they will cease to judge us as they have 
 done, and leave us to exercise our individual responsibili- 
 ties and duties. And we will plead with them, if they 
 cannot be for us, not to be against us ; and if they cannot 
 countenance our measures, to pursue as much better as 
 their best judgments may dictate ; and if theirs succeed in 
 undoing the heavy burdens and letting the oppressed go 
 free, they shall have praise of the same. 
 
 Is it not encouraging, in these troublous times, that the 
 anniversary m g in N. Y. was so good ! William Lloyd 
 Garrison is certainly the Reformer of this age. How his 
 opponents sink into insignificance in his presence! . . . 
 
 What dost thou think of the conclusion of Michigan 
 Quarterly M g ., in regard to the “ Select Meeting ” ? I 
 have long noticed that difficulties in our Soc ty have had 
 their origin in our Select Meetings, humbling-as is the fact. 
 Perhaps if their power were more limited, one cause of 
 dissensions would be removed. ’Tis true, we often have 
 good meetings together, but what is there that ought to be 
 regarded as secret? I am more and more prepared for 
 their discontinuance. Indeed, I am sometimes almost sick 
 of religious societies ; seeing that our nature is to “ bark 
 and bite.” I am not sorry that Michigan has come to that 
 conclusion. 
 
 What an inconsistency to release the Slavery Com., and 
 continue the Indian with an appropriation of $800 ! Among 
 the items of expenditure the last year, is a sum paid an 
 agent for procuring signers to petitions to Congress. Bear 
 that in mind, when “ hired agents” in the A. S. cause are 
 denounced as “ ravenous wolves ” by those who make no 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 219 
 
 complaint when it is for the Indian, who is injured and 
 abased enough truly, but whose oppression and suffering 
 at the hand of the whites has not been a tithe of those of 
 the down-trodden negro. If the wrongs of the Indian are 
 seven-fold, surely those of the negro are seventy and 
 seven. 
 
 Thank thee for thy kind invitation to visit you ; but we 
 expect to abide in our tents till these “ calamities are over- 
 past.” 
 
 With much love, thy friend, L. Mott. 
 
 TO THE SAME. 
 
 Phila., 11th mo., 2*2nd, 1841. 
 
 My dear Nathaniel, . . . Thy letter was received a 
 few days before I left home, accompanied by E. M. Davis 
 and Sarah Pugh, to attend the m g of the Non-Resistant 
 Soc 7 in Boston. I was much disappointed in not meeting 
 thee there, and could not give up the hope, until after the 
 reception of thy letter by W. L. Garrison, too late to reply 
 before the meeting closed. Of our doings, and many of 
 our sayings, while in Boston, you are apprized. The op- 
 position papers would fain make the people believe, that 
 the speeches of a few ultraists were endorsed by the So- 
 ciety. 
 
 Charles Marriott went on with us from N. Y., and ex- 
 pressed satisfaction in such m gs of the convention as he at- 
 tended. He returned home a few days before we did. I 
 suggested to him to ask Friends in N. Y. to give notice of 
 my intention of being at their m g on Fourth-day. They 
 refused to do so, on the plea of my having no minute ! 
 
 What are we to think of G. F. W’s offer of his resigna- 
 tion of his right of membership to his Mo. M g , only the 
 month previous to his obtaining a minute to go to Indiana ? 
 It furnishes satisfactory evidence, that his mind and feel- 
 ings have been in a morbid state for some time past. I re- 
 joice that thou hast been so faithful in holding up to 
 
220 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 Rachel Hicks and others, the danger the Society is in. 
 What a deplorable event it would be, to suffer the ravings 
 of an insane mind to scatter us again to the four winds ! I 
 can but hope better things. Tis true, a few ministers and 
 
 others follow in his wake. lately came out 
 
 in a very improper manner against temperance, abolition, 
 and other societies, “ and even phremology.” But he was 
 so manifestly wrong, that it only tended to hurt himself. 
 Our m gs have been much less in danger of being carried 
 away by these false brethren, “ who have come in to spy 
 out the liberty we have in Christ Jesus,” than they were a 
 year ago. Each time we have been visited of late, the 
 veil seems to be removed from the eyes of some. 
 
 When wilt thou come and let us talk face to face on 
 subjects of such general concernment? This I think we 
 might do with friendly feelings all around. We had a day 
 of sweet enjoyment on our way home from Boston, with 
 our loved cousins, Henry and Phebe P. Willis, John 
 Ketchum, and others. 
 
 Griffith M. Cooper is now in the city on his return from 
 Washington. He is not afraid to speak his mind of the do- 
 ings in N. Y., and he sees things clearly too. So tell thy 
 dear Eliza not to be discouraged because of a dark and 
 cloudy day ; it will but bring forth a refreshing shower, 
 that shall re-animate our spiritual nature and lead us to 
 
 “Bud, I hope, and shoot .” 1 ^ 
 
 I think she will be interested in the perusal of the accom- 
 panying discourse by Dr. Channing, when last in our city. 
 He made us several most interesting visits. 
 
 I leave home to-morrow morning, for a long journey 
 over the mountains to Centre Quar ly M g and Fishing Creek 
 M g , by appointm* of the Yearly M g , and with a minute to 
 appoint meetings. Catharine Truman is to bear me com- 
 pany ; and Chalkley Gillingham, of N. Jersey, a new Min- 
 
 1 From a quaint effusion bj r Thomas Elwood. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 221 
 
 ister, is also on the appointment. We shall probably be 
 absent six weeks. 
 
 Much company and many cares must be my apology for 
 sending such a letter, 
 
 Ever thy attached friend, L. Mott. 
 
 L. M. TO HER SISTER, MARTHA C. WRIGHT. 
 
 Phila., 11 th mo. 28 th , 1841. 
 
 ... I hope thou wilt be able to get Theodore Parker’s 
 sermon. It is a beautiful production ; the sentiments so 
 just, and yet so horrifying to orthodoxy. Ellis brought a 
 review of it, which does Parker injustice, as all such pious 
 notices do, by making him say what he has not said. 
 Thomas Y. had read that, and afterwards one of Bishop 
 Onderdonk’s, which, he wrote Ellis, 44 had strengthened his 
 convictions with reference to Apostolic usage as binding 
 on the present age.” He says 44 In strong contrast, both 
 with the style and arguments of our good bishop, is an 
 ordination sermon preached in Boston by Theodore 
 Parker ; a stranger production professing to be a sermon 
 from a Christian pastor, I never perused. Denying every 
 possible groundwork of Scripture and antiquity, yet full 
 of rich poetic thought and beautiful imagery, it is a lam- 
 entable exhibition of the absurdities which the human 
 mind may believe, when it deserts Catholic principles.” I 
 should be glad to send thee his letter, a page or more in 
 this strain, very well written, but betraying sentiments in 
 my opinion so much darker than those he is reviewing ; for 
 Parker is full of faith in the true groundwork of religion 
 in all ages on which the truths of Scripture are based ; not 
 on miracles, nor inexplicable creeds. But what lamentable 
 absurdities those are involved in, who bind themselves to 
 church theologies ! We hear nothing like reaction among 
 Unitarians, though Ellis came home from Boston full of the 
 idea. The truth is, that all orthodox sects have modified 
 their faith or their creeds, with the advance of rational 
 
222 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 principles of religion ; and now that a large class of Unita- 
 rians are moving forward and leaving the fathers of that 
 reformation behind, these in their turn are raising the cry 
 of “heresy,” which dying orthodoxy seizes as a straw 
 whereon it may rest its expiring hope. 
 
 X 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 The following letters need no introductory re- 
 marks. They follow those of the preceding chapter 
 in chronological order. 
 
 Phila., 2 nd mo. 25 th , 1842. 
 
 My dear Richard and Hannah Webb, and our 
 other dear friends in Dublin, — For when writing to any 
 one of your precious circle, I feel as if I were addressing 
 all, C. Corkran, inclusive, in the yearnings of undimin- 
 ished affection. As the result of our travel abroad, noth- 
 ing affords more unmingled pleasure, than the reception 
 of some three or four sheets of Richard’s “ illegible writ- 
 ing.” The very difficulty we have in deciphering seems to 
 heighten the gratification, for we know that when we have 
 puzzled it out, we shall be paid for the effort. I wish Sa- 
 rah Pugh w d copy for you what she wrote at the close of 
 the last year. It was so expressive of my feelings. That 
 the rapid flight of Time was placing our delightful visit in 
 the more distant view — and, so on — a heap of pretty 
 sentiments ; just what I felt, but had not the ability to write 
 out. 
 
 I should like to send you a copy of some playful lines, 
 written by our daughter Anna for her friend, Sarah A. Mc- 
 Kim, as an “acknowledgment” to Friends for her offense 
 in “ marrying out of meeting.” We can bear with evident 
 satisfaction a little raillery at the expense of other sects, 
 but few can bear to have their own made the subject of 
 satire, or even pleasantry. Our veneration is trained to pay 
 homage to ancient usage, rather than to truth, which is 
 
224 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 older than all. Else why church censure on marriages 
 that are not of us; on parent’s conniving; on our mem- 
 bers being present at such, etc. ? Oh ! how our Discipline 
 needs revising, and stripping of its objectionable features ! 
 I know not how far yours may differ from ours ; but I know 
 we have far too many disownable offenses. Still, with all 
 our faults, I know of no religious association I would pre- 
 fer to it. And I would rather hear of R. D. Webb, labor- 
 ing very faithfully, and in all Christian daring, in his So- 
 ciety, than withdrawing from it. I felt so with regard to 
 Wm. Bassett, and hoped that his influence “ within the pale,” 
 might “ turn many to righteousness.” I have frequently no- 
 ticed that persons who were once useful in our Society, after 
 withdrawing from it become rather contracted, and selfish ; 
 shut themselves out from society at large, and grow censo- 
 rious. Their children also, having no rallying point as they 
 grow older, follow their natural inclination for association, 
 and connect themselves with sects far behind the intelli- 
 gence and light of their parents. These remarks may not 
 apply to all. Wm. Lloyd Garrison never was attached to 
 any sect. Sarah Pugh, from the time of the “ separation ” 
 among us, never felt her interest enlisted on either side, but 
 I have no fear of her talents rusting for want of use. 
 
 It has been gratifying to see James Haughton’s name so 
 frequently in public meetings for the good of the people, 
 and the spread of sound principles. His letter received 
 last summer is valued by us, even though we have made no 
 adequate return. I want to send him a heretical sermon, 
 preached by Theodore Parker, in Boston, last year : the 
 “ Transient and Permanent in Christianity.” It created a 
 great stir in New England, and led some of the old Uni- 
 tarians to tremble for their reputations as Christians. The 
 Orthodox were out upon them in all quarters ; which led 
 some of them to issue their disclaimers. Whereupon, the 
 Evangelicals, catching at a straw, foresaw a strong counter, 
 movement, and were cheered with the belief that “doc- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 225 
 
 trines, which of old were held, would begin to reassert 
 their former claims ; and Truth, hallowed by time, and re- 
 vered by Apostolic teaching, and holy, from its conformity 
 to the blessed lessons of the Son of God, would become, 
 and remain, the only standard of the Christian life.” Thus 
 wrote my nephew, Thomas C. Yarnall, who is studying in 
 college for the ministry in the Episcopal church. But to 
 my understanding we shall not make much progress as 
 Christians, until we dare read and examine the Jewish 
 Scriptures, as we would any other of the ancient records. 
 By what authority do we set so high a value on every 
 text that may be drawn from this volume ? Certainly not 
 by any command therein found. On the contrary, again 
 and again, there is an appeal to the inner sense ; “ Why 
 even of yourselves, judge ye not what is right?’’ . . . 
 
 Parker’s remarks on the Bible, in the Discourse above 
 mentioned, I like very much : that its real and proper esti- 
 mate will not be lessened by breaking through the idolatry 
 which is now paid to it. I read its pages, I mean the 
 Scriptures, over and over again with a keen relish, and en- 
 courage our children to do the same ; but I cannot do, as 
 we saw Friends in England and Ireland do — make the 
 reading of that book a religious rite in the family, and 
 adopt a peculiar tone and solemn style of pronunciation, 
 — (all the “ ed ” terminations, full.) Let us venerate the 
 good and the true, while we respect not prejudice and 
 superstition. 
 
 R. D. Webb thinks I am a humanitarian. I have never 
 given my faith a name. The distinctions among Christian 
 professors are found, on an analysis, to be but hair-breadth, 
 and it is puzzling to bear in mind the distinctive points in 
 their creeds. We give a more orthodox hue to ours, by 
 retaining some expressions which do not convey our real 
 sentiments. I do not wonder that Richard asks, what we 
 mean by our professions. If he should hear some of our 
 preachers, he would understand us better. The hearers 
 15 
 
226 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 are often told, that they are not called to rest their hopes 
 of salvation on the “sacrifice without the gates of Jerusa- 
 lem.” We never attempt to draw or define the precise re- 
 lation to the Father. Nor is a Trinity acknowledged in our 
 galleries. We rather urge obedience to “manifested duty,” 
 as the means of acceptance with the Searcher of Hearts. 
 This is the old-fashioned Quaker doctrine ; “ neither is there 
 Salvation in any other.” 
 
 I have no doubt of the kindness and sincerity of the 
 friend who warned you of the danger of association with 
 some of us. Should she hear Richard say how loosely 
 society attachments rest upon him, she would feel as if 
 there was cause for her concern. He must be careful how 
 he gives utterance to such sentiments. I have often felt 
 the restraints, and seen the evils of which he speaks ; but 
 after much consideration, I have come to the conclusion 
 that the advantages of religious associations preponderate. 
 It requires constant watching and care that we yield no 
 principle, but only concede minor points for the sake of 
 unity. If the bearing of a faithful testimony to the Word, 
 subjects us to excommunication, then let us seek another 
 rallying point, for our children’s sake, as well as for the 
 preservation of ourselves. 
 
 You will see by the “ A. S. Standard,” how the N. York 
 pseudo Quakers are conducting towards Isaac^T. Hopper, 
 James S. Gibbons, and Charles Marriott. I bear my tes- 
 timony against their intolerance in every circle. In our 
 Indian committee of four Yearly M gs united, C. Marriott has 
 been a faithful and active member. In a meeting of that 
 com. last week, I expressed the regret I felt, that he should 
 be so unjustly deprived of his right to labor with us in that 
 cause. Some present thought we should be careful how 
 we judged another Monthly M g . I told them we did not 
 hesitate, fifteen years ago, to judge of the persecuting spirit 
 of our Orthodox opposers, and I viewed the treatment of 
 these Friends in New York, in the same light. We were 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 227 
 
 then struggling for freedom of opinion ; we are now claim- 
 ing the right of practice in accordance with our convictions. 
 I wish you could see a correspondence growing out of my 
 going to Boston last autumn, to attend the Non-Resistance 
 anniversary, and attending New York m g on my way home . 1 
 The Elders and others there, have been quite desirous to 
 make me an offender, for joining with those not in member- 
 ship with us, and accepting offices in their societies. But 
 our Friends here know full well that such a position is 
 neither contrary to our Discipline, to Scripture, to reason, 
 nor to common sense. I was permitted to answer for my- 
 self, and found proof enough in the practice of Friends, 
 from the days of Wm. Penn to the present, of such “mix- 
 tures.” They failed to bring action against me. . . . 
 
 I want to tell you how Anne Knight, in a letter to Mar- 
 garetta Forten, deplores my “heresy.” She says, “Her 
 forbearance of the wrongs encountered in the Fatherland 
 would merit the term Christian, had she not so utterly dis- 
 owned and insulted her Lord and Saviour. . . . Awfully 
 as I regard this state of deep and hardened revolt, yet I do 
 love Lucre tia Mott for her work’s sake. It was a joy to 
 me to have the opportunity of offering those attentions 
 which others neglected.” ... I shall write to her soon, 
 and try to convince her that, although I do not interpret 
 the “ sacred text ” precisely as she does, I am not on that 
 account entitled to all the hard names branded by a self- 
 styled orthodoxy. She expresses a wish to have one of 
 James’ books, “ Three Months in Great Britain,” which I 
 shall take great pleasure in sending her. I intend also to 
 send one to Eliz th Pease. She wrote a kind letter to us 
 last summer, which we have not yet acknowledged. I 
 
 1 A complaint was sent from an Elder of New York meeting, to an El- 
 der of Philadelphia meeting, beginning with curious indirectness, “It is 
 informed, that Lucretia Mott,” etc. Instead of laying this before the 
 meeting, as was expected by the writer, the one who received it took it di- 
 rect to Lucretia Mott, who replied in a spirited statement, which her friend 
 used in connection with the complaint. 
 
228 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 have little time to write, save a constant correspondence 
 with my absent sister, and a very few others. I am trav- 
 eling from home so much, that I have to be the more de- 
 voted to my family and domestic avocations when here ; 
 and until I do, as Richard approves in Sarah Pugh, 
 “ break off my attachment to our religious Society,” I shall 
 have frequent demands on my time and services in its be- 
 half. 
 
 You will see H. B. Stanton’s name among the Third 
 Party speakers in Boston. How sorry I am that he has 
 joined them ! They might have had Colver, if we could 
 have kept Stanton, and Whittier, and Theodore D. Weld. 
 You will see in the “ A. S. Standard ” the Washington 
 correspondence of the “ New York American,” signed R. 
 M. T. H., giving an account of J. Q. Adams’ defense. 
 How bravely the veteran is acquitting himself ! It is sup- 
 posed, and with some reason, that Theodore D. Weld is the 
 writer of those letters. Our New-Organization abolition- 
 ists are not idle. Let us give them credit for all the good 
 they do. 
 
 Elizabeth Cady Stanton is at her father’s. She writes 
 to her friend, Eliz th J. Neall, that she has lately made her 
 debut in public in a temperance speech, and was so elo- 
 quent in her appeals as to affect not only her audience, but 
 herself to tears. About one hundred men were present. 
 She infused into her speech a homoeopathic dose of Wo- 
 man’s Rights, and does the same in many private conver- 
 sations. In a letter to me, some time ago, she says, “ The 
 more I think on the present condition of woman, the more 
 am I oppressed with the reality of her degradation. The 
 laws of our country, how unjust are they ! our customs, 
 how vicious ! What God has made sinful, both in man and 
 woman, custom has made sinful in woman alone. In talking 
 with many people, I have been struck with this fact.” . . . 
 
 I can readily imagine your brother James a fond father, 
 from the little evidence I had of his affection in the conju* 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 229 
 
 gal relation. I was pleased with his wife, and the addition 
 since made to their family is all that seemed necessary in 
 their beautiful abode to render their bliss complete. 
 
 Oh ! that delightful day at the sea-side with some of 
 you ! The walk up Killiney Hills, the prospect from the 
 top, all, all are remembered with dear delight. When will 
 you come here? I cannot convey by expression how much 
 I want to see you again. These dear familiar letters to 
 Sarah Pugh, Abby Kimber, and ourselves, some of which 
 are lying before me, bind you to our hearts as bosom 
 friends. Another scene I remember, when Hannah walked 
 with me, after one of the sessions of the Convention, and 
 took me through part of Covent Garden Market, which I 
 had so oft read of as a child. Reaching your lodgings, 
 your venerable father sat there, looking so grave, as if he 
 had some misgivings as to the propriety of his juxtaposi- 
 tion with heretics of the Hicksite order. I remember, too, 
 his prudential silence when I ventured a little ultraism ; 
 and the “ Irish hospitality ” with which we were enter- 
 tained, — each one doing so much to minister to our hun- 
 gry appetites. Again, when in your own social circle in 
 Dublin, I presumed to read a part of what I had written 
 home of your non-committal course in matters of theol- 
 ogy, suggesting, as one reason, the fear of your orthodox 
 leaders, the earnestness and openness of countenance with 
 which your brother Thomas ejaculated, “ I ’m not afraid ,” 
 gave me a sensation of delight. If I forget these things, 
 my memory will forget its office. 
 
 It needs some to be “ not afraid,” in order to withstand 
 the high-handed measures of the Quaker hierarchy. I 
 doubt whether the domination of any sect is more arbi- 
 trary. A handful of the distinct order in Rhode Island 
 Yearly M s placed their veto on the opening of m g houses 
 for the lectures of the abolitionists, and lo ! they are nearly 
 all closed. Here, the young people are kept from the be- 
 nevolent efforts of the day, as if there would be defilement 
 
230 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 in the touch ! I do not wonder that Richard Webb feels 
 the evils of these sectarian organizations. Altho’ I have 
 written as I have on another page, I agree with him (“ in 
 the abstract ”) that for those who are accustomed to re- 
 flect and come to conclusions for themselves, they are un- 
 necessary. 
 
 When you have read the controversy between Paul and 
 Amicus, we should like to have your opinion of the work. 
 It was first published in a Wilmington paper. Paul was a 
 Presbyterian minister by the name of Gilbert. Amicus 
 was Benjamin Ferris. He told us that every answer to 
 Paul was written after his family had retired for the night ; 
 that frequently, when he went to put his effusions into the 
 post office, it was daylight. He never submitted one of 
 them to the criticism of his friends, and never had any ob- 
 jection made to them. After the controversy was ended, 
 the “ Meeting for Sufferings ” issued a kind of disclaimer 
 of it — or protest against it — at the suggestion of Jona- 
 than Evans, the Pope of that day, because it had not been 
 submitted to their orthodox tribunal, previously to its pub- 
 lication, “ according to the good order ” prescribed in the 
 Discipline. This occurred about a year ch* two before the 
 “ separation/’ say, in 1823. Our Friends did not relish a 
 reproof from that quarter. 
 
 Not long after this, Fanny Wright, R. D. Owen, and 
 some others of that school, were in Wilmington, and some 
 of these liberal writers and their children went to hear 
 them lecture on “Knowledge,” “Education,” etc. This 
 alarmed Benj. Ferris and his party, and they came out with 
 an “ Expose of Modern Skepticism.” Immediately another 
 paper was issued by Benj. Webb. Whereupon, Dr. Gib- 
 bons, B. Ferris, and others entered a complaint to the 
 meeting, of their ultraism ; and five or six were disowned. 
 They appealed in vain to our Yearly M s ; many thinking it 
 were better these should suffer, than that our august body 
 should be in any manner identified with the “ infidel Owen- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 231 
 
 ites.” The children of these persecuted brethren withdrew, 
 and Wilmington meeting has had “ Ichabod ” on its walls, 
 from that time to the present. These disowned members 
 were among their most active, benevolent citizens, and 
 have continued respected and beloved. Now, such arbitrary 
 measures I detest. My husband and self came near “ los- 
 ing our place,” by uttering our indignant protest against 
 their intolerance. These are the evils of religious or sec- 
 tarian organizations. We cry out against assumption of 
 power and oppression. But no sooner do we successfully 
 resist their influence than the same weapons are wielded 
 by us against those who take one step in advance of our- 
 selves. We can be mighty charitable to the poor weak- 
 lings we consider behind us ; but let some one go on before! 
 we are as ready to cry “ stop,” and to condemn, as were 
 those at whose hands we suffered such abuse. Where is 
 our confidence in the truth, that we are so fearful to meet 
 error, without denunciation ? I never felt any special in- 
 terest in Owen, or his followers, but desired to meet them 
 in a Christian spirit, knowing they would not ultimately 
 prevail, only as they were in the right. Our dear Eliz th 
 Pease, and some others, quaked with fear, when Owen 
 called on W. L. Garrison, and the other Americans, in 
 London, lest it might give us a bad name ; but I regarded 
 not such fears. How could a common observer of heads 
 and countenances tremble for the influence of such a man ! 
 The most successful refutation of his visionary scheme is 
 to suffer him to be his own expositor. 
 
 I have not yet told you of the pleasant visit we had from 
 Lord Morpeth. We felt some hesitancy about calling on 
 him, thinking he would not remember us. But in a letter 
 from Dr. Channing to his son, who is passing the winter 
 here, he expressed a hope that we would see him ; so we 
 went to his lodgings, card in hand, reducing him to a com- 
 mon man, on our Republican principles. He was not at 
 home. He soon returned the call, made himself very 
 
232 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 agreeable, and accepted an invitation the day following, to 
 breakfast with us. He came each time unattended, walk- 
 ing, as any of our citizens would. We are pleased with 
 the ease with which he accommodates himself to our Amer- 
 ican and Quaker simplicity. We invited Robert Purvis, 
 Miller McKim, and a few other intelligent abolitionists to 
 meet him here, and had a delightful time. He gives gen- 
 eral satisfaction in passing through the country. His amia- 
 ble disposition and manner are pleasing, though he is rather 
 awkward at the graces. 
 
 I began this long letter as dated. It is now Third month, 
 7 th . I can only write a little each day, having many inter- 
 ruptions. Another lion has just arrived in the city — 
 Charles Dickens. Our children have a strong desire to see 
 him. I, too, have liked the benevolent tendency of his 
 writings, though I have read very little in them. I did not 
 expect to seek an interview, or to invite him here, as he 
 was not quite one of our sort. But just now, there was 
 left at our door, his and his wife’s card, with a kind letter 
 from our dear friend, E. J. Reid, London, introducing 
 them, and expressing a strong desire that we would make 
 their acquaintance. There is not a woman in London, 
 whose draft I would more gladly honor. So now we shall 
 call on them, and our daughters are in high glee. I regret 
 that in Boston and New York the people have been so ex- 
 travagant in their reception of the man. 
 
 Our dear Mary Grew has lived too far from us — quite 
 in the lower part of the city — to meet with us often 
 when our friends are with us. But there is a strong, bind- 
 ing tie of affection with all our band of “ rejected dele- 
 gates.” 
 
 We yesterday attended the funeral of James Forten. 
 You will see an account of his death in the “ A. S. Stand- 
 ard,” and an obituary written by Mary Grew. It was a 
 real amalgamation funeral ; hundreds of white people, and 
 thousands of colored. . . . 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 233 
 
 But I must close this very long letter. With kindest 
 remembrances to all the loved circle, 
 
 I am yours most truly, Lucretia Mott. 
 
 TO NATHANIEL BARNEY, OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Phila., 10th mo. 8th, 1842. 
 
 My dear Nathaniel, — We have thy two acceptable 
 letters, with their accompaniments, and hardly know how 
 to make adequate acknowledgment for all thy kindness to 
 us. May a “ full reward be given thee of the Lord God 
 of Israel, under whose wings thou ” hast long trusted ! and 
 may we learn beneficence from thy example ! 
 
 . . . The associations for reform in its various branches, 
 and the opposition they have had to encounter, have awak- 
 ened more interest and inquiry as to the advantages, or 
 otherwise, of ecclesiastical establishments and church con- 
 federacies, than has been elicited since the days of George 
 Fox and his cotemporaries. Early in the Anti-Slavery en- 
 terprise it was evident that woman would not rest satisfied 
 in her priestly thraldom. One of the first resolutions of 
 the Women’s Convention 1 was, “ that it is time for wo- 
 man to act in the sphere which Providence had assigned 
 her, and no longer to rest satisfied with the circumscribed 
 limits in which corrupt custom and a perverted application 
 of the Scriptures had encircled her.” 
 
 We ought not to marvel that the Washingtonians are so 
 unprepared for intermingling with colored people. When 
 we consider the prejudices under which they have grown 
 up ; how little they have heard, or read, to remove those 
 prejudices; and how earnest were the appeals to us on this 
 point, before ever our eyes were opened, we should be 
 cautious of driving them too fast. There is yet a differ- 
 ence of sentiment and feeling on this subject, even among 
 abolitionists. Let us plead with such as are holding back, 
 so that this beam may be removed out of our own eye. 
 
 1 The National Convention of Anti-Slavery Women. 
 
234 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 To Priests and Levites, let us also be unsparing. How 
 much good the stand thou took, has done ! I rejoice that 
 you are so liberal as to give your colored brethren confi- 
 dence to gather with you and sit where they list. Glad too 
 that S. S. Foster was rec d by you, “not now as a fanatic, 
 but as a brother beloved.” Perhaps the disaffected, who 
 have left you, may yet return. It has been so in some 
 instances with those who left Wm. H. Furness’ meeting, 
 because of his plain preaching on the subject of slav.ery. 
 
 We have no longer the presence of Dr. Channing; 
 though his works will live forever and praise him. What 
 a world’s loss his death is ! How much in his memory that 
 is precious and blessed ! We could seem to see how calmly 
 his sun went down. How many of the great men of earth 
 have been removed by death within a few years ! I shall 
 ever rejoice that we had the privilege of friendship and 
 close converse with Dr. Channing. Were you not glad 
 that he came up to the full measure of abolitionism in his 
 last address ? Dear H. G. Chapman’s sufferings are at an 
 end also! I wrote to Maria two weeks since. We have 
 yet spared to us honorable women not a few, and we have 
 Garrison and many co-adjutors. So let us not despair. 
 
 We have no prospect of attending the Non-Resistance 
 Anniversary this year. I am glad thou expects to be 
 there. The Free Produce Meeting will occupy us here. 
 We are also to have a large Indian committee from the 
 four Yearly M gs ; then comes Baltimore M g . I expect to 
 ask for a minute, so as to be at liberty to appoint meetings. 
 James will bear me company. We should be much pleased 
 to have Eliza and thyself come on and go with us. Have 
 you not such a prospect? 
 
 I must now close. Perhaps George Truman will write 
 to thee of our going together to Iladdonfield Quarterly 
 M g , where we found G. F. W. ; and how he preached of 
 Onesimus being sent back to Philemon ; and how I spake 
 as if such an one were not present ! He, however, carried 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 235 
 
 many with him. He has not been here of latter time. 
 John Comly continues to preach against the reformatory 
 movements of the day , and so does Edward Hicks some- 
 times. . . . 
 
 Wm. H. Furness preached of Dr. Channing to-day. I 
 should have liked much to hear him, but, — sectarian pro- 
 scription ! 
 
 My dear love to our cousins, Tho s and Eunice Macy. 
 
 Very affectionately, L. Mott. 
 
 FROM J. M. TO THE SAME. 
 
 Phila., 11th mo. 25th, 1842. 
 
 My dear friend, N. Barney, — Lucretia and self re- 
 turned to our sweet and pleasant home on Fourth-day, 
 23 rd , after an absence of nearly four weeks. Among the 
 letters received while we were away was one from thee. 
 On reading it L. said, “ I don’t know when I shall find 
 time to write ; ” so I have concluded to help her, although 
 a very poor substitute, and give you, that is, thee and 
 Eliza, and our other friends on Nantucket, some account of 
 our journey in Maryland and Virginia. You know of our 
 going to attend the Yearly M s in Baltimore, which proved 
 to be more satisfactory than we had anticipated. Some 
 friends in that city were fearful of abolition doctrine when 
 they heard of L.’s prospect 5 1 but they received us kindly, 
 and when the m g was over, their fears were in great 
 measure removed, and their prejudices abated. L. had two 
 appointed m gs on First and Sixth-day evenings, both of 
 which were large and quiet, and as far as we know, satis- 
 factory. Some articles were published in the papers ap- 
 proving what was said, and one editor made reports of the 
 
 1 On their arrival in Baltimore, an influential Friend, one from whom 
 kind treatment and sympathetic encouragement might have been ex- 
 pected, said to Lucretia Mott: “Now, Lucretia, let us have no battle 
 array.” No reply was spoken, but the tender heart, so brave and reso- 
 lute before its adversaries, so sensitive to friendly criticism, felt keenly 
 this gratuitous thrust. 
 
236 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT . 
 
 sermons, which we saw after our return home. Yet we 
 find a report here that we, or some other abolitionist, paid 
 the editors to insert the laudatory paragraphs ! Lucretia 
 having a minute to appoint some m gs , we concluded to at- 
 tend those of Fairfax Quarter, which lie in Virginia. Ac- 
 companied by Edwd. Needles, in carriage and horses fur- 
 nished by his brother John Needles, (at whose house we had 
 been kindly entertained, and who, with his lovely family, 
 manifested sympathy and interest for us,) we left Baltimore 
 and had seventeen m gs in eighteen days, besides attending 
 the Quarterly M g at Alexandria, and traveling three hun- 
 dred and fifty miles. Our m gs were all well attended, and 
 some of them large ; at most, if not all, more or less slave- 
 holders, were present, and heard their “ peculiar institm 
 tion ” spoken of plainly, and themselves rebuked for the 
 robbery and wrong they were committing on their fellow- 
 creatures. Our m gs , without any exception, were quiet and 
 altogether respectful, and we were treated on all occasions 
 with kindness and attention ; giving evidence to us that 
 the fields are already white unto harvest for true Gospel 
 labor. 
 
 Some elderly Friends were timid and fearful lest we 
 might cause an excitement, and wanted the subject of slav- 
 ery should be let alone as much as possible ; but the 
 younger class of Friends, and the common people, and 
 even many other professors, heard gladly and acknowledged 
 the truth of what was said. On the whole, our visit has 
 been satisfactory to us, and we believe to most of the 
 visited ; and we have abundant cause to be encouraged in 
 the promulgation of truth and sound principles. We had 
 some opportunity of conversation with slave-holders and 
 their apologists, and are still further confirmed in the opin- 
 ion, that the slave-holder is more open to reason and con- 
 viction, than many, who are “ as much opposed to slavery 
 
 as any one, but .” The slave-holders, or many of 
 
 them, will bear to hear the truth spoken in the love of the 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 237 
 
 Gospel, and in this love plain things may be said, and will 
 bring an acknowledgment of their truth ; of this we had 
 full evidence. 
 
 I have thus given you a long account of a short visit, and 
 now leave L. to make such comments on it as she ma\ 
 wish. One other matter I intended to mention. Th 
 Yearly M g . issued an address on the subject of slavery 
 much of it good and just ; but some of it very objection- 
 able, as respects the associations of anti - slavery people. 
 Against this I bore my testimony in the m g , and, with one 
 exception, was the only person who attempted to expose 
 the error and wrong that was done. Afterwards a num- 
 ber expressed to me their dissatisfaction with the docu- 
 ment, and unity with what I had said, but they had not 
 had the courage to express it. My remarks called out 
 many voices in favor of the document. I doubt whether 
 any of them knew whereof they affirmed. In relation to 
 the movements and principles of abolitionists, we found 
 even among Friends much ignorance, and more prejudice ; 
 a little of which I hope has been abated. 
 
 FROM L. M. TO THE SAME. 
 
 2nd mo., 14th, 1843. 
 
 Here this letter has lain, nearly three mo 8 , waiting for 
 me to fill and send it, while I have delayed from time to 
 time. My health has not been very good since my return, 
 and writing has been rather a dread to me. Some parts of 
 the above will be old and stale, if indeed it was necessary 
 to be so minute about my little fulfilments of duty. It 
 needs care that we do not magnify our missions of love. 
 
 As so much is told, I may as well complete the narrative 
 by informing you that I was not easy to return my minute, 
 without going again to Washington, and seeking an inter- 
 view with those in power, and the representatives of this 
 boastful nation. We applied for the Hall of Congress, but 
 that being granted on condition of silence on slavery, we 
 
238 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 of course could not accept it. The Unitarian house proved 
 a far better place, and was crowded to excess, — many 
 members of Congress present — all quiet and respectful. 
 I have rec d a letter from Dr. Macauly, who was present, 
 requesting my views, as there expressed, on woman’s du- 
 ties and responsibilities. I have written him at length. 
 Some other notes and letters have been sent us, expressive 
 of unity. We marveled that the people, both there and in 
 Virginia, were so open to hear the truth on the subject of 
 slavery. We called on Pres. Tyler. I told him “ a part 
 of my mission was to interest those in power on the sub- 
 ject of emancipation.” He professed some interest in the 
 subject, but thought the blacks should be colonized. James 
 told him that the South could not do without them, and he 
 thought they should be left free to choose their location, as 
 other people were. He asked if we would be willing to 
 have them at the North. I replied, “ Yes — as many as 
 incline to come, but most of them would prefer to remain 
 on the plantations, and work for wages.” He spoke of the 
 discussions of the subject years ago in Virginia, “ but the 
 Missouri question and other agitations had put the cause 
 back.” I hoped it was not too late to resume it. He 
 liked the way Friends treated the subject; he had lately 
 read the address from Baltimore, and liked it. I did not, — 
 it was calculated to set the slave-holder’s conscience too 
 much at ease, — it made more apology for him, than he 
 could make for himself. He replied, “ I should like to 
 hand Mr. Calhoun over to you.” On our coming away, he 
 wished me success in my benevolent enterprises. 
 
 We called on John Quincy Adams, who seemed much 
 discouraged that anything would be effected this Congress, 
 or the next, on the subject of slavery. The message of 
 the new governor of N. Y. had u made his blood boil with 
 indignation.” Our hopes of success must not rest on those 
 in power, but on the common people, whose servants they 
 are. These hear truth gladly, when free access is obtained 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 239 
 
 to their unprejudiced hearts. I ever have hope of a meet- 
 ing made up of such. 
 
 We seem in rather a tame state in our own Meeting. 
 Nothing very exciting since Rachel Hicks’ visit, save some 
 remarks from Nicholas Brown, in the men’s M g , charging 
 the abolitionists with having been the means of making the 
 situation of the col d people worse in Richmond, where he 
 and Marg*. had been. He made some false statements, 
 which were corrected by Dan 1 . Neall, Geo. Truman, and 
 others. He was afterwards reproved for his speech by one 
 of our overseers. 
 
 I have lately read M. W. Chapman’s “ Ten Years of Ex- 
 perience,” or Ninth Annual Report, with much interest, 
 as I do everything from her pen. I like what she says on 
 associations ; for, if properly conducted, they need not 
 destroy individuality. Are our sectarian associations thus 
 conducted ? I am more and more persuaded that they en- 
 croach far too much on individual rights, and infringe the 
 freedom of the Gospel. 
 
 George Truman has been called out lately to defend the 
 abolitionists in public and private. He was a near sympa- 
 thizer with me during Balt e Yearly M g ; when Friends 
 there were so filled with fears and cautions, that they 
 would have been glad to forbid the subject of slavery. 
 
 Have you seen the memorial to the Maryland legislature 
 from the “ Bait 6 M g for Sufferings ” ? It seems very much 
 as if it was to redeem their character after that slanderous 
 “ document ” from their Yearly M g . I doubt not it has 
 been drawn from them by abolitionists. There is consid- 
 erable good anti-slavery feeling in that Yearly M g , if they 
 only dare speak out. That “ document ” was “ a lie.” There 
 was no exercise in that meeting corresponding with the ex- 
 pressions and assertions contained in it. All that had been 
 expressed was of an anti-slavery character. Samuel Jan- 
 ney had made a good speech, which James says would have 
 graced any of our anti - slavery ' papers. A sham commit- 
 
240 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 tee was appointed “ to define the position of the Society on 
 the subject.” In the committee this “ document ” was im- 
 mediately produced, having been prepared two or three 
 weeks before, and, with one reading, passed ; some ob- 
 jections were made, which were silenced. We have since 
 heard that it was submitted to John Comly and others, two 
 weeks before the meeting. These things are calculated to 
 sever the bond of union in our Soc y , and already this is the 
 case to some extent in Indiana. 
 
 I was pleased to find by thy letter some months back, 
 that thy practice and thy preaching were such as to de- 
 velop the real character of some of your “ worshippers ” ; 
 for, as thou says, “ we have but to do right, and let conse- 
 quences take care of themselves.’’ If there were more 
 of this confidence and less practical infidelity, we should 
 see greater results from our labors than have yet marked 
 them. 
 
 With continued affection, thy friend, 
 
 L. Mott. 
 
 TO F. W. HOLLAND. 
 
 Philada., 2nd mo. 18th, 1843. 
 
 My much esteemed Friend, F. W. Holland, — I 
 ought earlier to have acknowledged thy attention in send- 
 ing me the sensible extracts from Geo. Ripley’s, and Geo. 
 Putnam’s sermons. If we would only put in practice the 
 abundance of good we hear spoken, as well as that mani- 
 fested to our inner sense, we should be instrumental in re- 
 moving “ foul and hideous corruptions of the age.” Since 
 enjoying the privilege of social intercourse with thee last 
 summer, I have often desired that thy gentle spirit might 
 be aroused to “ preach forcibly and earnestly,” and “ rebuke 
 faithfully” the crying abominations of this age, and of 
 our country. 
 
 The minister of Christ’s Gospel must not let the fear of 
 consequences outweigh or .blunt his sense of duty. The 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 241 
 
 path of duty will ever eventually be found to be the high- 
 est expediency. Wm. H. Furness was threatened for a 
 time with loss to his church, in consequence of his bold- 
 ness for truth and the right ; but some of the absentees are 
 returning to him, and those who remained are enlightened 
 by his faithfulness. 
 
 What would not the world have lost, had Dr. Channing 
 been deterred from “ declaring the whole counsel of God,” 
 lest the people would not hear it ! Now, “ although dead, 
 he yet speaketh,” and truth, thus spoken, “ will draw all 
 men unto it.” 
 
 I was glad to hear of thy return to Nantucket. 
 
 With best wishes, thy friend, 
 
 Lucretia Mott. 
 
 The following extract from a letter to a friend 
 must not mislead the reader into thinking it a criti- 
 cism of the Hutchinson family, for James and Lucre- 
 tia Mott held them in the high esteem they deserved. 
 It is given as an indication of the influence exerted 
 even over independent minds by the traditions of 
 the Society of Friends, in whose Discipline “ stage 
 plays, horse races, music, and dancing,” are held to 
 be “ vain sports and pastimes,” unfit for those whose 
 “ time passeth swiftly away,” and whose “ delight is 
 in the law of the Lord: ” — 
 
 4th mo. 4th, 1843. 
 
 . . . The anti-slavery meeting in New York we fear 
 will be small this year, owing to a general scarcity of 
 money. It will be important, as there is a change contem- 
 plated in the “ Standard.” We are sorry to hear that the 
 Hutchinson family of singers is expected to be there. 
 
 We have enough of interest in rational appeals at our 
 A. S. Convention, — enough on the high ground of princi- 
 ple, — without descending to mere excitement to carry on 
 16 
 
242 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 the work. Some of us feel unwilling to give additional 
 cause of censure to our opposing Quakers, and would far 
 rather have music confined to those who wish for its beau- 
 tiful, harmonious, and evanescent influence. Still, to stay 
 away, or to withdraw on that account, would look like the 
 “ New-Organization’s ” deserting us because of woman’s 
 thrusting herself in. So we shall go. . . . 
 
 Lucretia Mott was so often obliged by circum- 
 stances to contend with those in authority, that in 
 minor points it was a relief to conform as far as pos- 
 sible to the requirements of the Society. 
 
 In after days her feeling about music changed, and 
 although she never quite approved of its use in a sol- 
 emn gathering, as being frivolous, she did not oppose 
 others who wished it, and ceased to regard it as ob- 
 jectionable in itself. During the latter thirty years 
 of her life, her grandchildren’s piano stood in her 
 parlor, and none enjoyed more than she, the simple 
 melodies played upon it. Her favorites were “ John 
 Brown,” “ Dixie,” and “ Old Folks at Home.” 
 When we were sometimes moved to smile at her 
 vain attempts to hum one of these, she would notice 
 our amusement, and, sharing it, say, “ My mother 
 used to say to me, when I tried to sing, 6 Oh, Lucre- 
 tia, if thee was as far out of town as thee is out of 
 tune, thee would n’t get home to-night. ’ ” 
 
 The year before she died, when she was obliged to 
 give up her life-long habit of early rising, and to 
 spend weary hours in bed, she used to get a sweet- 
 voiced little great-grandson to sing to her every 
 morning, while he was dressing in the next room. 
 The song was always “ Old Folks at Home,” over 
 and over again. Then the little fellow would be 
 called to her bedside to receive the penny that she 
 had ready for him under her pillow. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 243 
 
 As has been stated before, “ Friends ” did not ap- 
 prove of Lucretia Mott’s participation in Anti-Slavery 
 Fairs. She, however, recognizing in them a means to 
 replenish the continually exhausted treasury of the 
 Anti-Slavery Society, continued to take an active in- 
 terest in them. They were held annually, just before 
 Christmas time. One year, when the regular donation 
 from Boston and England came too late to be avail- 
 able, she offered her parlors as a place for their sale. 
 This reprehensible innovation gave great offense, and 
 caused much serious consultation among Friends. 
 
 Some went so far as to visit her and remonstrate 
 on so light-minded a proceeding ; and particularly 
 on the vanity of her having allowed engravings of 
 herself to be included in the sale. 
 
 Towards most she maintained a dignified silence 
 as to her reasons ; but she wrote the following ex- 
 planation to a much respected friend, who desired to 
 know the real circumstances of the case. 
 
 It tells a curious story of the petty fault-finding of 
 a narrow sectarianism. 
 
 Philadelphia, 3rd mo. 13th, 1843. 
 
 My dear Friend, Cyrus Pierce, — In compliance 
 with thy request, I will endeavor to give thee a true state- 
 ment of the circumstances, which thou says have been re- 
 ported to my disadvantage. Not that I expect to satisfy 
 those who are disposed to believe otherwise. For years 
 past I have considered time poorly spent in trying to dis- 
 abuse such minds, and have not taken a step to correct any 
 report which a detracting spirit may have spread. But for 
 thy sake I will so far deviate from my wonted course as to 
 say : — as regards the sale of articles at our house, the 
 generous gift of some of our English abolitionists, they 
 did not come to hand until after our annual sale, or Fair, 
 and being sent particularly to me, I concluded best to open 
 
244 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 and expose them for sale in our house. An invoice accom- 
 panied them, valuing them at $400. They were princi- 
 pally useful articles of clothing ; some beautiful drawings 
 and paintings ; and the remainder, fancy articles. Among 
 the latter were some pressed flowers taken from Melrose 
 Abbey, and from the grave of Elizabeth Heyrick, the well 
 known author of “ Immediate, not Gradual Abolition.” 
 This work indirectly wrought conviction in the British Par- 
 liament, which resulted in the emancipation of 800,000 
 West India bonds-men. These flowers were stitched to a 
 card, on which were inscribed some appropriate lines. 
 They were sold at twenty-five cents each ; also, at the same 
 price, some rulers made from a tree, under which George 
 Fox had preached. About six or seven dollars were real- 
 ized from these things. Our daughters, with one or two 
 of their friends, had charge of them, and attended to the 
 sale, as I was ignorant of their value, and did not feel dis- 
 posed to attend to it, while I had not the least objection 
 to their doing so. They sold to the amount of about $150. 
 The remainder of the articles were kept till the next an- 
 nual Fair. 
 
 Of the good that has been accomplished by these and 
 other efforts on behalf of the stricken and suffering slave, 
 let an awakened conscience, a growing public sentiment in 
 favor of emancipation, and the thousands of liberated fugi- 
 tives in Canada, testify. The effect on the young, of de- 
 voting part of their time to such objects, I have seen to be 
 salutary. 
 
 As our friend Nathaniel Barney has said, “ Some who 
 can employ a leisure, and perhaps otherwise an idle hour, 
 are now interested to elaborate some beautiful needlework 
 or otherwise, and in this way their latent feelings are awak- 
 ened, and I have no doubt this may be a means of exciting 
 inquiry, and finally begetting an abiding interest in the 
 great work of human freedom. I therefore feel it right to 
 do a trifle in aid of it.” 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 245 
 
 Thou mentioned a report of some buttons being sold 
 from a great man’s coat. I know of no such sale, and pre- 
 sume none ever took place. When in England, a pecul- 
 iar kind of button, worn by O’Connell and otheis, as a 
 badge of a society to which they belonged, was given to 
 two or three of our American friends. I never heard of 
 their selling them, or setting a very high value on them. 
 There has always been special care in our anti-slavery sales 
 not to have an exorbitant price affixed to the goods. 
 
 As respects the engraving or likeness, thou may inform 
 thy friends, that I had nothing to do, either with the exe- 
 cution, sale, or profit of it. It was done when I was ab- 
 sent from home. I have never disposed of them in any 
 way, either by present, or sale. Nor was I acquainted 
 with the fact of any being taken into the country to be 
 sold. As far as I was consulted, I tried to discourage the 
 exhibition of them. Still I view it as a harmless indul- 
 gence, and cannot pass censure on those who preserve an 
 image of their friends. Thus thou wilt see, “ how great 
 a matter a little fire kindleth.” If any of thy friends are 
 really desirous of having the above explanation, I hope it 
 may prove satisfactory. 
 
 Thornton Walton called on me two or three weeks since, 
 supposing I had heard of his expressing his sentiments 
 rather warmly in reference to the sale alluded to. I had 
 not heard a word of his saying ; and after explaining to 
 him, as I have now done in the fore part of this letter, he 
 went away, apparently satisfied, or expressing nothing to 
 the contrary, and I am sure I entertain no other than kind 
 feelings toward him, or any other of our Byberry friends. 
 
 To thee and thine, my most affectionate regards, 
 
 Lucretia Mott. 
 
 While some of this censorship was very annoying, 
 it also had its amusing side ; particularly to one who 
 had so keen a sense of the ludicrous as Lucretia 
 Mott. It perhaps might not have been so entertain- 
 
246 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT . 
 
 ing to her self-constituted spiritual guardians, as it 
 was to her family, to hear her account of their visits 
 and their criticism ; but it was fortunate for her en- 
 durance, that she could receive such undesirable at- 
 tentions with amusement, rather than irritation. 
 
 On one occasion, one of the Elders of the meeting, 
 who was quite friendly to her, though not in entire 
 unity, called to see her, and during the conversation, 
 said, 44 My dear, I was not at meeting last First-day 
 morning, and did not hear thy discourse myself, but 
 I thought it best to come tell thee that Friends are 
 much troubled with some things thou said. I have 
 been told that thou called the Bible 4 a blood rusty 
 key.’ I am very sorry thou wilt say such things.” 
 
 Lucretia Mott could scarcely maintain her gravity, 
 but wishing to spare the feelings of her kind-hearted, 
 but ignorant friend, she replied seriously, that she 
 had only quoted some lines from a poem called the 
 44 Crisis,” written by James Russell Lowell : — 
 
 a Nor attempt the future’s portals 
 With the past’s blood-rusted key,” 
 
 but had not made any application of them to the 
 Bible. 
 
 Soon after this, James Mott writes : — 
 
 12th mo. 14th, 1843. 
 
 ... An impulse has been given to the pro-slavery 
 spirit amongst us, that may not be allayed, until some of 
 us are crucified. But we must endeavor to bear all, and 
 hope for the best. Some hard things have been said about 
 one who is dearer to me than life ; but she heeds them 
 not, nor turns aside from her onward path of duty and la- 
 bor. I have felt sad, but not disheartened, trusting that in 
 the end the evil will be overruled by good. 
 
 There is neither date nor address to the following 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 247 
 
 letter. It was written to Nathaniel Barney, of Nan- 
 tucket, some time in 1843, probably soon after the 
 Yearly Meeting in the Fifth month. 
 
 The Friend, Rachel Barker, of whom it speaks, 
 was attending the Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia, 
 in company with a Minister from her own meeting 
 in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. At that time she occupied a 
 conspicuous place in the Society. She was facile in 
 the use of language, and frequently became remark- 
 ably eloquent. The deep feeling and pathos that 
 characterized her ministry enlisted the sympathy and 
 commanded the admiration of many hearers. 
 
 In the beginning of the agitation concerning the 
 abolition of slavery, she took a zealous and active 
 part in opposition to those Friends who cooperated 
 with the anti-slavery movement. Her zeal in this 
 is shown by Lucretia Mott’s account of what oc- 
 curred in the Yearly Meeting. Later, as the cause 
 of Emancipation advanced, and after the death of 
 some of her most ardent colleagues, her views changed, 
 and she became an active supporter of the very prin- 
 ciples she had formerly denounced. 
 
 . . . Rachel Barker was very bold in her opposition to 
 the reformatory movements of the day, at our Yearly Meet- 
 ing in Philadelphia. She again and again called the young 
 people from the “ mixtures, the whirlwind, and the storm,” 
 but did not in plain terms name abolition, until after I had 
 made some remarks on that subject, when her real meaning 
 was no longer disguised. 
 
 Such severity of language I have not heard from woman , 
 since Ann Jones so eloquently denounced us at the time of 
 the “ Separation.” She was united with by very few, and 
 lost ground with many. Some of her advice was incorpo- 
 rated into our Epistles, which gave me another opportunity 
 
248 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 to speak, and I felt that I was “ set for the defense of the 
 Gospel.” I did not spare her, stranger though she was. 
 Every stale objection she urged, such as, “ Why don’t you 
 go to the South ? ” I was “ favored ” to meet, as if I had 
 taken notes. She contrasted the present movements with 
 those of our early Friends. I could refer to the agitation 
 they produced, their voluminous controversial writings, and 
 their appeals to and remonstrances with their government. 
 She asked, u Did they go about forming societies ? ” “ Yes,” 
 I answered, “ the most complete organization, which had 
 been continued to the present time, down to our Prepara- 
 tive m gs .” She spoke of the premature births in these 
 movements, carrying out her figure, by describing the fee- 
 bleness and withered growth of such productions. I ap- 
 pealed to the audience whether the child — yea, the strong 
 man Temperance, gave such evidence. Was it not, rather, 
 healthy and vigorous for action ? Had we not partaken of 
 its healthful influence ? Where were the decanters which 
 a few years ago were found on our side-boards ? Where 
 the beer and cider on which we regaled ; referring in this 
 connection to the labors of Father Matthew abroad, and 
 to the stirring eloquence of the reformed inebriate at 
 home. Neither was Anti -Slavery the sickly child that 
 had been presented to them. We could not suppose that 
 our friend, who had acknowledged, that after reading one 
 or two of our papers some years ago, she had banished 
 them from her house, could be other than ignorant of the 
 progress of our cause. I endeavored to show how much 
 there was to encourage us to persevere, and that true 
 sympathy for the slave - holder would forbid our relax- 
 ing a single effort. She charged us with traducing the 
 character of the slave-holder ; this I denied, and returned 
 the charge of traducing those who were pleading for the 
 slave. She compared us to “ children in the market- 
 place,” adding, “ this constant piping and harping has be- 
 come wearisome.” I treated that taunt as an indignant 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 249 
 
 spirit prompted. The word 44 down-trodden ” in our Epis- 
 tles was objected to as 44 hackneyed.” I said I would agree 
 to a substitute for the offensive word, if one could be 
 found in the English language strong enough to express 
 the horrible condition of the slave. She denounced the 
 44 hired agents,” and the repeated cry of 44 Give, give.” As 
 a member of the Indian committee, I could speak with 
 knowledge of the sums raised and expended from year to 
 year in that cause, for the traveling expenses of agents, 
 (Benj. Ferris had presented a long bill,) and of one item of 
 charge for an agent, employed to procure signers to a peti- 
 tion to Congress. Where was the consistency of those who 
 approved of this, and then censured similar action on be- 
 half of a class whose wrongs and cruelties were seven- 
 fold ! Again, I pointed to the fact, that we made a col- 
 lection yearly in the women’s m®, to supply the wants of 
 those who were traveling to promote truth and righteous- 
 ness in our Soc y . Where was the difference ? She made 
 abundant use of Scripture — telling how Saul went forth, 
 and what was David’s armor; how Sampson was deprived 
 of his strength, his eyes put out, and he kept grinding 
 in the prison - house, invidiously applying the same. I 
 thought we had suffered enough, in days so recently passed, 
 from an ingenious perversion of Scripture, in order to de- 
 nounce such as differed in sentiment, and recommended a 
 better use of the volume. She claimed the highest author- 
 ity ; never had a stronger evidence of Divine direction, than 
 in what she was then called to say ; she knew not when she 
 left home what her state was, and was ready to inquire why 
 she was sent. This was said with emotion — affecting 
 some of her audience to tears. She could now give her 
 back to the smiter, and was willing to face the cannon’s 
 mouth. I said I would be cautious of such assumption, 
 rather preferring that what might be said should carry its 
 evidence ; but in reply to that stale inquiry, 44 Why don’t 
 you go to the South ? ” she might be informed that some <>f 
 
250 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 us had not hesitated to do this when duty bade, and had 
 faced the violence of the mob — yes, and had appeased 
 their wrath, and opened the way for repeated visits, when 
 their legislative body had listened with patience to appeals 
 on behalf of the slave. Objections had been made to the 
 anti-slavery and temperance m gs being opened with formal 
 prayer by hireling ministers ; I would inform those who 
 had honest fears lest this testimony should be overlooked, 
 that Friends had stood their ground in this particular, often 
 giving their reasons, and the result was, that these formal 
 openings of our meetings had been mostly discontinued, 
 where Friends formed a part ; and that at a late non-re- 
 sistance m g , which it was my privilege to attend in Puritan 
 New England, oral prayer was not once offered ; giving 
 evidence that the “ union with others ” which was thus con- 
 demned had done more than any labors of Friends in our 
 day, for the spread of our principles and testimonies, the 
 advocacy of which was not confined, I was rejoiced to say, 
 to our religious Society. I concluded by an appeal to the 
 meeting for renewed life and action. We occupied each 
 an hour that morning, and perhaps half an hour each, at 
 different times before. She afterward called at our house 
 and we talked further on the subject, but not any more sat- 
 isfactorily. Our conversation has been much misrepre- 
 sented. Lucretia Mott. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Active disturbers of the comfortable peace of 
 society cannot expect to escape calumny and re- 
 proach, nor was Lucretia Mott an exception to this. 
 Harsh criticism and undignified epithets were em- 
 ployed to express disapproval of what was commonly 
 called “ going out of woman’s sphere,” a phrase trite 
 and tiresome, and, in this instance, strikingly misap- 
 plied. For, notwithstanding her wide interests, her 
 participation in many philanthropic societies, and her 
 prominent position among Friends, she yet never 
 neglected the duties of domestic life. Could those 
 who were so ready to denounce, have looked into her 
 household, have seen the well-ordered economy, the 
 happy system of cooperation that pervaded its ar- 
 rangements, derision would have been changed to ad- 
 miration. She was an early riser and an indefatiga- 
 ble worker, never sparing herself. It was one of her 
 rules to be willing to do herself any work that she 
 required of another. One secret of her accomplish- 
 ing so much, was her power of discriminating be- 
 tween the necessary and the unnecessary duties of 
 housekeeping. The essentials were always attended 
 to, but the non-essentials — the self-imposed labors 
 under which so many women struggle — were left to 
 look after themselves. She said of herself, “ Being 
 fond of reading, I omitted much unnecessary stitch- 
 ing and ornamental work in the sewing for my fam- 
 
252 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TL A MOTT. 
 
 ily, so that I might have more time for this indul- 
 gence, and for the improvement of the mind. For 
 novels and light reading, I never had much taste. 
 The 6 Ladies’ Department,’ in the periodicals of the 
 day, had no attraction for me.” She never could 
 understand what others found to enjoy in “ purely 
 imaginary ” books ; but for the kind that attracted 
 her she saved many a minute by this omission of 
 “ unnecessary stitching.” 
 
 It was before the day of sewing-machines, and 
 seamstresses were a luxury not lightly indulged in, 
 by families of restricted means ; the sewing, there- 
 fore, devolved mainly on the mothers, with such 
 help as the children could give. Lucretia Mott’s 
 daughters were brought up in accordance with Nan- 
 tucket ideas, and were very early taught their share 
 of the family work and the family sewing. As little 
 girls, each had her “ sampler,” and her daily stint of 
 overseaming or hemming ; advanced to the dignity 
 of ten years, they were allowed the privilege of help- 
 ing with their father’s shirts, or of attempting gar- 
 ments for their own wear ; and by the time they had 
 families of their own, they were versed in all the in- 
 tricacies of cutting and making. It was the day — 
 long passed and almost forgotten — of early dinners 
 and long afternoons, when custom sanctioned sewing 
 in the parlor, and women liked to sit at the front 
 windows, work in hand ; when mothers and daugh- 
 ters sat together during these pleasant hours, each 
 busily occupied ; when visitors, — very different from 
 that modern interruption, known as callers, — 
 “ dropped in” to join the industrious group, bring- 
 ing their 44 work” with them; when the family sew- 
 ing became an occasion for lively social intercourse. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 253 
 
 It was the happy day when home life was in fashion. 
 Lucretia Mott, so far from neglecting her private for 
 her public duties, actually led a more domestic life 
 than the majority of women of the present day. 
 From youth to old age, she always cut and made her 
 own clothes, and I believe never varied the style of 
 her dress. It was old fashioned and simple, sweet 
 and becoming. Though she neither advised others 
 to adopt it, nor felt that there was any principle in- 
 volved in the peculiar cut, beyond that of simplicity 
 and moderation, she preferred to adhere to it, rather 
 than make any modification ; but she never carried 
 this feeling so far as to attach much importance to 
 it. On the contrary, her liberality sometimes led her 
 to wear articles presented to her, which she never 
 would have chosen for herself. She was once given 
 a shoulder-shawl of white Canton crape, bordered 
 with a pretty knotted fringe some four inches deep. 
 It was wholly tm-Quakerlike in its appearance, but, 
 pleased with the kindness of the giver and loth to 
 wound his feelings, she put it on, and wore it for 
 several days, braving the comments it excited. One 
 morning, however, she came down to breakfast with 
 the shawl shorn of its pretty fringe, as far as the 
 last row of knots ! This still remained, jagged and 
 uneven, and anything but ornamental, but she said 
 it seemed such a pity to cut the whole off, that she 
 had left one row ! She laughed, and we all laughed, 
 but she was content. After this victory of old, in- 
 herited prejudice, the shawl was worn without the 
 smallest regard to its mutilated appearance, until 
 finally, after good service, it was given to a grand- 
 child as a keepsake. 
 
 As was incumbent on the housekeepers of that 
 
254 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 period, she was an excellent cook, and rather prided 
 herself on this accomplishment, the more, perhaps, 
 because she was publicly admired for very different 
 qualifications, and criticised for her supposed failure 
 in the more common feminine avocations. She en- 
 joyed a little display of her culinary powers. In the 
 early autumn of 1841, she noticed in the house- 
 keeper’s column of the 44 United States Gazette,” 
 then the leading newspaper in Philadelphia, a re- 
 ceipt for 44 corn pudding,” followed by these satirical 
 remarks ; 44 The half-cooked corn and the melted 
 butter must be glorious stimulants to a dyspeptic 
 stomach.” This could not be passed silently — for 
 corn pudding, properly made, was a dish held in high 
 repute by all good people of Nantucket origin, and 
 besides, her receipt was a better one. She therefore 
 wrote this out, and sent it to the editor, Joseph R. 
 Chandler, accompanied by a pudding of her own 
 make. The following answer was returned : — 
 
 44 Mr. Chandler, in acknowledging the receipt of the 
 corn pudding from Mrs. Lucretia Mott, is compelled to 
 confess his error in regard to the wholesomeness of such 
 a combination of ingredients. Mr. Chandler, as well as 
 many others, has learned that much (moral as well as phys- 
 ical) which seemed repulsive, or at least of doubtful benefit 
 in itself, has, when presented by Mrs. Mott, been found pal- 
 atable and nutritious. It is the gift of thousands to collect 
 with industry and care, but of few, very few indeed, to com- 
 bine with judgment, and present with delicacy and grace.” 
 
 In view of the frequent aspersions cast on her do- 
 mestic life, and as it is so little known, compared to 
 her public career, it seems worth while to insert here 
 the following lines, written about this time by her 
 eldest daughter Anna, who, in 1833, had married 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 255 
 
 Edward Hopper (eldest son of Isaac T. Hopper, of 
 New York), and now, with her husband and little 
 daughter, — the u dear little Lu ” of the verses, — 
 made part of the happy family circle. Maria, the 
 second daughter, is not named in them, because she 
 was no longer an inmate of the .household, having 
 married Edward M. Davis, in 1836, and gone to 
 housekeeping at a short distance from her parents. 
 It is needless to say that the verses were meant only 
 for private entertainment : — 
 
 TO MY MOTHER; 
 
 TO WHOSE EARLY INSTRUCTIONS I OWE THAT KNOWLEDGE OP 
 HOUSEWIFERY NOW SO VALUABLE TO ME, THESE LINES ARE 
 MOST AFFECTIONATELY AND GRATEFULLY DEDICATED. 
 
 RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR TIIE HOUSEHOLD. 
 
 Our grandmama shall stately sit, 
 
 And, as it suits her, sew or knit ; 
 
 Make her own bed, one for our mother, 
 
 And also one for Tom, our brother ; 
 
 And when our aunts and cousins call, 
 
 “ Do the agreeable ” for all — 
 
 And sundry little matters tell. 
 
 In style that has no parallel. 
 
 Our father, daily at his store 
 
 His work shall do, and when ’t is o’er, 
 
 Return — behind him casting care ; 
 
 And, seated in his rocking chair, 
 
 With slippers on, and lamp in hand, 
 
 Will read the news from every land. 
 
 Then quietly will take a book, 
 
 From which he ’ll sometimes slyly look, 
 
 And list to what the young folks say, 
 
 Or haply join them in their play. 
 
 Our mother’s charge (when she *s at home) 
 
 Shall be bath, store, and dining-room ; 
 
 Morning and night she ’ll wash the delf, 
 
 And place it neatly on the shelf ; 
 
256 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 To her own room she will attend, 
 
 And all the stockings she will mend — 
 
 Assist the girls on washing day, 
 
 And put the ironed clothes away ; 
 
 And have a general oversight 
 Of things, to see that all goes right. 
 
 Twice every week shall Edward go, 
 
 Through sun and rain, through frost and snow. 
 And, what the market can afford, 
 
 Bring home to grace our festive board ; 
 
 Shall bring in coal the fire to cover, 
 
 And go to bed when that is over. 
 
 Anna the lamps shall daily fill, 
 
 And wash the tumblers, if she will ; 
 
 Shall sweep her room, and make beds two, 
 
 One for herself, and one for Lu* — 
 
 Make starch, and starch the ruffles, caps, 
 
 Collars and shirts, and other traps ; 
 
 Sweep all the entries and the stairs, 
 
 And, added to these trifling cares, 
 
 Shall, as our mother sometimes goes 
 On little journeys — so she does — 
 
 Assume her duties, and shall try 
 If she cannot her place supply. 
 
 Thomas shall close the house at night, 
 
 And see that all is safe and tight : 
 
 When snow falls, paths make in the yard 
 He cannot call that labor hard ; 
 
 Wait on the girls whene’er they go 
 To lectures, unless other beau 
 Should chance his services to proffer, 
 
 And they should choose t’ accept the offer. 
 
 Our cousin and our sister Lizzie 
 Shall part of every day be busy ; 
 
 Their own room they shall put in trim, 
 
 And keep our brother’s neat for him ; 
 
 The parlors they must take in care, 
 
 And keep all things in order there ; 
 
 Must sweep and dust, and wash the glasses. 
 
 But leave for Anne all the brasses ; 
 
 On wash day set the dinner table, 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 257 
 
 And help fold clothes where’er they ’re able ; 
 
 Shall lend their aid in ironing too, 
 
 And aught else they incline to do. 
 
 And then, when they have done their share 
 Of work, if they have time to spare, 
 
 Assist their cousin A. C. T., 
 
 Till she ’s their cousin A. C. B. 
 
 Dear little Lu’ shall be the runner. 
 
 Because our Patty — blessings on her ! 
 
 To boarding-school has gone away, 
 
 Until bright spring returns, to stay. 
 
 Her tireless kindness won each heart, 
 
 And we were grieved with her to part ; 
 
 But in this thought found ease from pain. 
 
 That our great loss was her great gain. 
 
 Sarah shall in the kitchen be, 
 
 Preparing breakfast, dinner, tea ; 
 
 And keeping free from dust the closets, 
 
 Where flour, etcetera, she deposits. 
 
 Anne shall on the table wait, 
 
 Attend the door, see to the gate, 
 
 Clean the front steps and pavement too, 
 
 And many other things she ’ll do ; 
 
 That all may in such order be, 
 
 As each one of us likes to see. 
 
 Thus all their duty may fulfill ; 
 
 And, if ’t is done with cheerful will, 
 
 A sure reward to us will come, 
 
 In sharing a most happy home. 
 
 “ Sarah” and “Anne” were the two excellent 
 colored servants, who lived many years in the family. 
 Lncretia Mott had learned from her mother bow to 
 treat servants so as to insure contentment and faith- 
 fulness. Grandmother Coffin used to say, “ I make 
 it a rule never to ask them to do what I know they 
 will not do.” Perhaps she, in turn, had profited by 
 the shrewdness of old “black Amy,” who lived so 
 long with her mother, our “ Grandmother Folger.” 
 17 
 
258 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 Black Amy said she “ did n’t like to be told to do 
 what she was just going to do.” 
 
 It was my grandmother’s habit, not only in these 
 early days, when a large family made assistance in 
 household work necessary, but all through her life, 
 until bodily weakness prevented, to help clear the 
 breakfast-table, and wash the silver, china, and glass 
 belonging in the dining-room. She always liked to 
 do this, and very reluctantly gave it up when she 
 was obliged to. The daughters generally helped ; 
 and if guests were staying in the house, as was often 
 the case, they sat near to join in the conversation, 
 and sometimes to help in the work. It was not a 
 disagreeable task ; the well-scrubbed little cedar tub, 
 with its steaming water, was placed at one end of the 
 table, and article after article was washed and bur- 
 nished in a systematic manner from which no devia- 
 tions were permitted. It was a choice time of the 
 day ; plans were announced and discussed ; letters 
 read and commented on ; public events reviewed ; 
 and friends of the family were apt to happen in on 
 their way to business to contribute their items of 
 news to the general liveliness. 
 
 The “ little journeys” mentioned in the preceding 
 verses were sometimes those undertaken in compli- 
 ance with the religious obligation so often experi- 
 enced by Friends ; and sometimes for the purpose of 
 attending Anti-Slavery Conventions, or the then new 
 Woman’s Rights Conventions; but occasionally they 
 were visits to her sister Martha, married in 1829 to 
 David Wright, of Auburn, N. Y., and settled with 
 him there. 
 
 Although there was many years’ difference in age 
 between these two sisters, their common interests 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 259 
 
 united them in a strong bond of intimacy. Martha 
 was no “ Friend,” — having lost her membership in 
 the Society by her first marriage with Captain Pel- 
 ham, — and had very little patience with the pecul- 
 iarities of the Society, although she exemplified its 
 cardinal testimonies in her faithful and excellent 
 life ; but she was an ardent abolitionist, and later, a 
 devoted advocate of the woman’s rights movement. 
 In these reforms she went hand in hand with her 
 sister, and sometimes in the latter even led the way. 
 Their letters to each other would fill a large volume, 
 if they could be found ; but, unfortunately, many are 
 lost, and many were contributions to the kindling 
 box ! Our grandmother had very little sentiment 
 in her composition. No matter how good the letter, 
 after it had been shown to every member of the fam- 
 ily who could care to see it, and had reposed a rea- 
 sonable time in the little rack on her writing table, 
 it was twisted up for kindling for her wood fires. In 
 her visits to Auburn, she destroyed — or “ used ” — 
 in like manner all the letters of her own writing that 
 she could find. From those that remain — those of 
 this time — a few extracts are given here. They 
 are chiefly of domestic interest. 
 
 to m. c. w. 
 
 8th mo., 1841. 
 
 ... I can fancy mother 1 as plainly as need be, fast 
 marching to the house, and lending a helping hand wher- 
 ever she can, in order that all may be speedily accom- 
 plished, the furniture placed, and the occupants in pos- 
 session. I have often compared or rather contrasted myself 
 with her ; especially when our children w r ere breaking up 
 
 1 Grandmother Coffin had gone to Auburn to assist her daughter Mar- 
 tha in moving into her new house. 
 
260 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 housekeeping, and going to France. I have so many 
 things to take my attention, that I have been pained some- 
 times at the little help I could give them. I depend on 
 Anna for everything. How I couldn't put weights on win- 
 dows ! Has mother told how nicely Anna put new ladders 
 to our blinds ? 
 
 to m. c. w. 
 
 9 th mo. 3 rd , 1843. 
 
 ... I hope M. will recall her resolve to house, or “ web 
 herself,” next winter. I doubt not she would be better 
 physically, to brave the winter winds more, and mentally, 
 to cultivate the social affections more. It will keep her 
 spirits better for home cares and duties. I find it so, and 
 I am sure I ought to be a judge of cm^-goings. As to the 
 assistance her daughters will render her, I can only hope 
 that their uncle Thomas’ wise hints, their own good sense, 
 their having arrived at the responsible age of eighteen, and 
 the necessities of the case, all these combined will impress 
 them with the importance not only of “ making straight 
 steps to their feet,” but of “ laboring with their own hands.” 
 We have the work of our family nicely laid out, which 
 Anna has reduced to writing. 
 
 ... I thought I was pretty smart to have the cur- 
 rants squeezed and the jelly made before Meeting on 
 Fourth-day morning . 1 
 
 ... It is so like our mother not to want any “ new- 
 fangled” way of doing that which she is in haste to accom- 
 plish. Not that she is opposed to improvements and new 
 inventions ; not she! when they do not interfere with her 
 desire to make quick work, and finish as she goes. When 
 we were quilting for Anna and Maria, I wanted a border ; 
 but not having another pair of hands (as well as a little in- 
 genuity), I was obliged reluctantly to yield to her impor- 
 tunity, “ not to have it forever about ; ” that “ put-offs never 
 1 Meeting began at ten o’clock. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 261 
 
 accomplish,” etc. We do not mean that she shall quilt 
 much for A. C. T., except the new silk petticoat. 
 
 to m. c. w. 
 
 1st mo. 2nd, 1844. 
 
 It is always my wish to take due notice of thy letters, 
 before any little family incidents fill the sheet. It is true 
 that the dancing part is not exactly “ in my line,” — though 
 I shall have to be careful what I say, since my daughter and 
 son accept invites to parties where there is dancing, and stay 
 far too late in the morning. Such a succession of parties as 
 they are having now, I fear will be dissipating to the moral 
 sense. And then the reading of such a thick two-volume 
 novel as the “ Mysteries of Paris ” consumes a midnight 
 hour occasionally. I long sometimes to see them more in- 
 terested in reading that which would minister to their high- 
 est good, but I have ceased to force such reading on them. 
 . . . I like such answers as thy workman gave. In advo- 
 cating our own cause, we are apt to overlook the other 
 side. We need to be reminded to “look upon the things 
 of others ” as well as our own. 
 
 Theodore Cuyler called several times before returning 
 to Princeton. In allusion to his prospect of becoming an 
 Old School Presbyterian minister, he averred that he by 
 no means meant to have his mind and heart narrowed by 
 theological or sectarian prejudices. I told him that the 
 certain effect of teaching and admitting these creeds as the 
 essentials of salvation, was to narrow the mind and close 
 the heart. When I asked, “ Dost thou feel quite satisfied 
 with making such dry theology thy study ? ” Miller McKim 
 stepped forward and laughed at my “gentle attack,” say- 
 ing it was just as he had been catechised ten years before. 
 The youth did not enter into Miller’s history with as much 
 interest as one would who was wavering in his faith. I ad- 
 mire Theodore, though, for all. 
 
 After an absence from home attending meetings, 
 she says : — 
 
262 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 2nd mo. 22nd. 
 
 ... A fine warm day to celebrate the name of a warrior 
 and a slave-holder. I asked mother not to tell thee I was 
 gone, for it was pleasanter to write that I had been. I never 
 left home with more reluctance than this winter. James 
 went with me for three days, and went for me the last of 
 the week. I attended thirteen or fourteen meetings, and 
 saw many people, — there being a general flocking at Buck- 
 ingham, New Hope, Doylestown, Newtown, Middletown, 
 Wrightstown, Falls, and Penn’s Manor. We had meetings 
 with colored people also. 
 
 . . . How glad I was that I stopped at that colored 
 school ! I left fifty cents to be divided among the children, 
 about three or four cents each, and the teacher proposed that 
 it be laid out in books for them, which was not just what I 
 intended. Those pious primers! I wanted the little things 
 made happy in the spending of their own, as they listed. . . 0 
 
 During a long absence from home, holding meet- 
 ings in various places, she visited her sister in Au- 
 burn, and wrote thus to her husband : — 
 
 Auburn, N. Y., 6th mo. 9th. 
 
 My beloved One, and All, — . . . It is so nice to 
 be able to sit here as I list, without care or concern, or 
 callers ! How delightful are these long nights too, sleep- 
 ing and waking so free from care, making up for weeks of 
 disturbed repose ! How pleasant it would be to have a 
 loved companion in all these enjoyments ! If thou persists 
 in staying at home, will not our brother Thomas come. He 
 ought not devote all his time to “ I promise to pay,” with- 
 out considering the social and fraternal nature as under 
 bonds as solemn, as incumbent upon him to liquidate, as 
 are those which minister to his acquisitiveness. A few 
 short years, as thou said, and we shall no longer be together 
 in our earthly moulds, then why not make the best we may 
 of life ? . . . 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 263 
 
 She thus describes her return home : — 
 
 I took the six o’clock train from N. Y., and reached 
 this city at noon. James was over at Camden to meet me. 
 He gave the trunk check to a porter, and the weather being 
 cool, we walked up, intending to take the omnibus at Third 
 St., but it was so much pleasanter to walk and talk, that we 
 slowly “ footed it.” As we approached our house, our 
 grandchildren, Lue and Anna, flew to meet us. Our daugh- 
 ters were seated in the back room, a window being open in 
 the front for them to hear the carriage stop. Our coming 
 in, unperceived by them, was rather “ a dip.” The children 
 walked in before us, saying, “ there ’s no carriage in sight.” 
 “ No ? ” said they, “ she ’ll not come then till the later train.” 
 Just then we walked in, and a shout from all “ made the 
 welkin ring ; ” and such confusion of tongues for a few 
 minutes you have rarely heard. 
 
 Soon after this, one of the two servants, or “help,” 
 employed in the family, had an attack of cholera, 
 and after being nursed through her illness, was sent 
 into the country to recuperate. In this emergency 
 Lucretia Mott writes : “ I sent for extra help, but 
 with our large family there is still much to be done ; 
 so this morning I have ironed four dozen pieces, 
 made soft custards, attended to stewing blackberries, 
 and potted some Dutch herring, besides doing all the 
 dusting, and receiving several callers. I was more 
 tired when our family of thirteen gathered at dinner, 
 than since I came home.” 
 
 to m. c. w. 
 
 Phila., 4th mo. 10th, 1846. 
 
 . . . The thirty-fifth anniversary of our marriage, when 
 thou wast four years old, and asked, “ Is this a wedding ? ” 
 I can go over each year, and recall its most striking inci- 
 dents, and indeed the twelve years antecedent to that, fur- 
 
264 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT . 
 
 nish data of interest ; but I have never made a note on 
 paper of the past, save in letters like this. . . . Our family- 
 party Seventh-day was pleasant ; fifteen at dinner, and 
 twenty at tea. I worked like a beaver that morning, so as 
 to be ready to sit down with them early ; did my sweeping 
 and dusting, raking the grass plat, etc., made milk biscuit, 
 a plum pudding, and a lemon pudding. Mariana and Mar- 
 tha made cake the day before. ... I was pleased to hear 
 of thy interest in the abolition of capital punishment ; 
 pleased, too, that thou art becoming such a home mission- 
 ary. ... I always feel sorry for strangers to hear G. F. 
 White, smart as he is, and superior in the use of lan- 
 guage to most of our preachers, yet there is so much mere 
 nonsense in his attempted explanations of Scripture pas- 
 sages, and so much seeming allowance for slavery, blood- 
 shed, and wine-drinking, that the tendency must be demoral- 
 izing. That atonement study is the veriest waste of time 
 and energy. Our Elders don’t like that I should come out 
 so plainly on the absurdity of the whole scheme, but truth 
 and reason constrain me. George Truman was not united 
 with yesterday in a prospect of a short journey, which 
 gave evidence of more decided party feeling among us. 
 James made some remarks to that effect, which gave of- 
 fense. . . . 
 
 A letter written about this time by William Lloyd 
 Garrison to his wife gives his impression of the house- 
 hold of his host : — 
 
 . . . “ I am enjoying the hospitality of James Mott and 
 family: in his abode dwells much of the disinterestedness, 
 purity, and peace of heaven. His lady is certainly one of 
 the most remarkable women I ever saw. She is a bold and 
 fearless thinker, in the highest degree conscientious, of 
 most amiable manners, and truly instructive in her conver- 
 sation. Her husband is worthy of that sacred relation to 
 her which he sustains, being distinguished for his goodness, 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 265 
 
 benignity, and philanthropy. Such a couple do not make 
 it very difficult to comply with our Lord’s admirable in- 
 junction, 6 Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ ” 
 
 Although a large family in themselves, and living 
 in the strictest simplicity, they gave hospitable wel- 
 come to the many guests who came to them. Some- 
 times it was a distinguished stranger from across the 
 ocean, bearing letters of introduction ; sometimes it 
 was the hard-worked anti-slavery lecturer ; or the 
 country Friend, in town for a few days ; or perhaps 
 one of the large family circle, all of whom made this 
 house a rallying point. The wretched fugitive from 
 slavery also found safe shelter under their roof, and 
 words of cheer and encouragement from its inmates. 
 Many a poor creature came to them hungry and rag- 
 ged, and departed clothed, fed, and comforted. 
 
 At one time they became interested in an English 
 family, — a mother with seven children, — who had 
 come to this country with letters of introduction from 
 George Thompson. They had expected to settle in 
 the West, but after many disappointments, had de- 
 cided to return to England, and were in Philadelphia 
 awaiting the sailing of the packet ; boarding, though 
 with scarcely money enough to pay their way. Lu- 
 cretia Mott invited the whole family to stay at their 
 house, — u it would do thee good to see their grati- 
 tude,” she writes, — and for two weeks she spared 
 no pains to make them comfortable. 
 
 Occasionally, — fortunately not very often, — they 
 had visitors of a very different order ; self-invited visit- 
 ors, who descended upon them with bag and baggage. 
 In most instances they quietly submitted to this inflic- 
 tion, preferring to be bored themselves, rather than 
 wound others by making them appear unwelcome. 
 
266 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 At their table, black guests and white were treated 
 by them and their family with equal courtesy. This 
 consideration was not always palatable to their 
 friends, but such as did not like it were recommended 
 to stay away. One young man, a frequent visitor, 
 finding himself one day expected to sit next a col- 
 ored man at dinner, felt so greatly aggrieved that 
 he resolved to go no more to the house. For some 
 time he managed to keep away, in which determina- 
 tion he was “ violently let alone ; ” but the attraction 
 proved too strong ; he returned, preferring to be con- 
 verted rather than forgotten ; and afterwards became, 
 not only a son-in-law, but an earnest advocate of the 
 equality that had so outraged him. 
 
 In the spring of 1844 a sad blow befel this happy 
 home, in the death of the beloved grandmother, Anna 
 Coffin. Although she had lived to the ripe age of 
 seventy-three, and her children were grown men and 
 women, some of them with children and grandchil- 
 dren of their own, they could not part without the 
 keenest grief from one to whom they still looked as 
 to a guide, relying on her judgment and valuing 
 her approbation as in their younger days. Hers was 
 the perfect old age, surrounded by loving descend- 
 ants, who vied with each other in attention to her ; 
 upon whose joys and cares she bestowed the sympa- 
 thy of a heart always young, and the wisdom of a 
 long and varied experience. She shared their anxie- 
 ties, lessened their sorrows, and increased their hap- 
 piness. No pleasure was complete without her ; no 
 misfortune insupportable, when mitigated by her 
 counsel and encouragement. My own memory of 
 her is indistinct. She seemed, to the little girl I 
 was, to be always sitting up very straight, always 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 267 
 
 knitting, and generally humming in an undertone to 
 herself. There was nothing I liked better than to 
 take a nap on the floor by her chair, lulled to sleep 
 by the monotonous tap of her feet, the regular click 
 of her knitting-needles, and the slow measure of 
 44 Hush, my babe, lie still and slumber.” But I re- 
 member very well the awe that fell upon us at her 
 death, and the sense of stillness and vacancy in the 
 house. 
 
 One of Anna Coffin’s grandchildren, writing of 
 her, says : — 
 
 “ She was a woman of rare common sense, preeminently 
 gifted with 4 docity 9 ; 1 one of the old type which is fast 
 becoming extinct. She usually sat erect, in a straight- 
 backed chair, and seldom indulged in the luxury of a rock- 
 ing chair, unless for a little while at twilight. During her 
 latter years, she was an inmate of my father’s family, and 
 although she lived to be seventy-three years old, I do not 
 remember ever seeing her lie down in the daytime for a 
 nap, or even recline on the sofa. Sometimes, when over- 
 come with drowsiness, her head would drop forward, her 
 work fall into her lap, and for a few minutes she would 
 4 lose herself,’ as she said. She was very industrious, — 
 never idle, — always having knitting on hand for odd 
 moments. Probably she never bought a stocking in her 
 life. She was very observant, with a quick perception 
 of the ludicrous ; and was apt in the witty application of 
 old Nantucket sayings to passing events. After she was 
 sixty years old, she went to Nantucket in a sailing vessel, 
 to visit her sisters. After a separation of nearly thirty 
 years, these six sisters, of whom she was the youngest, met 
 together once more, all widows but one.” 
 
 At the time of her mother’s death, Lucretia Mott 
 
 1 A Nantucket word, synonj^mous with Mrs. Stowe’s “faculty.’ 
 
268 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRET1A MOTT . 
 
 was just recovering from an attack of pneumonia, 
 and was still too ill to leave her bed ; she insisted, 
 nevertheless, on being carried into her mother’s room, 
 and remained there until all was over. This proved 
 too much for her weak condition, and inflammation 
 of the brain set in ; for two weeks she hovered be- 
 tween life and death, and then very slowly regained 
 her health. Once well again, however, she resumed 
 her usual occupations, with no perceptible diminu- 
 tion of energy, going hither and yon to attend relig- 
 ious meetings and reform conventions, sometimes 
 alone, and sometimes accompanied by her husband, 
 when he could be spared from his business. Of the 
 many philanthropic societies of Philadelphia in 
 which she took part, she was often the presiding 
 officer, and always an active member. She also at- 
 tended with great regularity the First and Fourth- 
 day meetings of Friends, taking especial interest in 
 the latter, because of the large number of school 
 children who attended it. She liked to direct her 
 remarks to them, and was particularly fortunate in 
 holding their attention. A young friend wrote of 
 her in this regard : — 
 
 “ When she arose we knew she was not intent on trite 
 platitudes, nor on exhortations to contentment with exist- 
 ing conditions. Her manner was simple and quiet, her 
 voice never rising above the pitch which is agreeable to the 
 ear ; and her statements serious, calm, and moderate. We 
 young folks were conscious of deep pride that we were 
 members of a Christian church in which such great and in- 
 dependent views as hers could find noble expression. I 
 have known her subjected to bitter personal attack without 
 manifesting the least excitement, or making any retaliation 
 whatever. Smitten on one cheek, she unhesitatingly turned 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 269 
 
 the other ; robbed of her cloak, she serenely made further 
 surrenders of self-interest. But no one ever saw this true 
 standard-bearer make any surrender of righteous principle, 
 by abating one jot or tittle of the testimony to which she 
 was dedicated.” 
 
 A few years after the death of Anna Coffin, her 
 only son, Thomas M. Coffin, died of cholera, after a 
 very short illness. His sister Lucretia, unmindful of 
 the risk of contagion, went at once to his lodgings, 
 and nursed him till he died, when she had his body 
 taken to her own home, and held the funeral from 
 there. In the excitement and fear of the epidemic, 
 many of her friends thought this imprudent. In 
 writing of it to her sister, she says : “ How differ- 
 ently people are constituted and affected ! I loved 
 to be with Thomas all the time, and to do for him 
 afterward all that I could, in laying, him out. I 
 helped lift him into his coffin.” 
 
 Thomas Coffin was about fifty years old when he 
 died. Having never married, and being a warm- 
 hearted man, he had become very fond of his 
 nephews and nieces and their children, and was al- 
 ways a welcome visitor in their homes. Like his 
 father, Captain Coffin, he was an intelligent man, 
 with old-fashioned courtly manners. In his opinions 
 he was more liberal than his somewhat cynical way 
 of talking would lead one to believe. Unlike the 
 other members of his family, he was strikingly 
 homely, and seemed rather to enjoy the peculiarity, 
 often exercising his 'caustic humor at his own ex- 
 pense. It is told of him, that he was induced in the 
 early days of daguerreotypes to have a picture taken 
 of himself ; but on being asked afterwards to show 
 it, he said, 44 It was such an excellent likeness that 
 I destroyed it.” 
 
270 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 It was during his life, and shortly after the death 
 of “ Grandmother Coffin,” that the memorable “ fam- 
 ily meetings ” were instituted. They began in 1847 
 and continued for ten years, when the removal from 
 Philadelphia of various members of the family made 
 them no longer possible. These meetings were open 
 to any descendant of “ Grandfather Folger,” but 
 were composed mainly of female descendants, who 
 met from house to house, in alphabetical order, every 
 Fifth-day during the winter, right after the usual 
 two-o’clock dinner, and stayed until dark, — except 
 occasionally, when especially invited to tea. Each 
 brought her sewing, any letters of general interest 
 that she had received, and whatever news she could 
 muster. These gatherings of the clan formed a sort 
 of domestic “ exchange,” and afforded opportunity 
 for social intercourse, as well as for consultation on 
 matters requiring deliberation and judgment; and 
 beyond this, they promoted a kindly esprit de corps 
 that has lasted to the third generation. For a few 
 winters, as many as twelve different families were 
 included in this privilege. 
 
 As a rule, children were not admitted. We often 
 looked longingly through the parlor door at the 
 pleasant groups, and made all possible errands into 
 the room ; but being then at the very undesirable 
 age of “ little pitchers,” we were speedily sent out 
 again. If we sometimes contrived to edge into a de- 
 mure corner with our little pretense of sewing, one 
 sharp-eyed cousin was sure to discover us ! How- 
 ever, when the company was asked to stay to tea, 
 and the various fathers and husbands swelled the 
 ranks, we children were also favored ; and nothing 
 was more delightful. Tea was handed, and we were 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 271 
 
 allowed to pass the dishes. Then came such games 
 as proverbs or anagrams ; and sometimes, best of all 
 to us, the reading of original verses of very pointed 
 and personal wit. Who of us — and how few there 
 are now ! — can ever forget those “ family meet- 
 ings ” ! Our grandmother began them, at first 
 merely meaning to try to fill her mother’s place, so 
 sadly vacant ; but gradually it grew to be her own 
 place, and she became the centre from which all ra- 
 diated, towards which all turned. The family circle 
 widened and widened, but under her magic influence 
 it never broke. She drew into its increasing range 
 ever increasing elements of strength and renewal. 
 
 This chapter, mainly of domestic interest, may 
 fitly conclude with an extract from a letter of Lucre- 
 tia Mott to her husband, on the occasion of his sixty- 
 first birthday, he being then away from home. 
 
 “ Fourth -day, my dear husband’s birthday, — would 
 that we could pass it together ! The children all gather 
 and celebrate it by presenting their children to be led 
 about, and 4 kept as the apple of the eye.’ Forty years 
 that we have loved each other with perfect love, though 
 not formally married quite so long. How much longer the 
 felicity is to be ours, who can tell ? What the higher joys 
 to be revealed in the spiritual world, no man can utter 1 ” 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 It will be necessary to go back a few years to take 
 up again the letters of Lucretia Mott, and trace in 
 them the increasing disfavor with which the Society 
 of Friends regarded her. They disapproved of her 
 sentiments, and were “held very uneasy” by her 
 quiet persistence; especially as she never stepped 
 far enough beyond their limitations to enable them 
 to deal with her. This state of things, deplorable as 
 it appears, continued until public opinion had made 
 the anti-slavery cause popular. In place of the to- 
 kens of loving appreciation with which her coming 
 into the re-organized society had been greeted, she 
 now received discourtesy, rebuke, and censure, at 
 times amounting to persecution. Through all, she 
 pursued the course which Divine law had written so 
 plainly upon her heart, and never faltered in keeping 
 the covenant of her early days. Courteous and con- 
 siderate with all, she yet withheld the truth from 
 none. 
 
 Before taking up the letters, however, it may not 
 be amiss to introduce the following extracts from the 
 journal of a venerable Friend. In his entry 4 th mo. 
 30 th , 1843, he says : — 
 
 “ Let me say a few i lore words respecting that handmaid 
 of the Lord, Lucretia Mott! What else but the Divine 
 arm of power can support her, and enable her to declare un- 
 sophistical truth with such boldness, convincing her hearers 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 273 
 
 of the truths of the Gospel, in all its simplicity, stripped of 
 its forms and ceremonies ; she shows it up in its native 
 purity and in the most winning aspect. O faithful servant, 
 favored of the Lord ! May thy sun go down in clear se- 
 renity, without any clouds, and thy spiritual vision keep 
 clear to the last ! ” 
 
 And again, 1 st mo. 21 st , 1844: — 
 
 “ On sitting down in meeting, it came into my heart to 
 pray for Lucretia Mott, that she might be supported in 
 all her trials and her discouragements. . . . Before I was 
 through my aspirations, she arose with, ‘ In your patience 
 possess ye your souls/ and gave an edifying discourse.” 
 
 2 nd mo., 1845 : — 
 
 “Next, that precious handmaid of the Lord, Lucretia 
 Mott. Great have been her exercise and devotion for the 
 cause of the slave ; may her reward be sure ! Thou pre- 
 cious lamb, thou hast known what it is to be in perils 
 through false brethren, and to be persecuted for righteous- 
 ness’ sake, and thine is the kingdom of heaven. Let me 
 here bear my testimony to thy edifying discourses, and be 
 permitted to say that I believe thou art not far from the 
 kingdom.” 
 
 Once more, 3 rd mo. 29 th , 1846 : — 
 
 “ Lucretia Mott occupied most of the meeting with a 
 lively and edifying discourse before about eleven hundred 
 people. Lucretia, thou beloved handmaid of the Lord ! 
 Great is thy faith, and great are thy persecutions ! ” 
 
 The first letter in this connection, written at the 
 same time of the foregoing extract, was addressed to 
 Richard D. and Hannah Webb, of Dublin. 
 
 Phila., 3rd mo. 23rd, 1846. 
 
 My dear Friends, — In attempting to revive a cor- 
 respondence which has so nearly died out for want of faith- 
 fulness on my part, apologies for the neglect would seem a 
 18 
 
274 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 natural beginning ; but never relishing such in letters re- 
 ceived, I will not inflict them on you. That part in your 
 last which took our attention most forcibly was that which 
 would naturally be striking, if not shocking, to a traditional 
 Quaker — that both of you have changed your costume 
 somewhat. I have been looking over your letters to us, 
 from time to time since the spring of 1840 — that ever 
 memorable season. There is none directly to us since my 
 illness, two years ago. In these we can trace a gradual 
 non-adherence to sect, as well as to what are regarded 
 orthodox doctrines. I never quite wanted you to cut loose 
 from these, because you would thus lose what influence 
 you might have with Friends, as well as some other of 
 your benighted inhabitants. Although I attach little impor- 
 tance to our peculiar dress or language, and have no wish 
 to see either perpetuated, still I would prefer that the 
 young should not be educated in these peculiarities, rather 
 than that their parents should leave them. This is not 
 meant as any censure of your course. You have probably 
 acted from deliberate conviction. Your dress may be quite 
 as simple in its present form, and that is the testimony 
 after all. I know it is dry work to keep up any form, 
 after the life and power of it have passed away. Our 
 afternoon meetings have long been burdensome to us, and 
 of late we have ceased attending them, generally employing 
 that time in visiting the colored people. 
 
 Devoting a few hours occasionally in this way has ap- 
 peared to us as acceptable worship, as the fast which our 
 Jews have chosen. They would say, “ This ought ye to 
 have done, and not leave the other undone.” But in this, 
 as in some other acts, we have taken the liberty to judge 
 for ourselves. The “ Select ” order among us has come in 
 for a share of opposition. After nearly thirty years’ ex- 
 perience and observation of the results of this establish- 
 ment, we have come to the conclusion, that nearly all the 
 divisions among us have had their origin in these meetings. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 275 
 
 Clothing a few of our equal brethren with power to judge 
 the ministry ; selecting here and there one to ordain for the 
 ministry ; and placing these in elevated positions ; it is no 
 difficult matter for them to regard themselves “ the heads 
 of the tribes,” and to act accordingly. There is quite a 
 spirit of “ come-outerism ” in some parts of our Yearly 
 M g , as well as in Western N. Y., and Ohio. The intoler- 
 ant, proscriptive course of those in power among us has 
 led to this result. 
 
 The disownment of such men as I. T. Hopper, C. Mar- 
 riott, J. A. Dugdale, and his friends of Green Plain, 
 Ohio, has caused great disaffection, and quite a number 
 have meted the same measure, by disowning the Society in 
 their turn. You may have seen some account of the Marl- 
 boro’ conference, growing out of the treatment of S. S. 
 Foster, by our Western Quarterly M g . The address that 
 conference issued is being presented by them to each of 
 our Quarterly, Monthly, and Preparative M gs . Commit- 
 tees withdraw to examine it, and of course report against 
 the reading of it. Some few of the Monthly M gs have 
 read it. Geo. F. White and other opposers are traveling 
 here and there, using their influence on that side. There 
 is a strong effort made by our rulers to check the liberal 
 ministry among us. No reformers are “ recommended.” 
 The difficulties seem increasing with those already ordained. 
 Griffith M. Cooper, one of our most radical ministers, has 
 lately been deposed by a small minority — the ruling influ- 
 ence in his meeting — a branch of Genesee Yearly. Others 
 of us meet with little sympathy or unity to travel abroad. 
 It is proposed by some to hold a general conference, in view 
 of another separation and re-organization. But there are so 
 many now who have no unity with religious combinations, 
 that it would be difficult to effect a reform in that way. 
 
 The assumed authority of men’s m gs , and the admitted 
 subordination of women’s, is another cause of complaint. 
 Indeed, an entire radical change in our Discipline would 
 
276 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 be the result of another movement or division with us. 
 Some of us were prepared for much greater changes, or 
 advances than we made, eighteen years ago ; but we igno- 
 bly compromised to preserve our name and standing, and 
 to gain numbers. Those who were gained by such conces- 
 sions are now our opposers ; we having unwisely exalted 
 them above equal brethren, clothing them with office, and 
 giving them power. But enough of this. You, having 
 seen your way further out of the shackles of sect, will 
 take little interest in this Society warfare. You have 
 quarrels enough of your own, too, to occupy you. We 
 should like to hear how the Gurneyites and Wilburites 
 are getting along with you — whether for “ the divisions 
 of Reuben there are great searchings of heart.” The Or- 
 thodox here are looking with some anxiety to the coming 
 Yearly Meeting. Rhode Island Yearly has quite separated. 
 There is no more love lost between these parties, than be- 
 tween abolitionists and their opposers, or than there was 
 twenty years since, during the Hicksite contest. How un- 
 worthily have the London committee conducted themselves 
 towards the anti-slavery part of Indiana Yearly M g . But 
 what better could one expect from such bigots. I felt a 
 wish to call and see them when they were in this city, but 
 my husband did not incline to go with me, and I had not 
 the courage to go alone. 
 
 When you write again, and let that be very soon, please 
 mention whether the “ Jacobites ” or “ White Quakers ” 
 have come to an end ; how much of division there is 
 among you ; whether your anti-slavery appeals in refer- 
 ence to the use of the meeting-houses produced any effect ; 
 and what progress there is in the temperance cause. Geo. 
 F. White prophesies its “ speedy downfall — even as abo- 
 lition is passing away.” And the “ still more specious 
 and plausible movement for peace ” is “doomed to a sim- 
 ilar fate” — “ they being all, counterfeits of the true.” 
 
 Elihu Burritt is sincerely interested, I believe, in the 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 277 
 
 peace question, as far as he goes ; and he and his co-adju- 
 tors are doing great good. We may hope that they, and 
 other lovers of peace, in this land and yours, will avert 
 the impending danger of a war between these two coun- 
 tries. Our politicians and demagogues may make a great 
 bluster, and your nation may expend much in preparation 
 for battle ; but let the moral power of the friends of peace 
 be exerted and we may hope the sword will be stayed. 
 Adin Ballou is coming out with an exposition of non-re- 
 sistance, written at the suggestion of our Edward M. Davis, 
 and published at his expense. . . . 
 
 Do any of Theodore Parker’s writings reach you ? His 
 Installation Sermon, radical though it is, is excellent. Is 
 James Haughton prepared for this advance step on the 
 part of the Unitarians? It seemed to us that the Dublin 
 believers in that faith were but little beyond their more 
 orthodox worshipers. 
 
 Richard Allen’s letter in a late “ Liberator ” cheered our 
 hearts. It is pleasant to find that the deceitfulness of 
 riches is not choking the Divine word in him. His hope 
 in the Anti-Corn-Law movement is just what I like to see. 
 Would that we had more faith in the ultimate triumph of 
 great principles ! The free-produce stir, and Joseph Sturge’s 
 interest in that question, was good news: though I fully 
 agree with Richard, that “ it is by other means that slavery 
 is to be overthrown.” This is an act of consistency, how- 
 ever, and will have its weight as far as it goes. A society 
 has lately been formed here among our Orthodox Friends, 
 from which we hope for a better supply of free grown 
 cotton goods. I trust that Joseph Sturge will use his in- 
 fluence for the manufacture of the finer cotton fabrics. 
 How I longed when in England for that question to receive 
 more favor in the Convention, rather than the reasonings 
 of the apostate Colver and that Quaker, — I forget his 
 name. 
 
 I have a gauze cap, given me by our hostess in London, 
 
278 
 
 JAMES AND LUC RET I A MOTT . 
 
 with a hope that I would imitate its tasty form, and silk 
 cord ; thus improving, in her eye, my head-gear. She little 
 knew how fearful and jealous 1 our lovers of the peculiar 
 dress are of the slightest innovation. My returning home 
 with my “ coal-scoop bonnet ” a little more elevated in the 
 crown, and a few additional plaits in it, was regarded as an 
 unworthy imitation of your Friends approximating to the 
 “ world and its corrupt customs.” I keep that cap, how- 
 ever, in memory of its owner, and like to produce it at times 
 to astonish our natives with its high crown and odd shape. 
 
 Who would have thought that six years would pass 
 away before one of our Dublin friends would visit Amer- 
 ica ? We are all growing so old that you ought to lose 
 no time. I had fondly hoped to introduce my dear mother 
 to some of you; but she is gone; alas! Two years have 
 passed since her death, and we still mourn our loss. Our 
 family is changing in other respects. Two of our children 
 have married during the last year . 2 Only one, a daughter, 
 remains with us now. 
 
 We have engaged the services of some of our good speak- 
 ers, to labor in new fields in New Jersey, and parts of this 
 State. Now is a favorable time for anti-slavery action ; 
 for the arrival of the slave ship “ Pons ” at our wharf, and 
 all the horrid details of the wretched captives have created 
 a sensation among our quiet-loving inhabitants. A large 
 anti-slavery meeting was held last First-day on the wharf, 
 in sight of the ship. Several thousand persons listened 
 
 1 Just how “ fearful and jealous ” the Friends were then of any change 
 in the cut of their peculiar dress, may be inferred from the following in- 
 cident : — 
 
 Shortly after our grandmother’s return from England, she attended 
 Friends’ Meeting in Wilmington, Delaware, very naturally wearing her 
 new English bonnet. At the close of the meeting, one of the Elders said 
 to her, “I am sorry, my dear, to see that thou hast made a change in thy 
 dress. When I saw thee coming in this morning with that bonnet on, 
 I could think of nothing but a soldier’s jockey-cap! ” 
 
 2 Elizabeth married Thomas S. Cavender, of Philadelphia, — and 
 Thomas, his cousin, Mariana Pelham, of Auburn, N. Y. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 279 
 
 with thrilling interest to the appeals of Dr. Elder and 
 Thomas Earle* 
 
 J. Miller Me Kim is steadily devoting himself to the in- 
 terests of the cause at the Anti-Slavery office, and as joint 
 editor with Mary Grew, of the “ Penn a Freeman.” 
 
 I must now say farewell, with all the love this can con- 
 vey to our dear friends in Dublin. 
 
 Again farewell, Lucretia Mott. 
 
 Phila., 4th mo. 28th, 1846. 
 
 My dear Elizabeth Pease, — More than two years 
 have passed since the receipt of thy truly acceptable letter. 
 During that time I have hardly written to any of our dear 
 English or Irish friends ; for after the severe illness which 
 so greatly affected my nervous system, I was advised to 
 avoid much reading or writing. But I must send thee a 
 line now, dear Elizabeth, expressive of the sympathy I feel 
 with thee in thy late bereavement. Thy long continued 
 devotion to thy dear father doubtless renders this stroke 
 doubly trying to thee. In many ways we feel such a loss. 
 The tear will naturally flow at the severance of such a tie ; 
 and far be it from me to seek to stay it. I know full well 
 the keenness of the separation between parent and child. 
 My dear mother was taken from us when I could illy bear 
 such a shock. She was companionable in every way ; her 
 grandchildren as well as her children delighted in her so- 
 ciety. She was vigorous in constitution of both body and 
 mind, and promised a longer life than seven ty-three. But 
 we had to yield her, and resignation to the event has been 
 a hard lesson. I therefore feel less able to preach it to 
 others. •> c » 
 
 The contents of thy last letter may not, after so long a 
 silence on my part in reply, be familiar to thee now. Thou 
 alluded to our intercourse together, in England, and to 
 some little constraint that thou afterward thought existed 
 between us. As to thy fear of engrossing too much of our 
 
280 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 time, and thy regarding us as among the “ lions of the Con- 
 vention, the thought, I believe, never occurred to us. On 
 the contrary, we felt truly grateful for thy prompt attention 
 to us, while some, from sectarian bigotry, were standing 
 aloof. As to the “lion” part, we felt much more that we 
 were “ counted as sheep for the slaughter.” That feeling, 
 added to the knowledge that many among you were greatly 
 shocked at our supposed heresies, did cause a little restraint 
 in our mingling with you. When we met accidentally at 
 meeting, I felt quite a pity for thee, seeing that thou would 
 be brought into a strait after meeting, whether to speak 
 cordially to us, and thus identify thyself with those who 
 were “ despised and rejected of men,” or to turn from us, 
 and thus do violence to the promptings of thy kind nature. 
 But the more intercourse we had, the more these fears and 
 restraints vanished ; and our latter interviews — especially 
 the last, in Liverpool — were all any one could desire. 
 Since that time, our firm adherence to the great cause 
 which first bound us together, and the freedom of corre- 
 spondence, have knit us together “ as the heart of one 
 man,” and we can greet one another as very friends. As 
 to being sundered by differences in points of faith, if that 
 be sufficient cause of division, “ Oh Lord, who shall stand ? ” 
 Have not those, who at that time formed a strong and 
 united phalanx of opposition to “ Hicksism,” now become 
 divided among themselves, on little hair-splitting points of 
 theology? Let us rather look, as the truth-loving Jesus 
 recommended, for the fruits which proceed from a good 
 heart ; for about these there is no controversy. There is a 
 response in every heart to the exhibition of justice, mercy, 
 love, peace, and charity, which goes far to prove that God 
 has created man upright ; and that the counter doctrine 
 of human depravity has done much to make the heart 
 wicked, and to produce the giant sins that afflict mankind. 
 . . . What dreadful battles on the plains of India ! A mon- 
 strous sacrifice of human life, by a professedly Christian 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 281 
 
 nation ! And your poor starved people at home too, over- 
 worked and underpaid until driven to desperation ; what is 
 to be done, in view of all these evils ? The remedy looks 
 at times so hopeless, that I am ready to choose death rather 
 than life, if I must feel as I have done for these classes. 
 There was an extensive strike of the hand-loom weavers in 
 this city, last winter. They were reduced almost to starva- 
 tion ; but they did not gain the added wages claimed, for 
 “ with the oppressor there is power.” I could but sympa- 
 thize with them in their demand for a better recompense 
 to their early and late toil. . . . My James desires most 
 affectionate remembrances. Thine, L. Mott. 
 
 The following letter is in reply to one from R. D. 
 Webb, written during the prevalence of the great 
 famine in Ireland : — 
 
 Phil., 2nd mo. 21st, 1847. 
 
 My dear Friend, Richard D. Webb, — Thy very 
 acceptable letter was most opportune. Not only was it 
 read and re-read at the several m ss referred to, but long 
 extracts from it were published in “ Friends’ Intelligen- 
 cer,” and thus were well circulated through our Yearly 
 Meeting boundaries. James says the subject was opened 
 by an Elder in our meet g . He did not tell you that that 
 Elder was prompted by one of our abolition friends ; for 
 after all, “ men of one idea,” as they are called, if work is 
 to be done in any department of justice, mercy, or benev- 
 olence, must take the lead, either openly, or behind the 
 curtain, as the case may require. This “ ball ” for Ireland 
 is so thoroughly set in motion now, that abolitionists may 
 leave it with those who refuse to work with them in their 
 cause, the removal of one fruitful source of misery and star- 
 vation — personal slavery. Accordingly, we have been in- 
 terested these two weeks past in an effort to reestablish 
 the “ True American,” (Cassius M. Clay’s paper,) in Ken- 
 tucky. John C. Vaughn, a South Carolinian, edited the 
 
282 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 paper with ability, after C. M. Clay left it, and indeed 
 mostly after it was moved to Cincinnati. Vaughn has been 
 obliged to suspend it, owing to lack of funds, though he 
 has received very many letters from residents of Kentucky, 
 urging its revival. He has been to New York and Boston 
 to raise funds and has been quite successful ; $3,500 being 
 subscribed. It is a hobby with him, and he has already 
 expended $1,500, in keeping up the paper as long as he 
 did. He is now aided by influential men in Kentucky, who 
 with help from the North, are determined to carry it on. 
 We have called together our liberal friends, in scores at 
 our house, and heard his letters and statements ; he pre- 
 ferred this mode to a more public m g . We shall raise 
 more than $1,000 here. It is attended with greater ex- 
 pense to print and publish at the South. 
 
 You will see by our papers how many causes of encour- 
 agement there are for persevering labor in the harvest 
 field of freedom. The increasing interest and action in Del- 
 aware, and some other slave states ; the freedom of discus- 
 sion in Congress ; the editorials in our political newspapers ; 
 the acts of our legislatures ; lastly, and some will think 
 leastly , our success in calling large meetings of women, to 
 confer together, and to petition on this subject; all these 
 inspire us with hope that the days of slavery are numbered. 
 We give the “ Anti- Slavery League” also our fraternal all- 
 hail ! for its broad platform ; putting to shame the London 
 committee and “ World’s Convention.” . . . 
 
 I received a letter not long since from the peace advo- 
 cate, Elihu Burritt, asking my aid in procuring for him a 
 list of all the Sunday-schools in our city, with their super- 
 intendents, in order to try to establish a correspondence on 
 the subject of peace, love, and liberty. I confess I have 
 not faith enough in the efficacy of the measure, nor indeed 
 in Sunday-school operations in general, to enter into it 
 very heartily. I did, however, take the letter to the agent 
 of the Sunday-School Union, and he declined to furnish 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 283 
 
 such a list ; as they only instilled general principles, leaving 
 details for parents and other schools. I intend to write to 
 Elihu Burritt on the subject. It is often a question, and 
 still unsettled with me, whether the various religious or- 
 ganizations, with all their errors, are more productive of 
 good than evil. But until we can offer something better in 
 their stead to a people largely governed by religious senti- 
 ment, and a natural love for association, it requires great 
 care how we shake their faith in existing institutions. I 
 feel so when sitting in our colored Methodist meetings, 
 where appeals to emotion call forth such loud shoutings ; 
 and yet the effect of the religious training they receive, 
 with all its grossness, is wholesome on their lives and con- 
 duct. So, in our Quaker Society, with all the undue stress 
 on externals, and all the preaching up “ quietude” and 
 doing nothing, still, the appeal to the inner sense is not 
 made in vain ; and many of our fold are among the fore- 
 most in reform and good works. We have a blessed ex- 
 ample, however, in the anointed of God, in his exposure 
 of the errors and sins which obstructed the progress of his 
 religious sect ; and duty, not less imperative, is urging 
 some now to cry against the errors of creeds, and forms of 
 worship, as obstacles to true holiness. 
 
 The taking for granted that everything in the Bible is 
 true, and must not be questioned, is doing much harm. 
 War and slavery cannot be so successfully assailed while 
 this is the case. John Jackson , 1 a minister in our Society, 
 has published a little work on “ Peace and War,” in which 
 he calls in question the Divine right of the Jewish wars. 
 This has brought up a new issue among our Friends, and 
 many of us are now charged with unsound doctrine. “ Go- 
 
 1 John Jackson was a Friend who stood deservedly high in the Society 
 as a rarely gifted and impressive preacher, and a consistent, exemplary, 
 and influential minister. In the year 1846 he published a small treatise 
 entitled Reflections on Peace and War , which soon reached a second edi- 
 tion. His object was to show that war is at variance with the Christian 
 religion. 
 
284 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 ing out in the mixture ” is seldom complained of now. We 
 are in a divided state ; but not any more so than are our 
 Orthodox Friends. The death of Joseph John Gurney has 
 made some sensation, and much has been published of eulo- 
 gies and elegies, and all the particulars of his death and 
 burial. I would not speak invidiously, however ; for his 
 generous outpouring of Fortune’s treasures was worthy of 
 praise. Let his example be followed ! 
 
 Every part of thy letter was interesting. The little 
 sketch of Joseph Blanco White prepared us to read the 
 book with a keen relish. Of course Sarah Pugh had time to 
 read it first, as she is the most of “ a lady of leisure ” among 
 us. The work is rare here ; only a few English copies to 
 be obtained. Our children are now reading it, and I enjoy 
 it by piece-meal. It is exceedingly interesting, but much 
 too radical for all of you, but James Haughton ; is n’t it ? 
 If not, a change must have come over you since we were 
 in Dublin. Only think, almost seven years ago ! You only 
 whispered heresy then. The published correspondence in 
 J. Blanco White’s life adds greatly to the interest of the 
 book. We wonder that we heard nothing of him while we 
 were in England. Theodore Parker is preparing his hear- 
 ers and readers for great radicalism in Humanitarian Chris- 
 tianity. Such preaching and such works as White’s will 
 certainly modify the orthodox faith, as the boldness of a 
 Priestly, a Worcester, and a Channing has already done. 
 
 Have you noticed what a step the Unitarian convention 
 took in this city, in graciously permitting a woman to 
 speak ? And such a woman ! That made quite a stir in 
 our Zion, and increased the opposition to that woman, too ! 
 
 But I am coming to the end of my paper without saying 
 how my love flows unbounded to your circle — all. 
 
 Most affectionately, L. Mott. 
 
 It is hardly necessary to explain that Lucretia 
 Mott herself was the woman who spoke in the Uni- 
 tarian convention. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 285 
 
 The newspapers of the time noticed her address 
 according to their several predilections, some giving 
 favorable reports, others dismissing the innovation 
 of a woman’s speaking as an unwarrantable 64 lag- 
 ging in of the woman’s rights question.” The fol- 
 lowing report is from the 44 Proceedings of the Reg- 
 ular Autumnal Convention of Unitarian Christians, 
 held in Philadelphia, Oct. 20, 1846.” 
 
 ... 44 Rev. Mr. Furness- begged leave to interrupt the 
 discussion a moment, to acquaint the convention that a 
 member from the Society of Friends was present, Lucretia 
 Mott, and to move that she be invited to take a seat in the 
 convention, with leave to speak if she should find herself 
 moved to it. Passed without opposition.” 
 
 Lucretia Mott said : — 
 
 44 It is most unexpected to me, to be permitted to speak 
 on this occasion. I am gratified in having an invitation to 
 speak out the truth without clothing it in set theological 
 language. I liked the observations of the last speaker (Dr. 
 Hedge), especially in reference to this point. We make the 
 cross of Christ of no effect by the ambiguous and deceiving 
 phraseology we throw around his precepts and doctrines. 
 It goes to perpetuate the erroneous views which prevail in 
 Christendom, of the divinity of Christ and the vicarious 
 atonement. If we could disabuse Christianity of the errors 
 of theology, we should do much towards advancing so great 
 and glorious a system, if it can be called such. But when 
 preachers, for fear of losing their reputation in the relig- 
 ious world, speak of their faith in the divinity of Christ and 
 the vicarious atonement, they are retarding Christian prog- 
 ress by their want of simplicity and frankness. 
 
 44 Nothing is more fitted to impede this progress than 
 the popular theology, the generally received system of faith. 
 A speaker (Mr. Clarke) has said that we ought not willingly 
 to allow ourselves to be cut off from the body of the 
 
286 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 Church. But however vital that body may be, and I would 
 not deny it much earnestness and worth, yet we must be 
 willing to be separated from it in respect to these important 
 doctrines. But who is there of you glorying so much in 
 that spirit of heresy in which St. Paul boasted — heresy 
 after the manner of men — who of you stands so fast in 
 the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, as to ac- 
 knowledge the extent of his secret suspicions of views ordi- 
 narily professed ? Who is ready to hold up the purity of 
 human nature in place of its -depravity? Who will speak 
 of the importance of becoming Christ-like, by following his 
 example ? 
 
 “ We are too prone to take our views of Christianity from 
 some of the credulous followers of Christ, lest any depart- 
 ure from the early disciples should fasten upon us the sus- 
 picion of unbelief in the Bible. But should we not feel 
 free to speak of the narratives of those who hand down the 
 account of Christ’s mission in their true character ? The 
 importance of free thinking and honest speech cannot be 
 over-estimated. Be not afraid of the reputation of infidels, 
 or the opprobium of the religious world. We must be will- 
 ing to be severed from it, if necessary. And our fruits, and 
 not our opinions, will finally judge us. There is but one 
 criterion of judgment ; and everybody kuow r s what love, 
 truth, mercy are ! If we seek to bring forth righteousness 
 exceeding the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, 
 then we need fear little, though brother deliver up brother 
 to death ! It may become a small thing to be judged of 
 man’s judgment. We ought to rejoice that we are per- 
 mitted to offer a pattern of Christianity exceeding the com- 
 mon one. We need Saviours that shall be as Saviours on 
 our own Mount Zion. How great is the mischief those 
 false doctrines are doing, which make man depraved, and 
 then point him to the vicarious sufferings of Christ ! We 
 are too prone to begin with the spirit, and then seek to be 
 made perfect in the flesh. We clothe our thoughts in ex* 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 287 
 
 pressions that deceive. There is too much image worship 
 still practiced by Christians ! We are apt to proselyte to 
 sect rather than to Christianity ! It has been well said, our 
 fathers made graven images, but we make verbal ones. God 
 has made man after his own image, and man has made God 
 after his image. If you have had Channing and Worcester 
 to lead you on, why are you not prepared to carry the 
 work forward, even beyond them ? 
 
 “ My heart was made humble and tender when I came 
 into this convention. I saw in the chair Samuel Parkman, 
 of Boston, the son of an old friend of my father. Looking 
 at Calvinistic Boston as it then was, and considering how 
 Channing rose and bore his testimony, and what results 
 followed, we may be encouraged. But let the work ad- 
 vance. Lo ! the field is white to harvest. . . . 
 
 “ Brethren, hearken to the Spirit. He dwelleth with you, 
 though you know it not. It is He that talketh with you 
 by the way. Are not the aspirations for truth a proof that 
 we have a present God with us ? ” 
 
 The next letter in order is also to Richard D. 
 Webb. 
 
 Phil., 4th mo. 26th, 1847. 
 
 My dear Friend, — ... I have not time to say what 
 I would of the “ Life of Joseph Blanco White.” I have 
 indeed read it with intense interest, and regard it the best 
 radical or heretical work that has appeared in our age ; be- 
 cause the religious sentiment continues so alive and active, 
 while his mind is undergoing all the phases from gross su- 
 perstition to arch-heresy. I suppose that part of his Diary 
 is omitted during the period of his “ unbelief.” Also some 
 of his correspondence with those in this country of more 
 radical minds than Professor Norton and Dr. Channing. 
 I should like to see what he wrote to Ripley, for there is 
 some allusion to his letter to him by Dr. Channing. On 
 the whole, however, J. H. Thom has done admirably, to 
 give forth to the world so much that is far in advance of 
 
288 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETLA MOTT. 
 
 English Unitarianism, if we except the radical, Fox, and 
 his co-preacher. How dare Richard D. Webb let such a 
 book “ go the rounds among his friends ? ” Unless, in- 
 deed, he has arrived at the “ I ’m not afraid ” state, which 
 his brother Thomas averred himself to be in, when we were 
 in Dublin, while Richard was at that time non-committal. 
 His soundness in the Faith is questionable, to say the least, 
 who would circulate such a book. I borrowed it, but had 
 not read far, before I proposed to our Edward M. Davis to 
 buy it, and let it “ go the rounds among our friends.” The 
 price is seven dollars here, there being no American edi- 
 tion, and very few English copies. Edward bought the last 
 copy to be had in this city. I sympathized especially with 
 Blanco White’s lonely and sad feelings, in having to give 
 up one friend after another “ for the Son of Man's sake,” 
 and that his honesty forbade all compromise or conserva- 
 tism. I wish I could show you my notes ; they form three 
 little volumes ! Oh, why did n’t you know of Blanco White, 
 and tell us all about him, when we were with you ! He 
 was living then. I have wondered if the “ late Mrs. Rath- 
 bone,” who lent him John Woolman’s works, was the wife 
 of Wm. Rathbone, our friend ? How well he writes of us 
 Quakers, — no, of our predecessors. 
 
 When I lent Woolman’s works, years ago, to J. Miller 
 McKim, while he was in process of conversion, I told him 
 that I defended not the visionary part, and ever thought 
 the early Quakers too superstitious. Having for two years 
 past ceased to assume the kneeling posture in prayer, and 
 also the standing posture while others pray, I could go 
 with Blanco White in this non-conformity also, even while 
 it has brought down “ Cherry St.” anathemas thick upon 
 me, and raised quite a “ tempest in our tea-pot ” this win- 
 ter, when the Liberals would have me on the school com- 
 mittee. My going to the Unitarian convention, too, was 
 almost an unpardonable sin. But I must stop. James has 
 sent for this letter. I wanted to sum up the cheering evi- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 289 
 
 dences of anti-slavery progress, as I did in a late letter to 
 George Combe. I also wrote to him more fully than I 
 have here about Blanco White. 
 
 Ever, ever yours in very heart, L. Mott. 
 
 On more than one occasion, about this time, when 
 James and Lucretia Mott attended Friends’ meet- 
 ings not far distant from Philadelphia, instead of 
 being invited to neighboring houses for refreshment, 
 they were allowed to resort to the country taverns ; a 
 thing unknown in former years, when such breaches 
 of hospitality would not have been committed under 
 any circumstances. Now it was countenanced as 
 one means of showing the disfavor with which they 
 were regarded. 
 
 In the autumn of 1847 they made a journey to 
 some of the western states, to attend various anti- 
 slavery and religious meetings, and among them the 
 Yearly Meetings of Friends held in Salem, Ohio, 
 and Richmond, Indiana. They carried no certificate 
 from their own Meeting, nor is it likely that one 
 would have been given, even if asked for, as the 
 Meeting was not then 46 in unity” with them. It 
 must be borne in mind, however, that this did not 
 affect their right to attend any meetings of the So- 
 ciety, but only their right to appoint them ; and also 
 that the main object of the journey was to attend the 
 anti-slavery conventions. It is no uncommon thing 
 for “ ministering Friends” to travel in this way, 
 without certificates, and to be cordially welcomed 
 notwithstanding. Lucretia Mott had a right to ex- 
 pect courteous treatment even from those who dif- 
 fered from her in the views she held. In Ohio she 
 was generally well received, and attentively heard. 
 
 19 
 
290 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 The Ohio Friends, many of whom were earnest abo- 
 litionists, opened their houses to her and her hus- 
 band, and willingly called meetings for them. In 
 Indiana it was the reverse. A bitter sectarian feel- 
 ing prevailed there. Some idea of this may be gath- 
 ered from the following extracts from the u Diary of 
 Jane Price.” Jane Price, a woman of high repute, 
 and an “ approved minister,” was the wife of Benja- 
 min Price, an esteemed Friend, who was for several 
 successive years clerk of Philadelphia Yearly Meet- 
 ing. In company with Elizabeth M. Peart, also an 
 approved minister, she attended the Western Yearly 
 Meetings before mentioned, traveling most of the 
 way in private conveyance. During her absence 
 she kept a record of her observations and experi- 
 ences in the form of letters to her husband. The 
 first date pertinent to our subject is : — 
 
 Salem , Ohio, First-day, 8 th mo. 29 <A , 1847. — James and 
 Lucretia Mott arrived in public conveyance just at meet- 
 ing-time. Lucretia spoke at the close. . . . 
 
 Sixth-day, 9** mo. 3 rd . — In the little I have written 
 concerning the Yearly Meeting, I have only reported 
 women’s doings, leaving the brethren to speak for them- 
 selves. In Select Meeting on Fourth-day, Lucretia gave 
 her views as thou hast heard her, honestly I think, and 
 from the motive to do or say what she thought required, as 
 was also the case in the Yearly Meeting, after the Query 
 in regard to reading. She remarked on the frivolous pub- 
 lications, “ lady’s periodicals,” etc., containing that which 
 merely went to promote vanity and degrade the mind ; 
 and before she sat down, recommended to the young 
 people a little book on the subject of “ Peace and War,” 
 written by John Jackson. This immediately brought out 
 a spirited reply from a minister of this Meeting (for there 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 291 
 
 are spirited dear friends on both sides), in which she ex- 
 pressed her “ astonishment ” that such a thing should be 
 recommended, as to read a book “ that despises the Bible.” 
 It passed off without any reply or notice whatever, for it 
 was no time to say much just then ; but it was not any- 
 thing of this kind that was the “ head of astonishment ” to 
 me, but conversation out of meeting. I think we need to 
 watch. . . . 
 
 Richmond , Indiana , Second-day , 2 th mo. 27 th . — At- 
 tended the first sitting of the Yearly Meeting, quite large, 
 and a pretty good meeting. Our friend Lucretia made 
 some excellent preparatory remarks, that I think could not 
 give dissatisfaction, or at least need not. If any were not 
 satisfied, they kept it to themselves ; though some of the 
 Elders waited on her yesterday morning, and “ desired her 
 to go home” or if she went to meeting,- “ desired her not 
 to speak ! ” I feel my mind stayed ; having the fullest con- 
 fidence in Truth, and that it will bear all out who do not 
 forsake it ; but I am pained to see prejudice take the place 
 of Christian charity. I have heretofore avoided going at 
 all into particulars relative to matters and things I have 
 been privy to, but could not help hinting at the above. 
 
 . . . The Queries were also read, and the state of Society 
 spoken to. Lucretia spoke once, I thought impressively, 
 and to the purpose ; though some no doubt did not feel 
 unity, as there is a strong feeling against her in the minds 
 of some here ; also in opposition to J. Jackson’s book ; 
 many would be afraid to suffer it in their houses, much less 
 read it. ... I would like if thou could see our friends 
 James and Lucretia, when they return. I think we, that 
 is, Friends, will all have to learn to concede to others that 
 sincerity, and that liberty to judge for themselves what is 
 right, that we claim for ourselves . 
 
 Fourth-day , 29^. — Meetings for worship were held in 
 both houses ; we attended the same we did on First-day. 
 James and Lucretia were in the other house. She spoke, 
 
292 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 several observed to me afterwards, in a very interesting 
 manner ; told them many truths ; others did not like a 
 good deal she said. The meeting was very quiet, and 
 nothing unpleasant occurred to disturb the solemnity. 
 
 Sixth-day , 1 st of 10 ^ mo. — They have had, and I fear 
 will have, sad entanglements and wounds, and wounding, 
 more or less, all through this Yearly Meeting. I regret, 
 I could mourn and lament, at the feeling that is spreading 
 far and wide, at the tale-bearing and detraction, and the 
 willingness to give occasion of offense. . . . James and 
 Lucretia have nearly always gone back from meeting to 
 their lodging, having taken boarding at a Friend’s house. 
 There has been a great deal here directed against them. 
 Lucretia has been quite poorly, too, but has attended all the 
 sittings. She and James stepped in to the widow Evans* 
 between meetings on Fourth-day morning, where were a 
 good many friends of the evangelical order ; a roomful 
 present ; Lucretia said little or nothing, merely came in to 
 warm her feet. She was in tears all the while, as she sat 
 in one corner by the fire ; just before she went out, I whis- 
 pered to her what had deeply impressed my mind all the 
 while she was in the room : “ The disciple is not above his 
 Lord, nor the servant above his master.” That was just 
 before they went into the meeting for worship. ... I 
 asked Lucretia if she would go to a friend’s to-day to din- 
 ner ; she said they felt best satisfied just to go back to 
 their lodgings. She then further said to me, with tears, 
 “ It constantly runs through my mind, 4 For Thy sake, I am 
 killed all the day long.’ ” 
 
 Jane Price’s son, Isaiah Price, writes concerning 
 this part of his mother’s diary : — 
 
 “ The perusal of our mother’s letters and her daily rec- 
 ord of the feelings attending her mind, as well as her con- 
 versation upon her return, attest that her spirit was often 
 bowed in sorrow and trial because of the things she was a 
 witness unto ; and it is evident also, that hers was not al- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 293 
 
 ways a silent travail ; but she has not left us unadvised 
 that these intolerant ones were often put under restraint 
 and guard by her presence and evident want of sympathy 
 with their proceedings. Thus was her discretion justified, 
 and made more of a rebuke to the intolerant spirit, than an 
 over-zealous opposition in words on her part could possibly 
 have proved. And this was the more significant from the 
 fact that those with whom her lot was cast principally, 
 while in attendance at Indiana Yearly Meeting, were of 
 the extreme Orthodox party. Owing to this fact, she had 
 less opportunity to manifest her interest and sympathy per- 
 sonally by her presence with her friends James and Lucre- 
 tia, but she nevertheless was enabled to impart the feeling 
 of her heart and mind, and sometimes to give the friendly 
 grasp of the hand, and the cordial word of feeling; and 
 the writer can now recall the grateful expressions in which 
 dear Lucretia has spoken of her sympathy amid the ex- 
 periences of adverse feeling and opposition, as manifested 
 toward them at that time.” 
 
 During this visit to Richmond there was shown a re- 
 markable instance of bigotry and intolerance; an ex- 
 ample of the bitterness of party spirit such as is sel- 
 dom seen. It is the hospitable custom among Friends, 
 on the occasion of any large gathering in the cities 
 where they reside, to invite the strangers who attend 
 the meetings to their homes, particularly between the 
 morning and afternoon sessions. In this way, and in 
 company with many others, James and Lucretia Mott 
 were invited to dine by a Friend, whose husband 
 was a physician of standing, and an active member 
 of the Society. Lucretia Mott had been indisposed 
 for several days, and at times had suffered acutely 
 from neuralgia. During the visit she was seized 
 with an unusually severe attack, and the physician 
 was asked to try to relieve her. It is incredible, in 
 
294 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 this day, that the dictates of common humanity could 
 resist such an appeal. Turning from her, the doctor 
 said, “ Lucretia, I am so deeply afflicted by thy re- 
 bellious spirit, that I do not feel that I can prescribe 
 for thee.” Whereupon James Mott remarked, “It 
 is evident, my dear, that we are not wanted here; 
 I think we should feel more comfortable in our own 
 lodgings ; ” and together they left the house. Such 
 treatment wounded more deeply than was ever ac- 
 knowledged. In her public ministry, the brave spirit 
 showed no sign of pain, but in the seclusion of home, 
 it was affecting to see, as it is grievous to remember, 
 the suffering she endured. Her health became seri- 
 ously impaired by the severe attacks of dyspepsia 
 that were sure to follow seasons of mental distress. 
 Yet, notwithstanding the trials she experienced, her 
 life at this period was by no means unhappy ; on the 
 contrary, it was happier than that of most women. 
 This was owing partly to her own natural cheerful- 
 ness, her conscious rectitude, and her unwavering 
 faith in the triumph of moral principle ; but more 
 than all, to the never-failing support of a congenial 
 home. Here was a “ refuge in times of trouble ” 
 where she “ dwelt in safety ” in the love of husband 
 and children. 
 
 She also found support in the knowledge that her 
 opponents, although “weighty members” of the So- 
 ciety of Friends, were still its smallest portion ; and 
 that if the issue should arise, they were hardly strong 
 enough to carry out their hostile measures of cen- 
 sure and disownment ; and more than this, that a 
 large number of the younger Friends would resist 
 any attempt to deprive her of those rights and privi- 
 leges which had been bestowed on her in former 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 295 
 
 days. These did not wholly agree with her, nor were 
 they always prepared to sustain her cause openly, 
 but neither were they willing to see her cast out 
 from among them. In the hard battle that she 
 fought, even this unavowed sympathy served as en- 
 couragement. Her course was made more difficult 
 to herself, and more unpalatable to Friends, by the 
 open interest that she and her husband evinced in 
 various unpopular movements of the day, besides 
 abolition. Of this she said, in the autobiographical 
 sketch before alluded to, “ The misrepresentation, 
 ridicule, and abuse heaped upon these reforms do 
 not in the least deter me from my duty. To those 
 whose name is cast out as evil for the truth’s sake, 
 it is a small thing to be judged of man’s judgment.” 
 One of these reforms was the Anti-Sabbath move- 
 ment. When its advocates issued a call to consider 
 the subject, James and Lucretia Mott responded by 
 signing their names, and promising to attend the 
 convention. Referring to this, and also to their so- 
 journ together in Ohio the year before, he having 
 lectured there at the same time, William Lloyd Gar- 
 rison wrote them the following letter : — 
 
 Boston, Jan. 10th, 1848. 
 
 James and Lucretia Mott : 
 
 Dear Friends, — In allowing your names to be ap- 
 pended to the call for an Anti-Sabbath convention, you 
 have gratified many of your friends here, and given fresh 
 evidence of your possessing true moral courage. In the 
 course of a few days, our list of signers will be completed, 
 aud then the call will be printed in a circular form, and 
 also in the u Liberator.” 
 
 Please hand the accompanying leaves to dear Edward 
 M. Davis. I am glad that you have so worthy a son-in- 
 
296 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 law, who, I dare say, seems every day more like a son in- 
 deed. Long may he be spared to aid and bless suffering 
 humanity. . . . 
 
 I shall long remember our pleasant interviews in Ohio 
 with unalloyed satisfaction. I marvel that Lucretia did 
 not utterly break down under the pressure of her public 
 labors. Aside from my severe illness at Cleveland, I re- 
 joice that I was permitted to visit Ohio, and hope that my 
 labors were not wholly in vain. Yours, Lucretia, I am 
 sure were not. 
 
 How I wish you lived no further off than the next street 
 * — or better yet, the next door ! I long to commune with 
 you both, face to face, from day to day. How will it be 
 with us in the Spirit Land ? Will time and space be an- 
 nihilated ? 
 
 Helen sends her loving remembrances. No one esteems 
 you more highly, than 
 
 Your attached friend, Wm. Lloyd Garrison. 
 
 About the same time, Mr. Garrison published an 
 editorial in the “ Liberator,” giving an account of a 
 conversation between him and Lucretia Mott on the 
 value of traditional belief, as follows : — 
 
 “ If my mind has become liberalized in any degree (and 
 I think it has burst every sectarian trammel), — if the the- 
 ological dogmas which I once regarded as essential to 
 Christianity, I now repudiate as absurd and pernicious, — 
 I am largely indebted to James and Lucretia Mott for the 
 change. I recollect on one occasion, when my reverence 
 for the Bible as an inspired volume, from Genesis to Rev- 
 elation, was such that I was killed by the letter, entering 
 into conversation with Lucretia on the subject of war, I 
 was startled, not to say shocked, on hearing the declaration 
 from her lips, that she did not believe God ever authorized 
 or sanctioned war, in any age or nation. Not that I had 
 any doubt as to the prohibition of all war in the New Tes- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 297 
 
 tament, but I had never thought of questioning the integ- 
 rity of the Jewish record. ‘ How do you dispose of the 
 statements made in the Old Testament/ I asked, 4 that the 
 Lord commanded Moses, Joshua, and others, to wage even 
 wars of extermination ? 9 4 1 can more easily believe that 
 
 man is fallible, than that God is changeable/ was her 
 reply. In this reply, so full of good sense and true wis- 
 dom, I have since found an easy solution of many Scrip- 
 tural difficulties, and, instead of being any longer 4 killed 
 by the letter/ have been 4 made alive by the spirit.’ ” 
 
 In accordance with her promise, Lucretia Mott at- 
 tended the Anti-Sabbath convention, held in Boston 
 March 23d and 24tli, 1848, and spoke several times 
 daring its sessions. As usual, her remarks were en- 
 tirely extemporaneous. The extracts given in the 
 Appendix are taken from the official report of the 
 meeting. 1 For a better understanding of them, it 
 may be well to state that the convention was called 
 to 44 Advance the cause of a true Christianity, to 
 promote true and acceptable worship, and to incul- 
 cate strict moral and religious accountability, in all 
 the concerns of life, on all days of the iveek alike ” 
 
 1 Appendix, p. 479. 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 When Lucretia Mott and her associates were re- 
 fused admission as delegates to the World’s Conven- 
 tion in London, in 1840, solely on account of their 
 sex, she was brought for the first time face to face 
 with the reality of the subjection of women. In the 
 Society of Friends she had been accustomed to see 
 all the members valued more for their individual mer- 
 its than for the accident of sex; and when she had 
 begun to preach, it was not because of any privilege 
 granted by “ men-friends,” but because of the gift 
 that cometh from above, and is free to all. 
 
 As we have seen, she met this trial with unruffled 
 calmness, but the indignity, not so much to her, as 
 to all womankind, sank deep into her heart ; and she 
 resolved to do her best to right this arrogant and 
 unreasonable wrong. As she and Elizabeth Cady 
 Stanton walked slowly home together, at the end 
 of the first day’s session, talking over its exciting 
 events, they agreed to call a Woman’s Rights Con- 
 vention on their return to America, as the first step 
 towards a general movement. Although several 
 years elapsed before this plan could be carried out, 
 much faithful preparatory work was accomplished in 
 the mean time. Foremost in this was the training 
 which the anti - slavery cause afforded women. It 
 was impossible for them to labor so energetically for 
 the freedom of the slave, without coming to a new 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 299 
 
 sense of their own disabilities, and at least desiring 
 for themselves the justice they claimed for others. 
 The abolitionists, in this way, taught better than 
 they knew. 
 
 In the summer of 1848, Lucretia Mott went to 
 western New York to attend the Yearly Meeting of 
 Friends at Waterloo, and at the same time to visit 
 her sister, Martha C. Wright, of Auburn, N. Y. 
 Here she met Elizabeth Cady Stanton again, the 
 first time for several years, and they at once revived 
 the resolution formed in London eight years before. 
 Around the tea-table of a mutual friend, these two, 
 with Martha C. Wright, and their friend Mary Ann 
 McClintock, discussed the question of woman’s rights 
 in all its bearings, and decided that the time to hold 
 a convention had come. That same evening, the fol- 
 lowing call was sent to the “ Seneca County Cou- 
 rier,” a semi-weekly journal, in whose issue of July 
 14th it appeared : — 
 
 SENECA FALLS CONVENTION. 
 
 Woman’s Rights Convention. — A Convention to 
 discuss the social, civil, and religious condition and rights 
 of women, will be held in the Wesleyan Chapel, at Seneca 
 Falls, N. Y., on Wednesday and Thursday, the 19 th and 
 20 th of July, current, commencing at 10 o’clock A. m. Dur- 
 ing the first day, the meeting will be exclusively for 
 women, who are earnestly invited to attend. The public 
 generally are invited to be present on the second day, when 
 Lucretia Mott, of Philadelphia, and other ladies and gen- 
 tlemen, will address the Convention. 
 
 Although, as stated in the call, it was originally 
 intended that women only should be admitted on the 
 first day, yet so many men presented themselves at 
 
300 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 the chapel door at the time of opening, and mani- 
 fested such genuine interest in the object of the meet- 
 ing, that the committee concluded, in a hasty council, 
 to allow them to remain, and to make them useful. 
 Women, be it remembered, had then had very little 
 experience in organizing and conducting meetings, 
 and shrank from the responsibility of so doing, in a 
 cause where a successful beginning might be so im- 
 portant. Accordingly, James Mott, “ tall and digni- 
 fied, in Quaker costume,” was called to the chair, and 
 Mary McClintock was appointed secretary. Lucretia 
 Mott, as the one most accustomed to public speaking, 
 made the opening statement of the objects of the 
 convention, ^nd was followed by carefully prepared 
 speeches from Elizabeth and Mary McClintock, Mrs. 
 Stanton, Mrs. Wright, and others. The Declaration 
 of Sentiments, drawn up on the model of the Decla- 
 ration of 1776, by the same four women who wrote 
 the call, was freely discussed, and after some slight 
 amendments, adopted. The convention continued, 
 with unabated interest, throughout two days and 
 evenings. It is interesting to find that this first fore- 
 runner of so many others, demanded in its Declara- 
 tion and resolutions all that the most radical friends 
 of the movement have since claimed. It brought 
 upon its brave members a $torm of denunciation 
 from the pulpit, and unsparing ridicule from the 
 press ; but it also called forth a cheering response 
 from women in all parts of the country who had 
 needed only the encouragement of a beginning, to 
 find the spirit to step forward themselves. Other 
 conventions followed soon after in various parts of 
 New York, Ohio, Massachusetts, Indiana, and Penn- 
 sylvania, and that advance began, whereof the end is 
 not yet. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 301 
 
 It is unnecessary to give here, wliat has been given 
 so well elsewhere, — a detailed account of the prog- 
 ress of this movement. It is sufficient to say that 
 James and Lucretia Mott gave it generous assistance, 
 both in time and money, and that they felt a livelier 
 interest during the years of its early development 
 than in its later subdivisions ; just as they always 
 preferred the original name of Woman’s Rights to 
 any of its numerous successors. 
 
 As no adequate record of the various addresses 
 made by Lucretia Mott at the different conventions 
 of twenty years can be attempted, it is thought best 
 to present instead, as a general statement of her 
 views on this question, her Discourse on Woman, 
 published in 1849, which may be found in the Ap- 
 pendix. 1 It was delivered in answer to a lecture 
 given in Philadelphia by Mr. Richard H. Dana, of 
 Boston, on what he considered the proper sphere of 
 woman, as opposed to her new claims, which he ridi- 
 culed liberally. Lucretia Mott was one of the audi- 
 ence. The lecture seemed so petty and unworthy a 
 view of a serious subject, and, coming from such a 
 source, so pernicious in its influence, that she felt im- 
 pelled to answer it, and, as far as possible, correct its 
 mis-statements. This she did, on the 17 th of 12 th 
 month, in the hall of the Assembly Buildings, before 
 as choice an audience as the one that had listened 
 to Mr. Dana. The phonographic report was after- 
 wards submitted to her for revision, and a limited 
 number printed in pamphlet form. Twenty years 
 after, it was reprinted, at the request of an English 
 lady who wished to circulate it in England. 
 
 This discourse has generally been considered one 
 of her best; but none read as they sounded when 
 
 1 Appemi'x, p. 487, 
 
302 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 she delivered them. She never made notes, even 
 when she knew beforehand the points upon which 
 she wished to dwell, but trusted instead to her 
 good memory. Generally, however, her addresses 
 were not premeditated ; they were what the u spirit 
 moved” her to say. This way of speaking, among 
 Friends, often leads to an inconsequent and rather 
 rambling manner. Lucretia Mott was never illog- 
 ical, and seldom rambling, until, perhaps, in her ex- 
 treme old age, but no one can read the reports of 
 her sermons without feeling how far short they fall 
 of that excellence, with which the charm of her man- 
 ner and voice invested them. Some of the best, 
 given in times of real inspiration, were never printed ; 
 for they were spoken in the religious meetings of 
 Friends, where the presence of a reporter would be 
 considered unseemly. They exist only in loving 
 memories. The few that have been printed can give 
 very little idea of her eloquence and fervor, to those 
 who have never heard her. What Emerson wrote 
 of Dr. Charming applies equally well to her : “ He 
 possesses the mysterious endowment of natural elo- 
 quence, whose effect, however intense, is limited of 
 course to personal communication. I can see myself 
 that his writings, without his voice, may be meagre 
 and feeble.” 
 
 At this period of the life of Lucretia Mott, her 
 correspondence was quite voluminous. The follow- 
 ing letters have been selected as representative : — 
 
 Phila., 9th mo. 10th, 1848. 
 
 My loved Friends, Richard D. Webb and others, 
 — I want to write to you all, but time only allows this. 
 Is it possible that more than a year has passed since we 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 803 
 
 have corresponded ? In that time we have received a 
 large parcel of pamphlets and publications from dear 
 James Haughton, for which we have not even sent our 
 acknowledgments or thanks. Not because we did not value 
 them. He may like to know, however, that we divided and 
 sub-divided his treasure, and mean to do all the good we 
 can with them. It is our practice to furnish ourselves with 
 reform papers, whenever we go from home, (which is very 
 often !) and scatter them abroad. Thousands of anti- 
 slavery papers have we thus distributed. We never suf- 
 fer a moral paper to be torn or wasted. There are political 
 productions enough to supply the world with waste paper. 
 Part of my preaching at anti-slavery m gs is the divine mis- 
 sion of scattering tracts. How much have abolitionists 
 done by this means, as well as by the living agent ! Had 
 we been told that the Church and the world would be so 
 thoroughly aroused or agitated in less than twenty years, 
 we should have “ thanked God and taken courage/’ and 
 “ gone on rejoicing.” 
 
 I think Richard is the best delineator of character I 
 ever met with. His remarks on Elihu Burritt, and of 
 other of our American travelers, were as a painting to the 
 life. Perhaps he was rather severe upon poor O’Connell, 
 being less of a repealer than he ; but we were glad of that 
 opinion of him, embracing so much. His appreciation of 
 W. L. Garrison, “ through good and evil report,” always 
 pleases me. And did n’t I rejoice after reading Blanco 
 White, that we saw so exactly eye to eye, in regard to 
 him ? It certainly was the most interesting work of the 
 kind I ever read. It has not been reprinted here, for 
 it is more anti-sectarian than Unitarians can bear, and 
 more religious or devotional than Infidels would respond 
 to (if there are any such, which I sometimes doubt) ; so 
 we stand no chance of a wide circulation of that “holy 
 book.” I am lending our copy constantly. Eliza Lee 
 Follen was as enthusiastic in her appreciation of it, after 
 
304 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 reading it, as I have been. When you meet with any- 
 thing else you like, do recommend it. Not fiction, we 
 have enough of that sort ; even though it be from Dick- 
 ens’ pen, or by the author of Jane Eyre. I only know 
 these works from hearing their praises sung by others. 
 My reading time is nearly all occupied with Garrison’s ex- 
 cellent editorials, and the other anti-slavery papers ; and 
 with glances occasionally through the peace and temper- 
 ance papers ; and of late the political world has furnished 
 reading of absorbing interest ; and last, not least, the cause 
 of woman is occupying me. 
 
 Super-added is a sprinkling of Quaker gossip, divisions 
 and sub-divisions, printing and publishing, as twenty years 
 ago ; letters innumerable, and visits to Ohio and Indiana 
 last year, and to Genesee Yearly M g this year, including 
 trips of a few hundred, or a thousand miles, to the Indians 
 and Negroes in Canada. With all this traveling, and 
 reading, and writing, I find time to 64 darn the stockings,” 
 and attend somewhat to a family numbering from ten to 
 twenty every day ; for though all our children, save Mar- 
 tha, the youngest, have married and left us, yet they and 
 their children (nine now) are coming constantly. All be- 
 ing out of the city boarding for the summer, ours is a gen- 
 eral rendezvous for the husbands to come to dine, and with 
 other company, not a few, we often count thirty a day, 
 including our own family. We are still blest with the 
 44 staff of life a’ plenty,” and it is our pleasure thus to enjoy 
 the fleeting hours. 
 
 Three Yearly Meetings will be formed this fall, on rad- 
 ical principles, doing away with “ Select M gs ,” and ordain- 
 ing ministers ; men and women on entire equality, which 
 is not the case now, by any means ; some will remove all 
 partitions, and transact business together, and admit such 
 of their sedate neighbors as incline to sit with them ; and 
 many other like things ; to the great grief of the sticklers 
 for the 44 oldness of the letter.” Another Meeting is in 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 305 
 
 contemplation in the Western part of our and Baltimore 
 Yearly M gs , to unite over the mountains. They have pro- 
 posed this, these five or six years, and if our M g stiffly op- 
 pose it much longer, through John Comly’s influence mainly, 
 they, too, may declare independence, as the others have 
 done. What a wonderful breaking up there is among 
 •sects ! Gurneyites and Wilburites are found wherever Or- 
 thodox Friends are; the difference being, as said by a 
 looker-on, “ one party says, sanctification comes before jus- 
 tification ; the other, justification comes before sanctifica- 
 tion.” Are you at all interested ? How is it with our or- 
 thodox friends Richard and Anne Allen ? Are they too 
 rich to be other than conservative ? I have a kind of 
 godly jealousy of them! James Haugliton is rich also, 
 but he is radical enough. I have just filled a sheet to 
 George Combe — almost as trifling as this ; it is more than 
 a year since I wrote to him last. He sends us his new 
 productions, which we continue to read with interest. His 
 “ Constitution of Man ” broke the spell of superstition. 
 Now it is regarded of more importance to act out a princi- 
 ple and observe a law, than to believe a miracle, or assent 
 to mysteries, as means of salvation. 
 
 My paper is full. It is past midnight. This mite of a 
 margin must contain my aboundings of love, and my auto- 
 graph. Luc ret i a Mott. 
 
 Phil., 11th mo. 14th, 1848. 
 
 My dear Friend, George W. Julian, — I will not 
 attempt to make excuses or apologies for the seeming neg- 
 lect of thy acceptable and frank letter, received (I can 
 hardly believe it) nearly a year ago. That I have not 
 been unmindful of its interesting contents thou mayst be 
 assured when I tell thee, that early after reading it, I went 
 tfO our friend, Wm. H. Furness, and consulted him as to the 
 works most likely to meet thy wants. I thought he might 
 have some pamphlets, or small publication which he could 
 furnish to lend thee. He made no offer of any, however, 
 20 
 
806 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 except a large work of Prof. Norton’s on the Prophecies. 
 I had doubts of the propriety of borrowing a book to be 
 sent so far. There is no Unitarian book store here, where 
 their tracts can be procured, and the larger books are more 
 expensive, I presume, than thou art aware of. 
 
 Theodore Parker has published an elaborate work on the 
 Old Testament, the result of much research in the old lan- 
 guages, as well as in German and French. It exposes many 
 errors and false . prophecies, and clears some mysteries 
 which have equally taxed the veneration of the believer. 
 His boldness has driven some of the Unitarians of the 
 older school back to the “ weak and beggarly elements.” 
 Prof. Norton is ready to disclaim his own productions, or 
 rather to doubt the expediency of circulating them now. 
 
 Wm. H. Channing was with us last winter. I handed 
 him thy letter, requesting his opinion. He said there were 
 no truly good works in English on the Prophecies and In- 
 spiration. The best that can be easily found are Palfrey’s 
 “ Lectures on the Old Testament,” and parts of Norton’s 
 work on the genuineness and authenticity of the Gospels. 
 There are two translations from the German and French, 
 which may be found in Boston : “ Introduction to the Old 
 Testament,” from Dr. Welte (?), by Theodore Parker, and 
 a work from the French, by some German, I think, “ On 
 the Inspiration of the Scriptures.” Has your friend ever 
 seen W. H. Furness’ book, the “ Life of Jesus ” ? This 
 might help to answer his difficulties. 
 
 All these books are unfortunately somewhat expensive. 
 There are, I believe, some Unitarian tracts on the subject. 
 If I recollect right, Furness’ book was on thy table, when 
 we were at your house. That visit is oft recurred to with 
 interest and pleasure, and I regret to appear so unmindful 
 of your kind hospitalities, as to suffer thy letter to lie so 
 long unanswered. 
 
 I herewith send a few tracts and small works, some 
 of which may prove altogether too radical for thy in- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 307 
 
 quiring mind. That there have been gross impositions 
 practiced upon the believer, the all too credulous, must be 
 acknowledged. Now that skepticism as to the theology of 
 the schools has become somewhat a duty, free-thinkers may 
 go to the other extreme, and fail to award to the Scriptures 
 all the beautiful and blessed instruction they contain. I 
 have for some years accustomed myself to read and exam- 
 ine them as I would any other book, as nearly as early edu- 
 cation and veneration would permit. I have now no diffi- 
 culty in deciding upon the human and ignorant origin of 
 such parts as conflict with the known and eternal laws of 
 Deity in the physical creation, be the claim to the miracu- 
 lous ever so high, and the assumption of the pathetic and 
 God-inspired ever so strong. Still less, if possible, do I 
 waver, when any violation of the divine and eternal law 
 of right, such as murder in any of its forms, slavery in 
 any of its degrees, or priestcraft in its various phases, as 
 palmed upon the religious world, is declared to be “ Thus 
 saith the Lord.” It is impossible by any theological inge- 
 nuity to reconcile the moral codes of the Old and New Tes- 
 taments, as proceeding from Him who is “ without variable- 
 ness or shadow of turning.” Far safer, therefore, is it to 
 admit man to be fallible, than to judge God to be change- 
 able. The popular system of faith is fast yielding to a 
 more enlightened philosophy. Of latter time, many of the 
 advocates of that system are beginning to receive Dr. Chan- 
 ning’s views, and really to regard him quite orthodox. As 
 light advances, no difficulty will be found to mould the 
 Bible, that convenient creed-book, to the present pattern, 
 shown in the Sermon on the Mount. 
 
 The life of Dr. Channing, just published by his nephew, 
 Wm. H. Channing, is most interesting. I presume it may 
 be found in Cincinnati. I do not remember whether I 
 spoke of the life of Joseph Blanco White, when with you. 
 I have read it with deep interest. . . . The result of his 
 Bible examinations would suit thee, I doubt not. The 
 book has not been reprinted yet in this country. The 
 
308 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 English is seven dollars a copy, — three vols. We have a 
 copy, which is now lent out. If thou would like the loan 
 of it at some future time, I would gladly send it to thee 
 by some safe conveyance, to be soon returned, as it is in 
 demand, the few copies sent over being all bought up. 
 
 . . . He is my favorite author. 
 
 The agitations and commotions of religious sects are 
 among the interesting signs of the times. Our Quaker 
 quietude is again disturbed, and both Orthodox and Hicks- 
 ite are on the eve of another separation. Several conven- 
 tions and new Yearly M gs are being held. Michigan, West- 
 ern New York, and Green Plain, Ohio, are all coming out 
 with a broader platform. We have received the “ pro- 
 ceedings ” of Farmington, New York, which I will send 
 as a sample of a broad “ basis.” Thos. McClintock is 
 the writer of that document. About two hundred persons 
 adopted it. The high-handed measures of those in power 
 must eventually open the eyes of the people to the im- 
 propriety and danger of conferring such power on our fel- 
 low-mortals. The congregational form of religious associ- 
 ation will ultimately, prevail, as man comes to understand 
 Christian liberty. 
 
 In the political world, also, there seems to be a strong 
 tendency toward the breaking up of old parties. In one 
 view, and a discouraging one it is, a military despotism 
 seems to threaten the country. But the discerner of the 
 signs of the times, with large hope, sees republican and 
 true democratic principles on the advance ; the rights of 
 man being recognized to a greater extent, and the spirit of 
 peace and universal freedom rising toward the ascendant. 
 Let us all do our duty to accelerate the speed of these 
 principles. . . . 
 
 I know not that thy inquiring mind can be easily satis- 
 fied ; but such as I can offer, at any time, shall be at thy 
 service. 
 
 My husband unites in kind regards to thee and thine. 
 
 Sincerely thy friend, Lucketia Mott. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 309 
 
 The next letter is a family sheet, written to her 
 sister, Martha C. Wright, giving an account, among 
 other things, of her preparations for the guests that 
 were always expected in Philadelphia by the abo- 
 litionists, at the time of their annual anti-slavery 
 Fair. This presents a vivid picture of her house- 
 wifely accomplishments. 
 
 12th mo., 1848. 
 
 ... If I did not iron twelve shirts, like cousin Mary, I 
 had forty other things which I accomplished ; for we had a 
 large wash, and hurried to get the ironing away before the 
 people flocked in. Five came just before dinner. I pre- 
 pared mince for forty pies, doing every part myself, even 
 to meat chopping ; picked over lots of apples, stewed a 
 quantity, chopped some more, and made apple pudding ; all 
 of which kept me on my feet till almost two o’c., having to 
 come into the parlor every now and then to receive guests. 
 Now I should rest, as I sit and write after dinner, with all 
 
 gone to the Assembly Buildings, if had n’t thought 
 
 best to remain and be agreeable ! ... I am sorry thou 
 missed hearing Samuel J. May. How can sectarians speak 
 of sermons such as his, as no gospel ! flow lamentable that 
 such is the religious idea! . . . Have I mentioned what a 
 large appointed meeting I had two weeks ago at Cherry 
 St. y and that the Elders would not give notice ? The house 
 was crowded nevertheless. The medical students, some of 
 them, have asked me to have a meeting for them. . . . 
 
 This meeting for the medical students was held 
 one First-day evening of the following Second month, 
 in Cherry St. meeting-house. The congregation was 
 large and attentive, as a rule, although, as she said 
 in a letter to a friend, “ When I pressed the subject 
 of slavery upon their attention, some twenty or thirty 
 rose to go out. Part of this number halted at the 
 
310 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 door, and remained to the close, and a quieter and 
 more attentive audience I have not often had.” 
 
 TO JOSEPH AND RUTH DUGDALE. 
 
 Phila., 3rd mo. 28th, 1849. 
 
 My dear Joseph and Ruth, — . . . We have a 
 friend now staying with us, a Unitarian, one of Heaven’s 
 own, - — Samuel J. May, of Syracuse, N. Y. You probably 
 know him as conspicuous in the early anti-slavery move- 
 ments, as well as in the non-resistant conventions. He is 
 an advocate for woman too; it is fitting, therefore, that this 
 should be his stopping place. We are trying to get up an 
 anti-slavery meeting for him, but difficulty still attends the 
 procuring of a suitable room. ... I must tell you what an 
 exciting fugitive case we had last week. A citizen of Rich- 
 mond, Va., called at the office and told Miller McKim and 
 Cyrus Burleigh, that a slave in that city was meditating 
 his escape by being placed in a box, as goods, to be sent by 
 Adams’ Express. He was told of the great danger of suf- 
 focation, as well as the risk of detection, but was not de- 
 terred. After some delays, a telegraph at length apprised 
 Miller of his approach. The box was received at the de- 
 pot, more carefully handled than it had been before, and 
 safely deposited at the A. S. office, when a trembling tap, 
 and “ All right?” from Miller, was responded to by “All 
 right, sir!” from the pent-up man. The lid was removed as 
 quickly as the hoops could be loosened, when he rose, with 
 a “ Good morning, gentlemen ! ” Miller says we can hardly 
 conceive the relief and excitement to find the man alive, 
 and the poor fellow’s happiness and gratitude ; he sang a 
 hymn of praise. He is a large man, weighing nearly two 
 hundred pounds, and was incased in a box two feet long, 
 twenty three inches wide, and three feet high, in a sitting 
 posture ! He was provided with a few crackers, and a blad- 
 der filled with water, which would make no noise in being 
 turned over, nor yet be liable to be broken ; he however 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 311 
 
 ate none , as it would have made him thirsty, and he needed 
 all the water to bathe his head, after the rough turns over, 
 in which he sometimes rested for miles on his head and 
 shoulders, when it would seem as if the veins would burst. 
 He fanned himself almost constantly with his hat, and 
 bored holes for fresh breathing air, with a gimlet or small 
 auger furnished him. The cracks of the box had canvas 
 over, to prevent any inspection, and to appear like goods. 
 Dr. Noble says, if he had been consulted, he should have 
 said it would be impossible for the man to be shut up and 
 live twenty-four hours, the time it took to reach here ; it 
 was fanning so much, which kept the exhausted air in mo- 
 tion and gave place to fresh. Miller took him home, gave 
 him his breakfast and a bath, and then he was conducted 
 here, where he gave us his history. His master is a sick 
 man, and employs an overseer, heartless, as such generally 
 are. He was never whipped however. He was employed 
 twisting tobacco, and yielded his master two hundred dol- 
 lars, or more, per year. He had a wife and three children 
 sold from him a year ago, after their owner (not his mas- 
 ter) had promised to let him purchase them ; a higher offer 
 inducing him to sell them. This almost broke his heart ; 
 and from that time he resolved on obtaining his own free- 
 dom ; and having no family to provide for, he laid by 
 enough to hire a white man to undertake his removal in 
 the box. One colored man was in the secret, and assisted ; 
 these were all who knew it in Richmond. He had a sore 
 finger, and applied oil of vitriol to make it worse, in order 
 to get leave of absence for a few days, so that he would 
 not be missed until Second-day, and he was safely here the 
 Seventh-day before. After resting First-day, he was sent 
 on east. We hope the case will not be published, for a 
 while at least. His wife and children are now held by a 
 Methodist minister in North Carolina; he has heard from 
 them two or three times. This, and the Crafts case, as 
 well as Isaac Brown’s and others not a few, will tell well 
 in history some time hence. . . . 
 
312 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT . 
 
 Phila., 1st mo. 15th, 1849. 
 
 My dear Friend, James L. Pierce, — The new year 
 has actually come in, before an answer is sent to thy 
 friendly and inquiring letter, received so many months ago. 
 What apology can I make ? The reason, in this instance, 
 is a kind of instinctive dread of entering the theological 
 field. So many entanglements are found there, that the 
 ignorant may be drawn into a labyrinth of inextricable 
 windings, or ever he is aware of the leadings of astute 
 polemics. Preferring, therefore, to walk in “ the way 
 called heresy,” I am not troubled with the difficulties that 
 beset many an honest traveler in his attempt, with the 
 only admitted implement or weapon, the Bible, to smooth 
 this field and “ make straight in the desert a high way for 
 our God.” 
 
 During our struggle against sectarian encroachment, 
 some twenty years since, I gave much time to the exami- 
 nation of the tenets then imposed ; and often found, in 
 comparing Scripture texts with the context, a construction 
 very different from the admitted idea of the Trinity and 
 atonement. What constituted the Divinity of Christ be- 
 came at that time so plain, that no doubt has since inter- 
 posed to weaken a faith so rational. Some of the writings 
 of Channing and other Unitarians, as well as parts of Wm. 
 Penn’s works, and other of our early Quakers, tended to 
 confirm me. There always appeared, however, too strong 
 a desire to bring the Bible into harmony with ultra, or rad- 
 ical views ; hence a twisting or perverting of the text was 
 often resorted to ; and conflicting opinions could not thus 
 be satisfactorily settled. 
 
 When Elisha Bates left our Society and joined the Meth- 
 odists, he published a defense of the ordinances, claiming 
 apostolic example as his sufficient authority. I then saw 
 that if he was correct in his claim, his positions could not 
 be easily refuted. This led to a reexamination of Scrip- 
 ture rule, resulting in the settled conviction that the “ faith 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 313 
 
 and practice ” of the ancients, either Jews or Gentiles, 
 were not authority for succeeding generations. Neither 
 have I found any such claim on their part ; but rather a 
 constant direction of the upward and onward intelligence 
 from “ the oldness of the letter to the newness of the 
 spirit .” 
 
 The teachings of Jesus were altogether to this point. 
 When he said, “ Ye have heard that it was said by them 
 of old time . . . but I say unto you,” ... he called in 
 question many things which were claimed as of Divine 
 authority ; such as war, oaths, etc. His practice, too, was 
 to do good on the Sabbath day ; to refuse compliance with 
 the “ washing of hands,” showing that “ the kingdom of 
 God cometh not by observation” (observances), but that 
 practical righteousness is the certain touchstone. While 
 people can justify war, slavery, an oppressive priesthood, 
 and other evils that afflict and crush humanity, by an ap- 
 peal to patriarchal example, or to any Bible authority, the 
 progress of reform must be greatly impeded. So, also, 
 while the ancient faith in “ sacrifices and offerings ” in 
 propitiation for sin through the mediation of the priest, is 
 superstitiously adhered to, or any substitute or antitype of 
 these Jewish ceremonies admitted, — either as explained 
 by Paul or any other Jewish convert, — the way of salva- 
 tion will be rendered difficult, and to many appear impas- 
 sable for others, if not for themselves. An enlightened 
 and intelligent reading of the Scriptures must lead to the 
 renouncing of faiths and worships, which, however suited 
 to by-gone ages, are not adapted to the wants of the pres- 
 ent time. Obedience to known duty, repentance for dis- 
 obedience, and amendment of life, are the general teach- 
 ings of the Bible from Genesis to Revelations. 
 
 Thou speaks of thy controversies with opponents, and 
 by proper reference to text and context, coming off victor, 
 having truth on thy side. This must ever be the case, for 
 as in the decision of the Apocryphal story, “ truth beareth 
 
314 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE Tl A MOTT. 
 
 away the victory, therefore great is the truth, and stronger 
 than all things.” 
 
 It is proper, however, while the Bible is regarded as the 
 ultimate appeal in all matters of religious controversy, to 
 show that the bold, figurative language of that book will 
 bear a liberal construction, and should be taken in its most 
 spiritual sense. Jesus certainly spoke metaphorically when 
 he directed his disciples and the Jewish worshipers at the 
 feast, to his flesh and his blood. Also, on another notable 
 day, “ whoso drinketh of me,” etc., his baptism was likened 
 to fire , as well as water ; his life or spirit in the soul, to 
 hlood , as well as to water at Samaria’s well. 
 
 Great allowances should be made for the passages, quoted 
 by thee, touching his death as an atonement. He made 
 no allusion to its necessity for that end. The passage, “ I 
 lay down my life,” will bear a spiritual construction. That 
 man did take his natural life from him, is clearly proven in 
 the account. And even if he referred to that, he may have 
 meant no more than every martyr might have said, or than 
 might have been said of them in one sense : that they died 
 for the redemption of man. The Apostle John says, “ As 
 he laid down his life for us, we ought to lay down our lives 
 for the brethren.” Then again : the writers of the epistles, 
 Jewish converts, were so conversant with sacrifices for sin, 
 that they might easily persuade themselves that the crucifix- 
 ion of Jesus was for that purpose. Rammohun Roy, and 
 other Biblical critics show a very different meaning in some 
 of the prophecies, usually quoted as applicable to the birth 
 and death of Jesus, the propitiation, etc. Again, the prob- 
 ability of interpolation, to suit the “scheme of salvation 
 and plan of redemption,” by those employed to give to the 
 Christian world this canon, should lead to large allowances 
 for contradictory texts. The “ three that bear record in 
 Heaven ” is now generally admitted to be spurious ; and 
 others, 1 doubt not, might be, with equal propriety. Then, 
 as thou says, some of these passages prove too much, and 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 315 
 
 lead to speculation as to universal salvation. If the spiri- 
 tual interpretation cannot be received so as to modify or 
 qualify these quotations of thine, I should consider it far 
 safer to reject them altogether, and stand on the broad 
 ground of heresy, than, by seeming to yield, to aid in perpet- 
 uating gross superstition and error. That the crucifixion of 
 Jesus was a fearful tragedy must be admitted ; but that the 
 ferocity and malignity of the sectarians of that day, who 
 committed the barbarous act, was “ unparalleled,'’ I am not 
 so sure of. Those who were “ stoned, sawn asunder,” etc., 
 were doubtless victims of precisely the same spirit. Eccle- 
 siastical history records the martyrdom of thousands upon 
 thousands, who were the objects of similar priestly hate and 
 bigotry. I never like to see the Jews pictured with so 
 dark and malignant a countenance, as sinners above all 
 men. Let Catholic and Protestant persecutors be placed 
 in the same category — aye, and dissenters, too, who, in 
 their zeal, are calling down fire from Heaven, be they of 
 the old Puritan order, or belonging to the more modern 
 Hicksite profession. Even though the custom of the times 
 will not sanction the erection of the cross, or the gallows, 
 nor yet other instruments of torture, — blessed be the age 
 in which we live ! — yet the disposition to cast out the 
 name as evil, to persecute with the pen and the tongue, 
 and by church excommunication, is still as apparent, as 
 when brother delivered up brother unto death. See the 
 last issue from Indiana Yearly Meeting. It is, however, a 
 small thing to be judged of man’s judgment. “ Father 
 forgive them ; they know not what they do,” may be at- 
 tained to, toward all these. 
 
 Thou asks my opinion of the disposition of the body of 
 Jesus, as well as of others said to be translated. I confess 
 to great skepticism as to any account or story, which con- 
 flicts with the unvarying natural laws of God in his crea- 
 tion. The credulity displayed in the account of the Evan- 
 gelists, and other sacred (?) writers, is the natural accom- 
 
316 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 paniment of ignorance and the more childish state of soci- 
 ety. That there is moral as well as animal magnetism, 
 not yet fully developed, I cannot doubt ; which, when 
 better understood, will explain much of the alleged miracu- 
 lous. I have no idea that flesh and blood ever entered the 
 kingdom of Heaven. As to a locality, beyond that within 
 us, of Heaven or its opposite state, I am not troubled with 
 any conjectures ; resting satisfied with the Apostle, that 
 “ it doth not yet appear what we shall be.” 
 
 These answers may be far from satisfactory to thy inquir- 
 ing mind, and that of thy wife, who is a stranger to me. The 
 reluctance to shock even the religious 'prejudices of those 
 who yet scarcely dare think for themselves, makes me hesi- 
 tate to declare views, which conflict with the established or 
 prevailing opinions of Christendom. But the error of the 
 assumption of human depravity, and a vicarious offering, is 
 so fatal to human progress, that 1 should be unfaithful to 
 my convictions, did I not attempt to controvert this creed, 
 and to hold up truth as of all acceptation, rather than 
 “ authority for truth.” 
 
 I received a letter somewhat similar to thine, about the 
 same time, from George W. Julian, of Centreville, Indiana; 
 the answer was delayed nearly as long too. We were 
 kindly entertained at his house, when in that neighborhood 
 last year, and at his request, had an appointed meeting at 
 Centreville. He is a Unitarian ; made so by Dr. Chan- 
 ning’s writings, as well as his own reflections. His diffi- 
 culty seemed to be, touching the inspiration of the Old and 
 New Testament. “ Did God ever sanction war, slavery, 
 and other evils ? ” The Old and New Testament, he says, 
 “ represent God as different beings.” The prophecies, too, 
 perplex him. I could only recommend that to which I 
 had attained: namely, to judge of the Scriptures and their 
 claim to respect, precisely as he would any other book; 
 testing their doctrines and recognized practices by the 
 known attributes of our Heavenly Father. An enlight- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 317 
 
 ened writer has said, that “ it is not more true that ‘ God 
 created man in his own image/ than that man has created 
 God in his image.” Thus, we find him enthroned in cru- 
 elty and blood, in lust and revenge, in contradiction and 
 in gloom. But as the mind and heart come to be alike cul- 
 tivated, this savage Deity gives place to a God of love and 
 mercy ; of truth and right, of joy and gladness ; and his 
 “ dear Son ” not alone in being the fit representative of the 
 Father; for many are they, who are serving Him in this 
 kingdom. 
 
 I recommended to G. W. Julian, as I would to thee, 
 Theodore Parker’s writings ; especially his sermon on 
 4< The Transient and Permanent in Christianity.” Also 
 I would recommend, if it can be obtained in your remote 
 settlements, “ The Life of Joseph Blanco White.” He was 
 a Spanish priest. His ancestors left Ireland to escape the 
 penal laws. The Romish priesthood never suited Blanco’s 
 mind ; he escaped from Seville, and went to England about 
 the year that the Bonapartes entered Spain ; he renounced 
 his religion, and became a political editor and translator, 
 employed by the Government, devoting part of his time 
 to literary pursuits ; corresponded with Southey, Lord 
 Holland, Coleridge, and others. On a reexamination of 
 Christian doctrine, he embraced the faith of the Church of 
 England ; studied for the ministry at Oxford ; was intimate 
 with Newman and Pusey at the beginning of the high 
 church dissensions. He only once, I think, preached in 
 an English pulpit, for his mind could not rest satisfied 
 with the church liturgy, any more than with the Romish 
 breviary. He became the intimate friend of the learned 
 Bishop Whately, accepting an invitation to his palace in 
 Dublin, where he remained till his views became so liberal, 
 that he was unwilling to compromise the archbishop’s char- 
 acter for orthodoxy, by any longer stay ; so he went over 
 to Liverpool, where the latter years of his life were passed, 
 in much suffering from illness, in which he lost the use of 
 
318 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 his limbs. He was eventually invited to Wm. Rathbone's 
 place, near Liverpool, where he died in 1842. He was 
 sixty years old when he first entered a dissenting place of 
 worship ; he then heard James Martineau of Liverpool, a 
 Unitarian, brother to Harriet M. ; after which he frequently 
 heard J. H. Thom — a son-in-law of Wm. Rathbone — also 
 a Unitarian, to whom he left his library and his papers ; . 
 depending upon him to prepare his autobiography for pub- 
 lication ; which Thom appears faithfully to have done, 
 even though Blanco White went further than himself and 
 most Unitarians in his pursuit after truth ; rejecting a faith 
 in miracles as necessary to constitute the Christian. He 
 corresponded with Channing, Norton, and Ripley, on these 
 subjects; the inspiration of the Scriptures; priesthood; 
 the humanity of Jesus ; “ conscientious reason,” a favorite 
 term of his ; as well as “ the light within us,” also an ex- 
 pression often used, before he had any knowledge of the 
 Quaker writers. The Rathbones, formerly Friends, fur- 
 nished him the works of Fox, Barclay, and Woolman, and 
 he records a just tribute to these worthies ; speaks of their 
 remarkable clear-sightedness, as to priesthoods, the Bible 
 as an “idolatrous oracle,” and the “theories of all Divines 
 whatever.” “ The important fact tfrat Christianity is not 
 founded upon a book,” he says, “ was perceived by George 
 Fox, in spite of his enthusiasm.” He thinks the Quak- 
 ers were misled by their love of the miraculous, which, he 
 says, “ will be the last mental infirmity that true Chris- 
 tianity will conquer.” But the rational belief in spiritual 
 guidance, in “ conscientious reason,” or “ the voice of God 
 in the soul,” increased with his years, and he bore many 
 beautiful testimonies to its sufficiency. He maintained a 
 devotional spirit to his last hour, while for years he “ re- 
 nounced the (to him) superstitious practice of falling upon 
 his knees and formally addressing the Highest, either in 
 praise or petition ; yet he was continually in a praying 
 state, if (as he conceives) “ prayer is a desire of conformity 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 319 
 
 to His will.” He longed for a society of “ unarticled 
 Christians.” The Unitarians came nearest to it ; but they 
 too had their “ external oracles.” He wished to “ raise his 
 feeble voice ” for the “ mental rights of children,” and 
 against the “ hierarchical principle, which claims their minds 
 to be shaped and moulded according to some theological 
 model.” I might go on and quote from my pet author till 
 another sheet was filled. It is most remarkable that asso- 
 ciating almost entirely with orthodox believers, his mind 
 should take such a range ; and in spite of the warm affec- 
 tions of his nature, that he should hazard the loss of his 
 warmest friends, by his honest avowal from time to time 
 of his convictions. Channing, although differing from him 
 in regard to miracles, said, there was not a man in Eng- 
 land whom he so much wished to see. The work is in 
 three volumes. If a condensed edition could be printed 
 and circulated in this country, it might do much good in 
 removing blind superstition and error. 
 
 If in quantity I can make up for delay, this will furnish 
 a pretty fair balance of my indebtedness to thee. If, on 
 the other hand, it has subjected thee to a tedious infliction, 
 tell me so, and I will not impose another closely written 
 sheet upon thee. Let me know how much the open 
 avowal of my views has shocked, rather than benefited 
 thee. I am aware that I have not furnished acceptable 
 arguments, or explanations of Scripture, wherewith to 
 meet Calvinistic opponents. This 1 cannot do ; while I 
 really believe that the general tenor of the Bible goes to 
 disprove the creed of Trinity, depravity, and atonement 
 doctrines, the tendency of which has been and is to para- 
 lyze human effort, and almost to license sin. If the belief 
 in this creed is essential to salvation, why should Jesus- — - 
 the great teacher, whose mission was to “ preach the Gos- 
 pel to the poor” — be so silent on the subject? Many 
 who profess his name do not begin to understand “ the 
 simplicity of the truth as it is in Jesus.” 
 
320 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 Be it known unto thee, my dear friend, that I had this 
 long letter half written, before J. M. Ellis sent me a short 
 extract from thy last, expressive of disappointment at my 
 neglect. So give me credit for a free-will offering. Many 
 have been the interruptions since I began ; it is now the 
 22 nd of the month. 
 
 The movements in the political world give abundant evi- 
 dence that abolitionists have not labored in vain. 
 
 With the most sincere regards, thy friend for radical 
 truth, Lucretia Mott. 
 
 Philada., 5th mo. 14th, 1849. 
 
 My dear Richard and Hannah Webb, — It is long 
 since I have had this pleasure — the devotion of a few 
 hours to intercourse with you. We have had several let- 
 ters from Richard, most acceptable, but still unacknowl- 
 edged. . . . 
 
 He recommended Harriet Martineau’s “Eastern Travel.” 
 We had not then read it, but lost no time in procuring it, 
 and now it is passing from one to another in the family, 
 who all agree with the just review in his letter. Neither 
 her writings, however, nor those of any other Unitarian, 
 will be fully appreciated in our day. The reviewers are 
 under orthodox influence, and must cater to their taste. 
 Even the judgment of the more liberal receives its coloring 
 from these sources. “ Unhappy Blanco White ” is reiter- 
 ated by the Unitarians themselves, in that “ he found no 
 resting-place ; ” when the man stood firm on every ad- 
 vance tread, finding a happiness with which the stranger 
 could not intermeddle. The demand for the reprint of his 
 life is limited in this country as yet, but it will appear 
 some day, just see if it doesn’t ! Our copy is being worn 
 out in the lending. 
 
 Since Theodore Parker comes out with such great here- 
 sies, the older Unitarians are having credit for being quite 
 orthodox. Many of our conservatives are now reading 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 321 
 
 Charming’s writings with interest, and indeed some are 
 claiming him as their own. So true' is Theodore Parker’s 
 remark, that “ the heresy of one age is the sound faith and 
 orthodoxy of the next.” 
 
 The subject of Anti-Slavery has been so abundantly 
 treated both in public speaking and writing, that it needs 
 now to be presented in some unique form, to attract the 
 people. It is well for us that we have Giddings and Hor- 
 ace Mann to pour into the awakening nation’s ear such 
 soul- stirring appeals. Garrison, Phillips, and Abby Kelly 
 are still needed as an advance guard (if that is the right 
 figure ! I always hesitate in military similes). 
 
 Our annual m s in New York was not less interesting 
 than usual. You will see by the reports that Pillsbury 
 and Phillips handled the church and clergy not less se- 
 verely than in former years. Lucy Stone is an acquisition 
 to our ranks. She is also a thorough woman’s -rights 
 woman. We had a good meeting on that subject while she 
 was in this city. 
 
 I meant to say, while on the church question, that I read 
 with interest the “ come-out ” of N. Travers, at Finsbury 
 Square chapel, as reported in the “ Inquirer,” sent us, we 
 presume, by our ever attentive friend James Haughton. 
 That large package, containing a variety of books and 
 pamphlets, we made the most of ; sending some to Ohio, and 
 others to Canada, among the anti-slavery colored people 
 there, where indeed not a few of our papers find their way. 
 
 Baptist Noel also has left the church, it seems ; while 
 the Newmans and Puseys are going clean back to Catholi- 
 cism or Romanism. I watch with deep interest all these 
 fluctuations in the sectarian world. As to your and our 
 politics, precious little interest have I in their various shift- 
 ings of opinion, for while their base is physical force, the 
 structure must be evil. Richard’s political leanings have 
 given some coloring to his opinion of O’Connell. We 
 abated somewhat from his strong language. 
 
 21 
 
322 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 Tell our good friend Richard Allen to beware how he 
 suffers the “ deceitfulness of riches to choke the divine 
 word, ‘ that it become unfruitful.’ ” Nothing that we met 
 with in our travels, not even that World’s Convention, im- 
 pressed us so favorably as did your united band of Reform- 
 ers, in your weekly gatherings at the Royal Exchange, ex- 
 erting so healthful an influence on thousands. It is true 
 that the demand for bread has for the time almost sus- 
 pended intellectual and moral improvement ; but when you 
 cheer us, as having so wide a field of labor in this extended 
 country, as did Richard in one of his late letters, he should 
 not lament over your circumscribed field, bounded by 
 feeding and clothing the hungry and naked. 
 
 I meant to tell you of the wonderful escape of the 
 boxed-up slave, henceforth known as Henry Box Brown, 
 but time fails, and I must omit it. Our Yearly Meeting is 
 now in session, and we have a house full of lodgers. I 
 have risen before five o’clk this morning to finish this, and 
 now it is breakfast-time for our household, and I must 
 close. Ever yours, L. Mott. 
 
 The next letters, after a period of almost a year, 
 are also to Richard D. Webb. 
 
 Philad\, 4th mo. 14th, 1850. 
 
 My dear Friend, — ... I have just looked over all 
 thy letters received in ’48 and ’49, and they do my heart 
 good, bringing you so fresh to mind. A page from thy 
 Hannah, now and then, makes them all the more interest- 
 ing to us, I assure thee. Her observations on your chil- 
 dren’s being suffered to “ come up ” without any sectarian 
 tendency, her evident solicitude for them, and distrust of 
 her own heart, even while acknowledging more light, — 
 all these feelings I can well understand, having passed 
 through some fiery ordeals, to refine from sectarian Quak- 
 erism. The only fear for the young in their eschewing our 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 323 
 
 order, and absenting themselves from our meetings, is, that 
 they may in time be caught up by some proselyting spirits, 
 and made bigots of, in a school far behind our Quaker mon- 
 astery. Our testimony against priestcraft, while an intelli- 
 gent one, was most important to the world’s progress. But 
 if, as now, while we refuse the pecuniary aid to the minis- 
 ter, we countenance nearly all the machinery which sup- 
 ports him — Sabbath and Bible worships, belief in human 
 depravity, a distinction of morals for the natural and spirit- 
 ual man, a superstitious reverence for Jesus, crying, Lord, 
 Lord,” instead of doing the works which he said, — mak- 
 ing a kind of righteousness and atonement of him, if not 
 exactly after the Calvinistic pattern ; if this is our course, 
 it will satisfy a wily and grasping priesthood, and our in- 
 vective against the “ hired ” minister will amount to very 
 little. 
 
 Thou asks how far our Quakers in general agree with 
 Henry C. Wright’s views of the Bible: the authority for 
 war, slavery, etc. Why, dost thou not know, that save the 
 comparatively few abolitionists and come -outers, Friends 
 regard him as one of the “ world’s people,” if indeed they 
 know that there is such a man ; and never read his nu- 
 merous letters and essays. They have never appeared 
 in the orthodox “ Friend;” nor defiled the pages of the 
 Simon pure “ Friends’ Intelligencer ; ” 1 and the reading 
 of most of our monks and nuns is confined to such accred- 
 ited periodicals. You have little idea how ignorant both 
 classes of Quakers are of our reformatory journals. But 
 H. C. W. goes almost “ beyond the beyonds,” for any- 
 body ! 
 
 We have just had a peace puff here — the blowers, 
 
 1 It is very possible that this was written at a time when she had 
 fresh proof of the timidity of the Intelligencer. More than once, when her 
 attention had been arrested by some stirring anti-slavery appeal, she had 
 sent a copy of it to this paper for insertion. It was generally declined, 
 as unsuitable for their columns. 
 
324 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 Elihu Burritt and others. They tried hard to make it an 
 orthodox affair, the radicals keeping back ; but after all, 
 they were compelled to make use of heretical materials, for 
 the sectarian Quaker was afraid of losing his Society influ- 
 ence, and must therefore “ keep out of the mixture ; ” and 
 there were not enough “ world’s people ” interested in the 
 subject, for the complement of officers. Delegates are ap- 
 pointed to go to Frankfort-on-the-Main next summer, and 
 Burritt has gone 66 on his way rejoicing,” thankful for small 
 favors. He is, however, a remarkable man, and is doubt- 
 less doing much toward a substitute for war. . . . James’ 
 and my love, in full measure, L. Mott. 
 
 Phila., 5th mo. 28th, 1850. 
 
 My dear Richard and Hannah Webb, — ... I 
 can readily imagine you far beyond Dublin Yearly Meet- 
 ing. We have just plodded through ours, which is some 
 fifty years in advance of yours, and certainly “ the game 
 is not worth the candle,” if that ’s the way to apply that 
 proverb. At any rate, it was a tame affair — no evidence 
 of progress, further than as they were pressed forward by 
 the force of surrounding opinion, so far as not actively to 
 oppose the reformers in their movements. In the free scope 
 for the “ exercise of concerns,” we were well-nigh preached 
 to death. Meeting going was advocated threadbare ; grave- 
 stones, denounced in full measure ; music, very wicked ; 
 while the slave had to sigh, if not to whistle, for a hearing. 
 E. M. Davis did make one capital speech in the men’s meet- 
 ing. We had nine or ten Friends lodging with us, and 
 some forty or fifty at meals, daily ; so that weariness came 
 over us, at the end of the week, and we are scarcely re- 
 cruited yet. . . . Richard’s late letters in the “ Standard ” 
 have been vastly interesting. His travels to and fro fur- 
 nish a fund of entertaining matter. Is it not delightful to 
 find so many fine minds and good people in the world ? I 
 am constantly combating the “ human depravity ” doctrine, 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 325 
 
 and preach in its stead the innate purity of man. My sheet 
 is full, and but little in it after all. 
 
 With aboundings of love to each branch, 
 
 L. Mott. 
 
 In a letter written soon after the foregoing, by 
 Richard D. Webb to Janies and Lucretia Mott, he 
 says, referring to his leaving the Quaker organiza- 
 tion : — 
 
 “ I never told ‘ Friends ’ that I was unwilling to continue 
 in membership, — but I may have said what I still think, 
 that owing to my total difference of religious opinion, I was 
 no longer qualified for membership. It was chiefly with 
 this view and in order to stand erect, that I left them ; — 
 and I never regretted the step. I acted with great caution 
 and deliberation, and I imagine it will prove only a ques- 
 tion of time, between you and me. I think since I left the 
 Society, I see the defects of the body more clearly than I 
 used to do, — though I shall probably continue to feel an 
 old regard for them if they behave with ordinary courtesy 
 toward me. In this respect I have as little to complain of 
 as most separatists.” 
 
 Clearsighted as Mr. Webb generally was, he was 
 mistaken in thinking that leaving the Society of 
 Friends was “ only a question of time ” between him 
 and James and Lucretia Mott. No one can wonder 
 at his thinking thus, when the Society made it so 
 plain that these “ disturbers ” were no longer valued 
 as members; but the disturbers themselves, though 
 sorely tried, had no intention either of resigning, or 
 of allowing themselves to be disowned. They had 
 faith that a “ little leaven leaveneth the whole 
 lump;” and felt, that, so long as they could main- 
 tain their individual freedom, and still continue in 
 membership, they could be of greater service to the 
 cause of truth in the Society than out of it. 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 For some twenty years, James and Lucretia Mott 
 had occupied a house on Ninth Street, between Race 
 and Vine streets; an old-fashioned house, with a 
 large garden, and a stable in the rear. Next door 
 to them, for several years, had lived their daughter 
 Maria, and her husband, Edward M. Davis.' In 
 1850, the latter, in connection with his brother-in- 
 law, Thomas Mott, bought a farm, — 44 Oak Farm,” 
 — eight miles north of the city, to which they moved 
 with their families ; and at the same time James 
 Mott purchased a spacious house in Arch Street be- 
 low Twelfth, numbered 338, according to the old 
 system. This house being too large for their own 
 small family, — now only themselves and their 
 daughter Martha, — an arrangement was entered 
 into, by which Edward and Maria Davis with their 
 children, and Thomas and Mariana Mott, with theirs, 
 made it their winter home ; they in turn taking 
 their parents and sister into the household at Oak 
 Farm for the summer. This interchangeable com- 
 munity life lasted six years ; delightful years, which 
 it is a privilege to remember. During this time, 
 James Mott retired from business with a moderate 
 competency, and Martha, the youngest child, was 
 married. 
 
 44 Three - thirty - eight,” the name by which the 
 town-house was known, became the centre to which 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 327 
 
 thronged the numerous relatives and friends residing 
 in Philadelphia, and innumerable strangers, of high 
 and low degree, who came to the city. Its hospita- 
 ble doors opened equally wide to rich and poor, 
 known and unknown, white and black. Once they 
 opened to let out James Mott, then a white-haired 
 man, but still strong and erect, to face a threatening 
 mob, clamoring for a fugitive slave supposed to have 
 taken shelter there. We were all sitting in the par- 
 lor that evening, when we heard confused noises and 
 cries coming nearer and nearer the house, which were 
 soon recognized as the sound of a mob, a sort of an- 
 gry rumble, difficult to describe to one who has never 
 heard it, but well known in those days to the expe- 
 rienced ears of abolitionists, and to the colored pop- 
 ulation of Philadelphia. When these failed to fur- 
 nish a convenient gratification to the mob spirit, Cath- 
 olic churches offered a field for its unspent energy. 
 On this occasion, a single colored man was the unfor- 
 tunate victim. For some offense, perhaps for being 
 a slave, he had excited the indignation of these city 
 rulers, and was pursued by a hooting crowd. With 
 a natural impulse for protection, he rushed to the 
 well-known refuge, — the house of James and Lu- 
 cretia Mott. James Mott opened the front door ; 
 the man dashed in, and without stopping, ran through 
 the house, and out of the back gate to a small street, 
 where he successfully eluded his pursuers. As my 
 grandfather stood at the door, confronting the angry 
 crowd, a brick was violently thrown at him ; had 
 the aim been as good as the intention was bad, the 
 consequences might have been fatal. As it was, the 
 door-jamb directly over his head received the blow, 
 and bore for many a day the deeply indented mark 
 of misdirected fury. 
 
328 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 It was an ordinary looking house on the outside, 
 like many another of its size in the monotonous city, 
 built of smooth red brick, with white marble facings 
 and broad white marble steps. According to Phila- 
 delphia fashion, the lower shutters were heavy and 
 solid, and were painted white. When nightfall came 
 on, it was not the way then, however, to close and 
 bolt these tight, as it is now ; they were left open 
 till bed-time, and passers-by could glance in at the 
 bright, cozy parlor, with its animated circle around 
 the evening lamp. How cheery the windows looked 
 to those who came belated home ! 
 
 In the broad hall stood two roomy arm-chairs, — 
 “ beggar’s chairs,” we children used to call them, 
 they were in such constant requisition for appli- 
 cants of all sorts, “ waiting to see Mrs. Mott, miss.” 
 The two parlors, connected by folding-doors, were 
 large, square rooms, of handsome proportion and 
 home-like pleasant appearance. Although the furni- 
 ture was old-fashioned mahogany and black hair- 
 cloth, and ornaments were few, there was a general 
 air of comfort and every-day use which was very at- 
 tractive. The carpet was sure to be of bright colors, 
 and of rather striking design, for my grandmother 
 cordially disliked what she called “ dingy carpets.” 
 She also disliked the prevailing style of dark, heavily 
 curtained rooms ; and when she came into the parlor 
 in the afternoon, would step quickly across to the 
 windows, and draw up the green Venetian blinds, let- 
 ting the sunlight stream in. In these cheerful rooms 
 guests of all kinds found gracious courtesy. Could 
 the old walls speak, how many illustrious names they 
 would recall ! How many stirring sentiments ring 
 in our forgetful ears ! What echoes of laughter and 
 merriment would they not throw back to us ! 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 329 
 
 The dear grandmother was housekeeper, always 
 busy, and apparently never weary. Of this cease- 
 less activity my grandfather wrote in a letter to a 
 friend : — 
 
 “Lucretia has numerous calls almost daily from all sorts 
 of folks, high and low, rich and poor ; for respect, advice, 
 assistance, etc., etc. I am sometimes amused to hear the 
 object of some of the calls ; it seems as though some people 
 thought she could do any and everything. It is true that 
 she does do a great deal ; no one out of the family knows 
 one half, and no one in the family knows the whole.” 
 
 The dining - room of “ Three - thirty - eight ” — a 
 cheerful room towards thirty feet long — always had 
 space for one more. The unexpected appearance of 
 visitors at meal-time caused no flurry, and no bustle 
 of unusual preparation. 
 
 Our grandmother was like her old Nantucket 
 neighbor, who after greeting some unlooked for visit- 
 ors, quietly told her daughter to “ put six more po- 
 tatoes on,” and made them welcome to the simple 
 fare. Few days passed that some one of the out-of- 
 town families, or some friend passing through the city, 
 did not “ drop in ” at dinner or tea time. 
 
 At the times of the anti-slavery Fair, or during 
 Yearly Meeting week, or when reform conventions 
 were held in Philadelphia, the house was thrown 
 open for the convenience of those who cared to come, 
 and its long table filled to overflowing. A friend 
 who was present at a dinner at such a time writes of 
 it : — 
 
 . “ There were our stern reformers, around the social 
 board, as genial a group of martyrs as one could find. . . , 
 They made merry over the bigotry of the church, popular 
 
330 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 prejudices, conservative fears, absurd laws, and customs 
 hoary with age. How they did hold up in their metaphys- 
 ical tweezers the representatives of the dead past, that ever 
 and anon ventured upon our platform ! On this occasion 
 William Lloyd Garrison occupied the seat of honor at Mrs. 
 Mott’s right hand, and led the conversation, which the host- 
 ess always skillfully managed to make general. When 
 seated around her board, no two-and-two side talk was ever 
 permissible; she insisted that the good things said, should 
 be enjoyed by all. James Mott, at the head of the table, 
 maintained the dignity of his position, ever ready to throw 
 in a qualifying word when these fiery reformers became 
 too intense.” 
 
 Among the many pleasant gatherings in the old 
 house were the u Fair-meetings,” held every week of 
 the autumn, in turn, by the Philadelphia abolition- 
 ists, for the preparation of articles to be sold at the 
 annual Fair in December. These were occasions 
 both of busy work and of social attraction ; as one of 
 the members said, “ Many young persons were in- 
 duced to mingle in them, beside those who labored 
 from love of the cause. Brought thus within the cir- 
 cle of anti-slavery influence, many such were natu- 
 rally converted to our principles, and inspired with 
 zeal in their behalf, and became earnest laborers in 
 the enterprise which had so greatly enriched their 
 own souls. Many of these circles, doubtless, became 
 nurseries whence our ranks were annually recruited.” 
 
 The members met early in the afternoon and 
 sewed briskly till dark, when a sort of picnic tea, 
 made up of contributions brought by those present, 
 was served in the most informal manner. Af- 
 ter tea, gentlemen came in, and the affair became 
 more social. There was sure to be a large gath- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 331 
 
 ering when the turn came around to 44 Three-thirty- 
 eight” 
 
 Even pleasanter than these, were the family meet- 
 ings, which have been described already ; and the 
 birthday and Christmas celebrations. Our grand- 
 mother’s birthday, First mo. 3 rd , called together old 
 and young; our grandfather’s was observed in a 
 quieter way, as it occurred in midsummer, when the 
 families were apt to be scattered. There were also 
 the delightful Seventh-day dinners of hominy soup, 
 — a primitive compound of Nantucket origin, — 
 when children and grandchildren were expected to 
 happen in without invitation. Occasionally there 
 were solemn and stately entertainments, a bore to 
 everybody ; but such did not flourish in the every- 
 day air of 44 Three -thirty -eight.” The life there, 
 busy even for the youngest inmate, was one of simple 
 duties and pleasures, shared by old and young. Few 
 servants were kept, and few were needed, where the 
 work was so well divided. It was a lively house- 
 hold, full of busy people going here and there, and 
 of children running up and down, but there was no 
 sense of discord or confusion. 
 
 It is well known to those familiar with the history 
 of Friends, that they — the early Friends in partic- 
 ular — had great faith in that leading of the spirit 
 which impelled them at times to deeds for which they 
 could give no adequate reason. 44 And I heard, but 
 I understood not ; then said I, O my Lord, what 
 shall be the end of these things ? ” A strong feel- 
 ing came over them to go, and they went, and often 
 the apparently blind action was justified by aston- 
 ishing results. This simple faith belonged to a sim- 
 ple life, and both are passing away ; what then was 
 
332 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 reverenced as a message from Above, is now regarded 
 rather as a curious coincidence. Lucretia Mott could 
 not be called susceptible to these occult influences; 
 yet while she was of a direct practical nature, she 
 valued her seasons of introversion ; and even she, at 
 times, felt the constraining impulse of an unseen 
 power that would not be denied. 
 
 An instance of this is her going to call upon the 
 Hon. John Sergeant, at the time when he was an- 
 nounced to preside over the Union-Saving meeting, 
 in the autumn of 1850. It was during the excite- 
 ment that followed the passage of the Fugitive Slave 
 Law — of infamous memory. She knew Mr. Ser- 
 geant only by reputation, but she felt that she must 
 speak with him. As Edward Hopper, her son-in- 
 law, was going up Walnut Street on his way home 
 from his office, he saw her walking rapidly on the 
 other side of the street. It was then twilight. He 
 crossed over, and asked where she was going so late. 
 She replied, “ I am on my way to see John Sergeant. 
 He is to preside at the Union Meeting this evening, 
 and I wish to speak with him before he goes to it.” 
 He asked, “ Shall I go with thee? ” She answered 
 with much feeling, “ O yes ! Is thee willing ? ” Mr. 
 Sergeant received them kindly, knowing one visitor 
 by reputation, and having had frequent professional 
 intercourse with the other, who had been a student 
 in his office. 
 
 When they were seated, and after a short silence, 
 Lucretia Mott said : u I have felt constrained to re- 
 quest this interview for a few minutes, and yet I 
 scarcely know in what language to deliver my mes- 
 sage. Thou hast been chosen to preside at the pub- 
 lic meeting called for this evening. When I read 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 333 
 
 the announcement in the paper, I called to mind thy 
 career as one of the most deservedly honored men of 
 our city. To gifts allotted to few, thou hast added 
 an earnest and enlightened advocacy of the cause of 
 human liberty. In thy speech in Congress on the 
 4 Missouri question,’ made thirty years ago, thou gave 
 no uncertain sound. How well I remember its effec- 
 tive argument, its eloquence, and the profound im- 
 pression it made on the whole country, the slave- 
 holding South, as well as the non - slave - holding 
 North ! Of thy reputation as a useful citizen, and a 
 good man, we are justly proud; and my prayer has 
 this day been, that nothing may occur this evening 
 inconsistent with the course pursued by thee in thy 
 past life.” 
 
 To this brief “ message,” spoken with evident ef- 
 fort, and in the most solemn manner, Mr. Sergeant 
 listened with attention, and at its conclusion ac- 
 knowledged with feeling his obligation for her kind- 
 ness, and assured her that nothing should pass his 
 lips at the proposed meeting at variance with the 
 profession of his whole life. In speaking afterward 
 of this curious interview, he said that he was much 
 impressed by the dignity and grace of Mrs. Mott’s 
 bearing. 
 
 When Kossuth visited Philadelphia in 1852, James 
 and Lucretia Mott, to whom he had brought letters 
 of introduction from friends in England, called upon 
 him and his party, and invited them to dine. They 
 admired him greatly, and believed that at heart he 
 sympathized with the anti-slavery cause in America. 
 In a letter Lucretia Mott says of him, “ How won- 
 derful is his clear perception ! Although the word 
 slave does not find direct utterance, yet as far as he 
 
334 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 dares, he hints at the things rotten in our Denmark. 
 His speeches must do good in this country, if that 
 good be not counterbalanced by the warlike spirit 
 they kindle.” Feeling thus, she was glad to meet 
 him personally, and to entertain him at their house. 
 But the politicians who had him in charge, fearing 
 the damage that might befall his cause from asso- 
 ciation with abolitionists and heretics, induced him 
 to decline their invitation, and merely to call in- 
 stead. 
 
 The following extract from the diary of Madame 
 Pulzsky, Kossuth’s sister, is interesting in this con- 
 nection : — 
 
 Dec . 25 th . — I called on Mrs. Mott, the eminent Quaker 
 lady, to whom a mutual friend had given me a letter. I 
 have seldom seen a face more artistically beautiful than that 
 of Mrs. Lucretia Mott. . . . Her features are so markedly 
 characteristic, that, if they were less noble, they might be 
 called sharp. Beholding her, I felt that great ideas and 
 noble purposes must have grown up with her mind, which 
 have a singular power of expression in her very move- 
 ments. Her language is, like her appearance, peculiar and 
 transparent ; and it is only when she touches upon the 
 slavery question that her eye flashes with indignation, and 
 her lips quiver with a hasty impatience, disturbing the 
 placid harmony of her countenance and her conversation. 
 But though she so positively pronounces the views at 
 which she has arrived by self-made inquiry, yet she mildly 
 listens to every objection, and tries to convince by the 
 power of her arguments, untinged by the slightest fanati- 
 cism. She expressed her warm sympathy with the cause 
 of Hungary, and her admiration of the genius of Kos- 
 suth ; yet she blamed his neutrality in the slavery ques- 
 tion. 
 
 I objected, that as Kossuth claimed non-intervention aa 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 335 
 
 the sacred law of nations, he was not called on to interfere 
 in a domestic question of the United States, so intimately 
 connected with their Constitution. 44 But how can Kos- 
 suth, the champion of liberty,” answered she, 44 not raise 
 his voice in favor of the oppressed race ? To argue is surely 
 not the same as to interfere.” I replied, that a question 
 involving intricate domestic interests, and, for that very 
 reason, passions so bitter, that even an allusion to it rouses 
 sensitive jealousies, certainly cannot be discussed by a for- 
 eigner with the slightest chance of doing good ; that the 
 difficulty of emancipation lies, perhaps, less in the lack of 
 acknowledgment of the evils of slavery than in the hard- 
 ness to devise the means of carrying emancipation without 
 convulsing the financial interests of the slave-holders, and 
 to do it in a constitutional way. For, after all, this must 
 be attended to, if the welfare of the whole community is 
 not to be endangered ; therefore this problem can only be 
 solved practically by native American statesmen, living in 
 the midst of the people, with whom is lodged the final 
 power to adopt the measure, as it has already been done in 
 the free States, and in the old Spanish colonies. 
 
 Though I could not acquiesce in the opinion of Mrs. 
 Mott that the abolition of slavery should be preached in 
 season and out of season by the defender of the rights of 
 nations, I yet fell beneath the charm of her moral superi- 
 ority, and I warmly wished that I could spend hours to 
 listen and to discuss with her and Mr. Mott, in the attrac- 
 tive circle of her children and grandchildren. Great was, 
 therefore, my astonishment, when, upon my expressing my 
 admiration for Mrs. Mott to some gentlemen, one of them 
 exclaimed, 44 You do not mean to say you have called on 
 that lady ? ” 
 
 44 Of course I have,” was my answer ; 44 why should I 
 not ? I am most gratified to have done so, and I only 
 regret that the shortness of the time we have to spend 
 here prevents me from often repeating my visit.” 
 
336 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 “ But she is a furious abolitionist,” retorted the gentle- 
 man. “It will do great harm to Governor Kossuth if you 
 associate with that party.” 
 
 “ I perceive, sir,” said I, “ that you highly estimate Mrs. 
 Mott, as you consider her alone a whole party. But if 
 any friend of Governor Kossuth, even if he himself con- 
 verses with a person who has strong opinions against slav- 
 ery, what harm can there be in that ? ” 
 
 “ Your cause will then lose many friends in this city,” 
 was the answer. 
 
 I was perfectly amazed at such intolerance, and ex- 
 pressed this frankly. The gentleman, however, attempted 
 to point out to me what mischief the abolitionists were 
 doing, and how long ago emancipation would have been 
 carried in all the States, had the abolitionists not so vio- 
 lently interfered ; “ and besides,” continued he, “ Mrs. Mott 
 preaches ! ” 
 
 “ Well,” replied I, “do not many Quaker ladies preach 
 occasionally ? ” 
 
 This fact was admitted, but another gentleman remarked 
 that Mrs. Mott was dangerous, as her sermons were pow- 
 erfully inciting. 
 
 “ Is she, perhaps, a fighting Quaker ? ” inquired I, 
 “ who appeals to the words of the Saviour, that he did not 
 come to send peace on earth, but the sword ? ” 
 
 “lam a fighting Quaker myself,” said the gentleman; 
 “ my forefathers fought in the Revolutionary War ; but 
 Mrs. Mott is a Hicksite.” 
 
 To my inquiry what were the tenets of the Hicksites, 
 inspiring such dislike, I got the answer, “ They are very 
 bad, very bad ; they, in fact, believe nothing.” 
 
 This assertion was so contradictory to the impression 
 left on my mind by Mrs. Mott, that I attentively perused 
 some of her sermons, and I found them pervaded by that 
 fervent desire to seek truth and to do right, of which Jesus 
 teaches us, that “ blessed are they which do hunger and 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 337 
 
 thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled ; ” and 
 therefore, although my views differ from hers on many 
 points, I perceived that party feeling must be strong in 
 Philadelphia to arouse such unjust views as I had heard 
 expressed. 
 
 In the early summer of 1853 their youngest child, 
 Martha, married George W. Lord, and went away 
 with him to a remote country home. The separa- 
 tion was a sore trial to her parents, for she was the 
 youngest and the last. To a friend, who sent them 
 a letter of mingled condolence and congratulation, 
 James Mott replied : — 
 
 6th mo. 29th, 1853. 
 
 . . . Yes, Martha is married, and we feel lonely. . . . 
 That many are disappointed in the marriage state, I have 
 no doubt ; but that “ not one in a thousand but is doomed 
 to disappointment,” I do not believe. I have lived in that 
 state for more than forty years, and it has been one of 
 harmony and love, though we have had our trials and diffi- 
 culties in life. As age advances, our love, if possible, in- 
 creases. This being my experience, I am in favor of 
 matrimony, and wish to see all for whom I feel interested 
 made happy in that way. It is the natural state of man, 
 and when rightly entered into, an increase of happiness 
 and comfort is the certain result. . . . 
 
 In the fall of the same year, James and Lucretia 
 Mott traveled in New York, Ohio, and Indiana, at- 
 tending meetings and conventions, and visiting some 
 relatives. Before returning home, they went into 
 Kentucky to visit some connections of Lucretia’s sis- 
 ter, Martha Wright, who accompanied them. 
 
 Lucretia Mott writes of this trip : — 
 
 . . . “ We left Cincinnati at eleven o’clk, and did not 
 
 reach Maysville till ten at night. The banks of the river 
 22 
 
338 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 afforded a constantly varying scene, and we enjoyed the 
 day, though there were no passengers that were attractive. 
 John Pelham met us at the landing, with his carriage. 
 The ride out to his home, three miles, in full-moonlight 
 was very pleasant, and the warm reception from the four 
 aunts was grateful. A blazing fire added much to the 
 cheerfulness. We were made so entirely at home by their 
 Kentucky hospitality, that we soon felt like old acquaint- 
 ances. Our sleeping room across the hall had another 
 large open fire. In the morning before we were up, a 
 real slave-looking girl came in, sans ceremony, and made 
 up the fire anew. We passed the next morning in free 
 conversation. Their table was generous, as their reception 
 in other respects. 
 
 “ A meeting had been appointed for me in the Town 
 Hall of Maysville, in the afternoon. There was a crowded 
 house. Slavery spoken of without reserve, and well borne. 
 Much persuasion to have another meeting in the evening 
 — which we consented to — on woman ; a great gather- 
 ing and apparent satisfaction. J. P. seemed satisfied with 
 the meetings, though I learned afterwards that he had felt 
 apprehensive, and had expressed a wish that I should be 
 told not to speak on, or allude to slavery.’’ 
 
 In a letter to Lucy Stone, referring to this jour- 
 ney, James Mott writes : — 
 
 Steamboat Oakland, 10th mo. 17th, 1853. 
 
 My dear Lucy, — Here we are on the way up the 
 Ohio river, in a small but tolerably comfortable boat. . . . 
 
 On reaching Maysville on Seventh-day eve g , we found 
 John Pelham (Martha’s brother-in-law) waiting to take 
 us to his house, on reaching which his sisters gave us a 
 hearty welcome, and we had a pleasant visit. Yesterday 
 after dinner we returned to Maysville to attend a meeting 
 that had been appointed in the Court House at two o’clock. 
 Theology, war, intemperance, and slavery were the topics 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 339 
 
 dwelt upon ; slavery was spoken to, plainly, and well re- 
 ceived by a large and attentive audience. At the close, 
 another meeting was appointed for the evening, on Wo- 
 man’s Rights. The house was more crowded than in the 
 afternoon, indeed it was a jam ; but quiet and good order 
 were observed, and the gospel on this subject was preached 
 with power and demonstration. At the close very many 
 expressed their gratification and a desire to hear more. 
 Lucretia told them they must get Lucy Stone to talk to 
 them, that she was only as a John to prepare the way for 
 Lucy and others, who could do the subject far better jus- 
 tice. We think thou wilt find an open door at Maysville. 
 The meetings were both free. As Lucretia has never re- 
 ceived money compensation for her own use for preaching 
 or lecturing, she thinks it not worth while to begin to do 
 so in her old age. The money that S. J. May is out of 
 pocket for printing tracts will be paid to him out of the 
 proceeds of the lecture at Cincinnati, and the balance 
 handed to thee when thou comes to Phila.; so says the best 
 woman I know in this world. 
 
 To this, Mrs. Wright adds some interesting de- 
 tails : — 
 
 Dear Lucy, — I don’t know how brother James has 
 done to write a word, the boat jars so ; I must add, how- 
 ever, my wish that you will go to Maysville. A slave- 
 holder said to me, that she thought it a great pity the meet- 
 ing last night could not be followed by others, there was 
 such a willingness to hear the truth. I never heard more 
 earnest demonstrations, not by applause, but in remarks 
 afterwards. My good brother-in-law, John Pelham, said 
 to me before the first meeting, “ I hope Mrs. Mott will not 
 name slavery, — notice was given for a religious meeting.” 
 “ Why,” said I, u that is eminently a religious subject, and 
 the people, believe me, will respect the free utterance of 
 opinion far more than an unworthy concealment ; besides, 
 
340 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE T1 A MOTT . 
 
 she considers herself called of God to speak on this very 
 subject ; it was for this she came, on the assurance of Col. 
 Stevenson that she might say what she pleased, and I dare 
 not interfere with any one’s convictions of duty.” He 
 still demurred, but I think he felt entirely satisfied after 
 hearing her ; and she did not spare them. Of course I said 
 not a word to her beforehand of this conversation. 
 
 It can hardly be out of place to give some extracts 
 from the newspaper reports of these lectures : — 
 
 “ One of the largest audiences ever gathered within the 
 walls of our spacious Court House was drawn thither on 
 Sunday afternoon, to listen to the world-renowned Quaker, 
 Mrs. Lucretia Mott. Curiosity prompted much the greater 
 part ; a few , however, expected, from the reputation that 
 preceded her, to hear eloquently and plausibly set forth 
 principles which found an echo in their own hearts. For 
 an hour and a half she enchained an ordinarily restless 
 audience (for many of them were standing) to a degree 
 never surpassed here by the most popular orators. Mrs. 
 Mott is an elderly lady, probably sixty-five, of a fair, 
 full, round, cheerful countenance ; a quick beaming eye ; 
 a smooth, even, quite pleasant, and rather musical voice ; 
 a calm, quiet, yet sufficiently earnest delivery ; evidently a 
 woman of strong mind, of determined will, an original and 
 bold thinker, with nerve enough for any emergency. She 
 said some things that were far from palatable to a Mays- 
 ville audience, but said them with an air of sincerity and 
 of plausibility that commanded respect and attention. She 
 seemed delighted at the great degree of courtesy with 
 which she was received and listened to. A good many did 
 not know of her appointment for speaking at night, but 
 notwithstanding, the Court House was crowded to its ut- 
 most capacity, — a larger, and if possible, more attentive 
 audience than in the afternoon.” 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 341 
 
 [For the Express.] 
 
 LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 This bad woman, whose infamous calling is a war against 
 the Constitution of the United States, a sacrilegious con- 
 demnation of the Holy Bible, preaching disobedience and 
 rebellion to our slaves, was allowed the use of our Court 
 House for the propagation of her infernal doctrines. We 
 wish every citizen of Mason county to be made acquainted 
 with the fact that the edifice which has been erected at their 
 common cost, only to be occupied by those who were charged 
 with the administration of justice, and the protection of 
 their religious and political rights, has been again defiled by 
 the presence of a foreign incendiary, proclaiming within its 
 walls principles antagonistic to the law and peace of the 
 commonwealth. Not more than a twelvemonth has gone, 
 since its occupation for a similar purpose was the occasion 
 of bloodshed and rancorous feelings not yet healed in our 
 community. What will be the result of a visit from this 
 female fanatic is not yet known ; we should not be sur- 
 prised, however, if it were the prelude to a heavy loss on 
 the part of the slaveholders of the county, as a score or 
 two of blacks were present to behold and hear this brazen 
 infidel in her treason against God and her country. 
 
 Slave-holder. 
 
 In the course of several years, James and Lucretia 
 Mott went again into some of the western states to 
 attend meetings, and, among other places, went to 
 Salem, Ohio. Here they stayed at “a sort of Qua- 
 ker tavern, kept by Jacob Heaton and Elizabeth, 
 his wife.” These two faithful abolitionists had en- 
 tertained so many lecturers and reformers, that they 
 conceived the idea of keeping an album of names. 
 This book, which they called their u Anti-Slavery 
 
842 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI. A MOTT. 
 
 Register,’’ had been dedicated by the Rev. John 
 Pierpont, in 1854, in the following verse : — 
 
 “ Here, Friends of Freedom, be your names enrolled ! 
 
 All ye, who are largg-hearted and whole-souled ! 
 
 All ye who labor with the hand or brain 
 To loose the manacle or break the chain ! 
 
 All ye who speak or write or vote or pray 
 To put the curse of slavery away ; 
 
 With heart, soul, spirit in the fight engage ; 
 
 Here is spread out for each a virgin page.” 
 
 James and Lucretia Mott were also invited to in- 
 scribe their names. Although the latter was often 
 called upon to write her autograph, and with it a 
 “ sentiment,” she generally did so with reluctance, 
 and sometimes, as in the present case, with awk- 
 wardness. Hence the following rather strained at- 
 tempt was characteristic at that time. Later, she 
 adopted her well-known motto, “ Truth for authority, 
 not authority for Truth,” and used that on such 
 occasions. In this “ Register ” she wrote : — 
 
 “ May the success of the Atlantic Telegraph verify the 
 sentiment of the poet, that 
 
 4 All mankind are one in spirit, and an instinct bears along, 
 
 Round the earth’s electric circle, the swift flash of right or wrong.’ 
 
 Lucretia Mott.” 
 
 To which her husband added, in an equally char- 
 acteristic way, — 
 
 “ I am an old, plain, matter-of-fact man, not given to 
 sentiment, but if my autograph is wanted in addition to 
 that of my better half, here it is. James MoTT. ,, 
 
 But while she was so often constrained with her 
 pen, her grace in speaking was quite as marked. 
 This is notably shown, during this same visit, on 
 the occasion of a social gathering, at which she was 
 asked to make a short address. Knowing that among 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 343 
 
 those present there were people of widely different 
 opinions, some of them ready to appear in open 
 opposition to her, she made the following skillful in- 
 troduction to her remarks, and won an attentive 
 hearing : — 
 
 “ Differing widely from each other upon many theolog- 
 ical questions, we, present, are happy in finding a basis for 
 unity and good fellowship in the recognition of that ele- 
 ment of our nature which, by whatever name it may be 
 called, imparts a sense of dependence upon a Higher Power, 
 an accountability to it, and a consciousness of duties and 
 obligations towards each other. We are also united in the 
 conviction that this element of our being, like every other, 
 demands special development ; and that, without such pro- 
 vision, it is almost certain to be overmastered by selfish- 
 ness, or bewildered by superstition.” 
 
 In order to follow the narrative as given in ex- 
 tracts from my grandmother’s family letters, it is 
 necessary to go back a number of years. The letters 
 themselves are large, closely written pages of mar- 
 velous detail. To save repetition, these entertaining 
 sheets were sent from one to another, to daughters, 
 sisters, and even to aunts and cousins on Nantucket, 
 and in these long journeys, — sometimes even across 
 the Atlantic, — many were lost ; but they served their 
 purpose at the time, and kept united, as nothing else 
 could, the ever widening interests of those whose 
 homes were far apart. They do not exhibit the 
 writer in the expected character of a well-known 
 preacher and reformer ; but they do show graphic- 
 ally what she was in her own home, the beloved ana 
 revered wife, mother, and grandmother. 
 
 • . . It is on my mind to give thee an account of last 
 
344 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE Tl A MOTT. 
 
 Fourth-day’s doings. Early in the morning, before quite 
 light, I assorted the ironed clothes, and mended the stock- 
 ings ; before breakfast, wrote the first page of this letter ; 
 early after breakfast, received an artist for a portrait, by 
 request ; before meeting (ten o’clock) called at Anna’s for 
 a short time ; after meeting, met half-a-dozen friends, and 
 went with them to a printing-office where a number of 
 women are employed ; at twelve o’clock met Aunt Eliza 
 and went to see C. E.’s new house ; at half-past one came 
 home to receive company invited to dinner ; from four to 
 six received several callers ; from that time till eleven 
 entertained J. D., sewing meantime on a strip of carpet. 
 And now farewell, darling ; write soon, and keep heart 
 for the good time coming. Mother. 
 
 9th mo. 5th, 1852. 
 
 . . . Yes — really at home again! We were absent seven- 
 teen days — paid as many visits, and attended six or eight 
 meetings — all satisfactory, notwithstanding our children’s 
 “impudence .” 1 * * * * * — Returning home we stopped at West- 
 town School, and were much interested in again going 
 over the old place. Oh ! those old oak floors ! scrubbed 
 almost away — and so clean ! I enjoyed looking around 
 the play-grounds ; and how the trees have grown ! I was 
 the more interested from having heard thee so lately talk 
 about the place. We attended the First-day meeting at 
 Kennett. The corner-stone of the “Progressive Friends’” 
 meeting-house was laid the same day, and in a notice of it 
 in a Westchester paper, it appeared as if I was to take 
 part, when in fact, I have no interest in any of these cere- 
 monies ; and neither James nor I were on the ground at 
 
 1 Nothing more is meant by this startling word than the witty raillery 
 
 of some of the younger members of the family. Their mother was often 
 
 the special object of their jokes, which she received in the sweetest possi- 
 
 ble way, finding onl} 7 amusement in what might have wounded one less 
 
 unselfish; they understood this well. They loved and reverenced her too 
 
 much ever to wound her. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 345 
 
 all. C. has since told me how sorry P. C. was, to see in 
 the paper that I was taking part in such things as laying 
 corner-stones. I told C. she might contradict it, which she 
 seemed glad to do — and yet I felt like retorting on any 
 upbraidings of orthodoxy, as Jesus did, when the Scribes 
 and Pharisees asked, “ Why do ye transgress the traditions 
 of the Elders?” (by laying corner-stones.) He answered, 
 “ Why do ye transgress the commandment of God by your 
 traditions?” — I say, it is written, “ Proclaim ye liberty 
 through all the land, to all the inhabitants thereof.” But 
 ye say, “ Keep in the quiet, and go on in your oppres- 
 sions.” 
 
 To her sister, Martha C, Wright, on the death of a 
 child : — 
 
 My dear stricken Sister, — Do I not know how to 
 feel for a sore-wounded and bleeding heart ? But what 
 can I say to alleviate a mother’s tender sorrow ? Verily 
 nothing ! Tears I have almost at will, ever since our loved 
 mother’s sudden departure from us, and a fresh fount 
 opened when our brother went. It is a beautiful thought 
 — would that its reality were capable of demonstration — 
 that her sainted spirit was beheld by thy dove, departing, 
 and that they are in angelic embrace in the ethereal world 
 around us, not far off in kingly realms, as pictured of yore, 
 but very nigh us, in our midst, though we may know it not. 
 Dear little soul ! how sorry I am that I did not oftener lay 
 aside my sewing, and take him and love him. His sweet 
 smile and intelligent eye, and his ever happy infancy will 
 be a precious remembrance to you. I looked at him often, 
 though I held him to my heart so seldom. 
 
 Why speak of “special Providences?” We can but 
 consider them “ dark and inexplicable.” But when we 
 come to look at all these seeming inflictions, as the opera- 
 tion of the natural laws, while the pang of parting with 
 our loved ones is none the less, we are not left so in the 
 
346 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 dark, nor do we take such gloomy views of u the ways of 
 Providence.” In thy letter thou says, “ Charlie’s death 
 was so decreed. It is beyond mortal power to say why de- 
 creed.” I would ask if it is not equally impossible to prove 
 it “ so decreed ” ? While, on the other hand, tracing all 
 effects in nature to their legitimate causes, we may with 
 more knowledge say why death ensues when malignant 
 disease visits ; and why malignant disease visits our abodes, 
 in these populous cities, where the poor are crowded into 
 unventilated rooms, and in the universal linking of our 
 interests and our sufferings, “ strikes down our fairest and 
 our best beloved.” . . . 
 
 These partings are sad events in our lives, but how 
 greatly do the pleasures overbalance ! . . . 
 
 I do not agree with thee that “ life protracted is pro- 
 tracted woe.” That is one of Young’s gloomy sayings, I 
 presume, when indulging in his morbid grief. We mourn 
 the dead, because nature has so constituted us ; not on their 
 account always, nor is the sorrow purely selfish. When 
 people die before they have lived half their days, it seems 
 contrary to the design of their creation ; the world loses 
 their usefulness, and they lose so much of the enjoyment 
 of life, that all these considerations inspire sadness at their 
 departure. . . . 
 
 . . . What a libel on abolitionists is the charge of irre- 
 ligion ! When they so distinctly and so repeatedly declare 
 their “ trust for victory ” to be “ in God ; ” they “ may be 
 defeated, but their principles, never.” With truth, justice, 
 humanity on their side, and planting their feet “ as on the 
 everlasting rock,” they go forth conquering and to com 
 quer.” The close of our Declaration of Sentiments was 
 beautiful to me when first read, and the repeated evidence 
 of the same trust has stamped ours as emphatically the 
 religious movement of the age. It is our turn to cry in- 
 fidel, and the pseudo church knows it too, and is trembling 
 in her shoes. There is danger, however, of reformers each 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 347 
 
 making their own hobbies the only right manifestation of 
 faith in God, and allegiance to Him, and exercising their 
 benevolence, and conscientiousness, at the expense of their 
 veneration. The latter organ has received so terrible a 
 shock in severing it from its idols, — the Church, the Bible, 
 and the ministry, — that it is lying, in too many instances, 
 in a paralyzed state, and needs judicious treatment. 
 
 The following, to Nathaniel Barney, of Nantucket, 
 although not a “ family letter,” is inserted herein its 
 chronological order : — 
 
 Phila., 3rd mo. 19th, 1852. 
 
 My dear Nathaniel, — The sight of thy well-known 
 hand once more in a letter directed to me was welcome. 
 Thy continued remembrance of us is truly grateful. We 
 all appreciate thy dear daughter’s invitation to her mar- 
 riage, but at this inclement season, it is not probable that 
 we can be present with you. My first impulse was to 
 write directly to Alanson and Sarah ; but I have to con- 
 fess to an instinctive shrinking from penning anything to 
 be read by other than “ own folk,” who can make allow- 
 ance for all defects. 
 
 Thou can hardly conceive the dread I have of answer- 
 ing the letters of invitation received from Ohio, West n 
 New York, Massachusetts, and other places, to attend anti- 
 slavery and woman’s conventions, knowing the custom of 
 publishing such answers. When I can prevail on my hus- 
 band to do it for me, I am happy. So has it ever been in 
 reference to public speaking. While desirous to “walk 
 worthy the vocation,” it has been a constant cross without 
 “ despising the shame.” And now that nearly three-score 
 years are mine, the prospect of resting, even though not on 
 laurels, is delightful. I was admonished, years ago, in 
 hearing Ruth Spencer preach after her voice was failing 
 her, that at sixty it would be time for me to give place to 
 the younger. Now that so many able women are in the 
 field, the “ gift ” may be yielded to them without regret, in 
 
348 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 full faith that they will “ do greater things.” Not just in 
 the Quaker field, for be it acknowledged with humility, few 
 are there, whose gifts I covet; but beyond the sectarian 
 enclosure woman’s mind, as well as powers of speaking 
 aloud, will command respect and audience. . . . Thou asks 
 a question, in reference to the marriage ceremony, which we 
 could answer for ourselves better than we may do for thee. 
 To me there is great beauty in the parties asking neither 
 ministerial nor magisterial aid, but in the presence of 
 chosen friends, announcing their reciprocal affection ; when 
 any present, feeling a word of encouragement, may give 
 utterance to it. Such marriages are legal here even when 
 performed in private houses. Our m s houses are now sel- 
 dom resorted to on such occasions. Your law may require 
 some official aid, — if so I should greatly prefer an enlight- 
 ened “dear fr d Forman,” provided that part of the church 
 marriage, — the 'promise of obedience on the part of the wife , 
 — were omitted. I could never approve of that. Many 
 years ago, I remember objecting to a charge against one of 
 our members, at Twelfth Street Meeting (orthodox), of 
 violating our testimony for a free gospel ministry, by em- 
 ploying a clergyman in her marriage. It has always 
 seemed a forced construction of our testimony ; and I have 
 often since that time so expressed it, when complaints are 
 brought forward in that way. Our Discipline does not re- 
 quire so strict a construction, although long custom seems 
 to sanction it. I hope we shall hear thou yielded to the 
 reasonable desire, or choice, of the young people. I can 
 hardly imagine it so great a sacrifice as it appeared to 
 thee. Our consciences are so easily moulded by the 
 church, or religious order of our election, that it takes 
 years of liberal thinking to free us from the traditions we 
 receive. 
 
 What feeble steps have yet been taken from Popery 
 to Protestantism ! Our ecclesiastics, be they Bishops, or 
 Quaker Elders, have still far too much sway. Convents 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 349 
 
 we have yet, with high walls, whose inmates having taken 
 the veil, dare not give range to their free-born spirit, now 
 miserably cramped and shrouded. 
 
 Little is there among us in the meeting line worth hear- 
 ing. Our movements are rather retrogade than progres- 
 sive. James Martin, viewing the Soc y from another stand- 
 point, may have given thee a different account. He is a 
 man of kind, good feelings, but sect-bound. So with very 
 many of our Friends. Priscilla Cadwalader has not yet 
 completed her “family visits.’’ She has not kept pace 
 with the age ; her preaching is of the older school, and has 
 not the “ newness of life ” of twenty-five years ago. She 
 avoids party-spirit, however, and tries to follow “peace 
 with all men.” 
 
 Thou asks after my health. It is pretty good now — 
 except occasional suffering with dyspepsia. I have gone 
 out in all weather the past winter, and feel none the worse 
 for it. James has renewed his youth, save in his snowy 
 summit. He is well, and sends love unmeasured. Now, 
 my dear friend, let us hear from thee soon again. 
 
 Thine in undiminished affection, 
 
 L. Mott. 
 
 The disapprobation expressed in the foregoing 
 letter, of that part of the church marriage which 
 exacts a promise of obedience from the wife, calls to 
 mind an incident related by ex-May or Fox of Phila- 
 delphia. Soon after his installation, and while per- 
 forming the marriage ceremony, he noticed among 
 the guests Lucretia Mott. At the close of the cere- 
 mony, when, according to the usual custom, he said, 
 “I pronounce you to be man and wife,” he over- 
 heard her say, in an undertone, “ husband and wife.” 
 He went to her afterwards, and asked for the reason 
 for such comment, when she said that it always 
 
350 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 jarred upon her when she heard a couple declared 
 44 man ” and wife ; as though the wife was a mere 
 appendage, as she was probably regarded, when that 
 formula first came into use ; that the marriage cere- 
 mony left a man still a man, and a woman still a 
 woman, and the minister or magistrate had only to 
 pronounce the new relation to each other, in which 
 they stood, husband and wife . Mayor Fox added, 
 46 1 was impressed with the reasonableness of this, 
 and although I married several hundred couples 
 during the remainder of my term of office, I never 
 again pronounced them man and wife,” 
 
 Another illustration of the same kind of injustice 
 done to women, and of Lucretia Mott’s unfailing 
 protest against it, is found in an occurrence of a few 
 years before, during a religious journey which she 
 and her husband made together, through the north- 
 eastern part of Pennsylvania. They had occasion to 
 stay over night at the house of a Friend, who had re- 
 cently come into possession of the family homestead 
 and a comfortable property. 44 But,” said he depre- 
 catingly, when they congratulated him on his good 
 prospects, 44 1 have to keep my mother ! ” 44 Was she 
 an active woman in early life ? ” asked my grand- 
 mother. 44 Oh yes, very,” he replied. 44 She brought 
 up a large family of children, attended to the house 
 and the dairy, and seldom kept any help ; she was 
 a very saving woman.” 44 And yet,” rejoined my 
 grandmother, 44 and yet I understand thee to say, 
 thou hast to 4 keep ’ her. Did not her industry and 
 frugality in her department entitle her to an equal 
 ownership with her husband in homestead and farm ? 
 Should it not be said that she allows thee to live here 
 with her? ” 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 351 
 
 To return now to the letters : — 
 
 Phil., 2mo. 27th, 1855. 
 
 ... I had a heap of clear-starching to do on Third-day 
 last, but one after another called, to ask about the School 
 of Design, the Woman’s Medical College, and colored beg- 
 gars came in, so that I had not finished when C P 
 
 came to dine. I brought my starching into the parlor, and 
 between dinner and dessert excused myself to iron. . . . 
 
 It was no great disappointment to me to give up the 
 meetings thou mentions. When a thing can’t be done, 
 there is a happy property in our nature that accommo- 
 dates itself to circumstances. It is long since any journey 
 or visit has been particularly exciting to me. I enjoy a 
 day at Mt. Holly, with our cousins, vastly, now and then, 
 and out at Oak Farm, as well ; and we are to go to an anti- 
 slavery meeting in Bucks Co., next Seventh and First-day. 
 Any dependence on my worn-out powers as a speaker de- 
 tracts greatly from the pleasure of these occasions. The 
 drives with my well-beloved husband are the most antici- 
 pated, and are ever enjoyed, even though I am sometimes 
 asleep while riding. 
 
 No, the Canandaigua visit did not seem very interesting. 
 When people are so over particular as to have to be in the 
 kitchen, and at their domestic concerns all the time, visit- 
 ors cannot enjoy the added tax on the visited. Mortified 
 as I often feel, at the want of special attention to our 
 guests, and the omissions that are apparent after they are 
 gone, I cannot have my mind all the time on each spare 
 room and bed to see that all is in order, and then besides 
 on the table-cloth and dishes, and in the kitchen that noth- 
 ing shall be underdone, or overdone, and everything go on 
 well there. The next time thou comes here, however, three 
 white curtains alike shall be at thy room windows. . . . 
 
 On Third-day afternoon Theodore Parker came. James 
 met him at the cars ; he expected to go to Jones’ Hotel, but 
 James told him he would show him to a nearer hotel. He 
 
352 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 was one of us immediately, and so agreeable. He talked 
 of the Kennett meeting, was much pleased with the intel- 
 ligent minds he met there, and was struck with the num- 
 ber of large men : the Pennocks, Bernards, Darlingtons, 
 etc., having their names as ready as an old settler. He 
 thought it not the last 44 Progressive Friends’ ” meeting he 
 should attend. He lectured the next evening in Sansom 
 St. Hall, which was nearly full, a very attentive audience, 
 and he pleased them well. The lecture on Fifth-day even- 
 ing was to a still larger audience, and every word was in- 
 teresting, and was appreciated. Dr. Stamm came home 
 with us from the lecture, and stayed late ; talking most in- 
 terestingly on the future of Nations ; the Dr. thinking the 
 destiny of Germany and this country was to supplant all 
 others. Theodore Parker doubting that ; the Sclavonic 
 race was so powerful, and had such advantages ; naming 
 them as familiarly as little Willy his multiplication table. 
 We thought his fund of knowledge and his memory were 
 wonderful, and we were all much interested. . . . 
 
 4th mo., 1855. 
 
 ... I should have liked to hear your talk about prin- 
 ciple and expediency, compensation to slave-holders, etc. 
 Compensation to the South, even though they have no right 
 to demand it, seems somewhat more justifiable, when for 
 the entire abolition of slavery, than when paid to an indi- 
 vidual slave-holder as an acknowledged price of the victim, 
 and used probably in buying other slaves. We have had 
 some interesting fugitives here lately. How I wish thou- 
 sands more would escape, and the remainder resolve that 
 they would no longer work unpaid ! The best compensa- 
 tion to claimants would be the added motive to labor. 
 
 . . . , a child who is of the generation who 
 
 44 knows not Joseph,” who never heard Elias Hicks inveigh 
 against the superstitious observance of the Sabbath, and 
 the undue veneration of the Bible, is now one of the school 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 353 
 
 committee at Cherry St. She lately objected to giving 
 children lessons on Seventh-day to take home, which would 
 oblige them to study on First-day ! The school is opened 
 each day with the reading of the Bible. Are we not going 
 back to the “ beggarly elements ? ” 
 
 5th mo. 14th, 1855. 
 
 . . . Our Yearly Meeting company began to come on 
 
 Sixth-day ; a forlorn Friend from , whose mind had 
 
 been slightly affected. She preaches occasionally. She 
 had walked from Eighteenth and Market, and not finding 
 our house, “ went to the Thomsonian Infirmary at Sixth 
 and Market, and there Dr. Comfort lent her an inven- 
 tory (directory), and then some one piloted her.” Now 
 she wanted to find — , she was her “ first-cousin onc’t re- 
 
 moved,” and she would “ like to put up there, but she must 
 
 have a pilot.” I was going up to ’s some time 
 
 that day, so nothing loth, I made that time suit, and taking 
 one of her bandboxes myself, while she carried the other, 
 we trudged forth ; she with thick yellow moccasins on, and 
 two shawls. We reached Franklin St. after a while, and 
 dropping her at the door of her friend’s house, I turned 
 quickly down the first street. 
 
 5th mo. 19th, 1855. 
 
 ... I am going to Mt. Holly in a week or two to help 
 
 our cousins make their carpets. I made go up to the 
 
 upper entry and rooms to see the amount of piecing and 
 darning I have done on ours. Even if men will only half 
 look, I always mean they shall know something of the labor 
 bestowed upon house affairs. . . . 
 
 This “ making carpets ” did not mean merely help- 
 ing select, and giving advice as to arrangement, or 
 any such play ; it meant hard work, planning, cut- 
 ting, sewing, and even nailing down. She had a 
 mild contempt for any one who, well and strong, did 
 not at least assist in making her own carpets. It 
 23 
 
354 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT . 
 
 was the way her mother had done before her, and 
 was no hardship ; indeed, on the contrary, the turn- 
 ing and making-over of an old one seemed to afford 
 her exhilarating enjoyment, unless it happened that 
 she was alone ; that she never liked ; but, with a 
 choice few, engaged in the same occupation, she was 
 in her element. For many years she assisted her 
 daughters and her sisters, and, as in this instance, 
 her cousins, in work of this kind, and made it a sort 
 of festival. 
 
 The following extract exhibits her systematic care 
 in small things : — 
 
 1855. 
 
 . . . Yes, we do see the N. Y. “ Tribune,” and our own 
 “ Ledger ” daily, and this abundant reading absorbs all our 
 spare time. The “ Standard,” “ Bugle,” “ Freeman,” 
 “ Practical Christian,” and “ Prisoner’s Friend,” with the 
 “ Una,” “Woman’s Advocate,” " Little Pilgrim,” “ Littell,” 
 and a Temperance paper, make a weekly pile so high, that 
 I try in vain to keep them folded neatly. I have cleared 
 out all the rubbish from my secretary drawers, and besides 
 this, have destroyed many old letters and bills, and tied up 
 a thousand-and-one pamphlets to give away. I take every 
 opportunity to distribute anti-slavery newspapers ; took a 
 quantity to Norristown. 
 
 It was contrary to her system of household econ- 
 omy to allow any one to use, or tear up newspapers, 
 indiscriminately. She assorted them carefully in 
 several piles ; and woe be to the unfortunate who took 
 a paper from the wrong pile ! Only the dailies were 
 taken for kindlings, and not even they, until they had 
 attained a venerable age. The weeklies and month- 
 lies were given away, some regularly to friends who 
 could not afford to subscribe to them, while others 
 were made into packages for distribution at country 
 meetings. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 355 
 
 The next letter refers to the celebrated case of 
 Passmore Williamson : — 
 
 8th mo. 7th, 1855. 
 
 . . . James will have to come into town at twelve 
 o’clock to attend a preliminary indignation meeting, to 
 which M. L. Hallowell and several others have signed a 
 kind of private call. Thomas Williamson says he is only 
 afraid that Passmore will come out of prison too soon. 
 James went down to Moyamensing to see him yesterday. 
 I felt it my duty to propose in meeting last First-day that 
 our Friends should call a meeting and enter a protest. 
 
 H W , after meeting, expressed great unity with 
 
 all that was said, and wished much that something should 
 be done — he “ had never had his feelings so outraged as 
 
 at Kane’s doings.” J M thought “the testimony 
 
 conflicting — though he was watching with interest,” etc., 
 — did not “ know whether we were prepared to act offi- 
 cially.” We had quite a talk in the yard with some six or 
 eight ; S P standing in stolid silence. 
 
 An excellent summary of this case is given by 
 Mary Grew in her final report to the Female Anti- 
 Slavery Society. She says : — 
 
 “ A citizen of Philadelphia, whose name will always be 
 associated with the cause of American liberty, in the legal 
 performance of his duty, quietly informed three slaves 
 who had been brought into this State by their master, a 
 Virginia slave-holder, (John W. Wheeler, then United States 
 Minister to Nicaragua,) that, by the laws of Pennsylvania, 
 they were free. The legally emancipated mother, Jane 
 Johnson, availing herself of this knowledge, took posses- 
 sion of her own person and her own children ; and their 
 astonished master suddenly discovered that his power to 
 hold them was gone forever. No judge, commissioner, or 
 lawyer, however willing, could help him to recapture his 
 prey. But a judge of the United States District Court 
 
35G 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 could assist him in obtaining a mean revenge upon the 
 brave man who had enlightened an ignorant woman re- 
 specting her legal right to freedom. Judge Kane, usurping 
 jurisdiction in the case, and exercising great ingenuity to 
 frame a charge of contempt of court, succeeded in his pur- 
 pose of imprisoning Passmore Williamson in our county 
 jail. The baffled slave-holder also found sympathizers in 
 the Grand Jury, who enabled him to indict, for riot and 
 assault and battery, Passmore Williamson, William Still, 
 and five other persons. During the trial which ensued, 
 the prosecutor and his allies were confounded by the sud- 
 den appearance of a witness, whose testimony, that she was 
 not forcibly taken from her master’s custody but had left 
 him freely, disconcerted all their schemes, and defeated 
 the prosecution. The presence of Jane Johnson in that 
 court - room jeoparded her newly - acquired freedom ; for 
 though Pennsylvania was pledged to her protection, it was 
 questionable whether the Slave Power, in the person of 
 United States officers and their ever-ready minions, would 
 not forcibly overpower State authority and obtain posses- 
 sion of the woman. It was an intensely trying hour for 
 her and for all who sympathized with her. Protected by 
 the energy and skill of the presiding judge, William D. 
 Kelley, and of the State officers, her safe egress from the 
 court-room was accomplished.” 
 
 In a letter on the same subject Miss Grew says : — 
 
 “ During the trial, Mrs. Mott was in attendance to give 
 sympathy or help as occasion might offer; and when the 
 poor woman was hastily taken from the room, and placed 
 in a carriage to be driven rapidly away, under an armed 
 guard, she sat by her side. To that sanctuary of refuge, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Mott’s house in Arch Street, they hastened. 
 Entering the front door, and quickly passing through the 
 house, Jane Johnson reentered the carriage at the rear, 
 and was taken to a place of safety. In that moment of in- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 357 
 
 tense excitement, when every one else was wholly ab- 
 sorbed in the one thought of escaping pursuit, it occurred 
 to Mrs. Mott that Jane might be hungry, as she had had 
 no dinner. Seizing apples and crackers from her store- 
 room, and potatoes from the kitchen fire, she ran with 
 them to the carriage.” 
 
 Although so indifferent to “creature comforts” 
 herself, no one was quicker than she to see when 
 others required them ; and to see, was to supply their 
 wants. 
 
 Twenty years after this occurrence, her grandson, 
 in the course of business in Washington, met a gen- 
 tleman by the name of Wheeler, who, after talking 
 with him of the changes wrought by the civil war, 
 asked, “ Do you happen to remember the case of 
 Jane Johnson and her children, a fugitive slave case 
 
 in Philadelphia?” H replied that he did, when 
 
 Mr. Wheeler said, u Well, those were my niggers! ” 
 To which H. responded, 64 And I helped to run them 
 off ! ” The hearty laugh that followed was in itself 
 the strongest possible evidence of the changes about 
 which they had been speaking. 
 
 To return again to the letters : — 
 
 9th mo. 5th, 1855. 
 
 . . . Why didst thou not tell us more of Lucy Stone’s 
 talk with thee at Saratoga ? I. B. had much to say of 
 Earnestine L. Rose’s lovely character. He scarcely knew 
 her superior. I was glad to hear him say so, and pleased 
 also that her speaking was so gratifying to thee, and that 
 Frances Wright’s womanhood was vindicated by her. I 
 have long wished and believed that the time would come, 
 when Mary Wollstonecraft and Frances Wright, and Robert 
 Owen, would have justice done them, and the denunciations 
 of bigoted sectarianism fall into merited contempt. . . . 
 
358 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 Thou queries, “ How are we to reconcile the wholesale 
 destruction of life occasioned by storms at sea, volcanoes ? ” 
 Benjamin Hallowell, in his scientific lectures, spoke of these 
 occurrences as striking evidences of the impartial operation 
 of the natural laws — so does George Combe. We have 
 warning enough to lead us to build our vessels strong and 
 secure, so that they may withstand storms, and increasing 
 intelligence leads mariners to avoid icebergs. The warn- 
 ings around volcanoes are sufficient, if obeyed, to lead the 
 inhabitants to move beyond their danger. So with dis- 
 ease ; fevers, cholera, etc., used to be regarded as special 
 judgments — and so in one sense they are, as the result 
 of neglect of the laws of health ; but man has reason and 
 intelligence now to avoid these epidemics. I do not know 
 as to earthquakes ; but when whole cities are destroyed, 
 there is certainly nothing partial in the visitation. Benja- 
 min Hallowell spoke of land-slides, warning people not to 
 build too near the edge. Yes, we have after all to con- 
 fess that our knowledge is limited ; and our very ignorance 
 should lead us to beware how we look upon awful occur- 
 rences as “ God’s decree.” The tendency of such a con- 
 clusion is to neglect the obvious cause of calamities. 
 
 The following were written shortly after return- 
 ing home from Auburn. The first' letter tells of the 
 safe journey, and concludes as follows : — 
 
 llth mo. 10th, 1855. 
 
 ... It was a great pleasure to be with you all once 
 more, and our visit furnishes much of deep interest to dwell 
 upon. Our love is so strong towards each family, and we 
 enter so warmly into your joys and sorrows, that your 
 pleasures are ours, and your woundings are our hurt. May 
 you all be happy is the ardent breathing of my soul ! 
 
 Most lovingly, L. Mott. 
 
 The next alludes briefly to a memorable meeting. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 359 
 
 Phila., 11th mo. 16th, 1855. 
 
 . . . Our visit and meetings in New York were satisfac- 
 tory. Some account of the meeting in Rose St. you may 
 have seen in the “ Times ” of Second-da) Richard Crom- 
 well quoted, “ Beware lest men spoil you, through philos- 
 ophy or vain deceit,” adding with a turn toward me, and 
 a motion of his hand, “ or conceit either.” And again, 
 “ The light shineth in darkness, but the darkness compre- 
 hendeth it not,” pointing his finger at me, and so on ; much 
 of that sort. There was much expression to me when the 
 meeting was over of satisfaction with what I had said - — - 
 from some also who used to be rather opposed. . . . 
 
 This was an occasion of much feeling among the 
 New York Friends, who, not many years before, had 
 disowned three of their members for the sin of Aboli- 
 tionism. While some of the circumstances connected 
 with it may fitly rest forgotten, it is worth while to 
 read again the report of the sermon which caused 
 such excitement. It was reported for the New York 
 u Times,” from which it is now copied. 
 
 “ Denouncing the still prevailing King- and Priestcraft, 
 Mrs. Mott had the courage to express what many repress, 
 and declare that Protestantism was only a modification, not 
 a thorough reform of a degrading superstition. In glowing 
 terms she claimed to plant her platform where Christ and 
 St. John had erected it for Humanity, but she said she 
 should separate herself from the priests and their tools, 
 who have degraded that platform into worldly ecclesiasti- 
 cal business establishments. Gathering hope from all the 
 bright features of the progressive symptoms of practical 
 Christianity around us, Mrs. Mott proved that all the lead- 
 ing reforms of the age, — Anti- Slavery, Temperance, and 
 all the benevolent and philanthropic movements of the day, 
 — have sprung not by the dogmas propounded by either 
 the Church of Rome or England, or any other material or- 
 
360 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 ganization, but from the individual soul of man, from the 
 Divinity rising within man, from the Divinity of which 
 Christ was the most celestial exemplar. 
 
 “ In the course of her address, which, begun in somewhat 
 impassive and monotonous strain, increased in fervor and 
 eloquence, as, in advancing, she was carried away by the 
 holiness of her theme, Mrs. Mott spoke in terms of the 
 most enthusiastic regard of all those noble laborers in the 
 cause of humanity, — • preachers, teachers, lecturers, and 
 above all, editors, — who, in defiance of a corrupt public 
 opinion, battle with the combined hosts of the slave oli- 
 garchy, ready to sacrifice their popularity, their fortunes, 
 everything, to the attainment of the great object in view. 
 But how have these world-redeeming impulses made their 
 way in the heart of so many noble men and gentle women ? 
 By dogmas ? By creeds ? By the degrading faith in the 
 God-decreed depravity of man ? No ! exclaimed Mrs. Mott. 
 No. By sympathy for fellow - men, — by love of God, 
 — by faith in the perfectibility of the human mind, — by 
 faith in the Divinity residing within man, residing within 
 woman. All honor, all praise, all hail to the great Messiah 
 who founded Christianity ; but did he not say himself that 
 other Messiahs will come after him ? Did he not point in 
 every word to the fact that every age will yield other Mes- 
 siahs called forth by its requirements ? was his whole life 
 not a constant protest against priestcraft, whether palpable, 
 as in the Vatican, or less palpable, as in some Protestant 
 churches? Did he not do good by the wayside, as he 
 went along, without reference to clime, locality, form, 
 creed, caste, race, condition, and thus call upon humanity to 
 follow the example, and upon the human soul to awaken to 
 its intrinsic Divinity, and to cast off forever and ever the 
 tyranny of churches, and the thought-killing despotism of 
 the priesthood? 
 
 “ All the progressive features of our age were summed up 
 by Mrs. Mott with wondrous compactness ; and while their 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 361 
 
 existence was traced by her to the growing anxiety of the 
 human mind to emancipate itself from the influence of 
 priesthood, 4 every one to do his own and her own thinking 
 to pass from the childhood of civilization into the riper 
 sphere of manhood, Mrs. Mott opines that the development 
 of those various contemplated reforms would only be re- 
 tarded by a relapse into the old enslavement of thought, 
 and could only be accelerated by a daily increasing appreci- 
 ation of the capabilities of the human soul by the world, 
 with recognition of the God in man.” 
 
 During the winter of 1856, it became apparent 
 that Lucretia Mott could no longer bear the strain of 
 keeping house in the city. She was weary with en- 
 tertaining so much, and being called hither and yon 
 as if she were public property. She was weary of 
 presiding at public meetings, of attending executive 
 committees, and of seeing strangers. It seemed 
 sometimes as if she could not call an hour of the 
 day her own ; all sorts of people came to her with 
 their affairs, and no one appeared to realize that she 
 might have affairs of her own. She was becoming 
 worn out, and some change was necessary. In this 
 emergency it was finally decided to sell “ Three- 
 thirty-eight,” and to buy in its place a certain little 
 farm-house eight miles out of town on the Old York 
 Road, just opposite Oak Farm, where some of her 
 children already lived. This was accordingly done ; 
 but not without mourning and lamentation from 
 those of the family left in the city, and keen regret 
 on their own part that the community life must come 
 to an end. It had been proved an entire success in 
 every way ; and the old house was endeared to all 
 by many pleasant associations. When its sale was 
 actually consummated, a rhyming member of the 
 
362 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT . 
 
 family echoed the general feeling in a series of verses, 
 each beginning, 
 
 “ Weep for the glory of Three-thirty-eight! ” 
 
 These were read in the last family meeting to a large 
 gathering of the clan. They were very personal — 
 and very funny — and were greeted with much 
 laughter, but when they were finished, many eyes 
 were glistening with tears. They began thus : — 
 
 “ Weep for the glory of Three-thirty- eight ! 
 
 Weep for the family, once so elate ! 
 
 Weep for the friends, who their sorrows will date 
 From the day of the closing of Three-thirty-eight ! ” 
 
 There were also some other “ poems of lamenta- 
 tion ” read on that memorable occasion, from which 
 a few of the least personal verses can be selected. 
 They make no pretensions to any real poetical merit, 
 but from their association, are valuable in our family 
 annals. These began : — 
 
 “Who wearied of the world’s renown, 
 
 And sought a useful life to crown, 
 
 By selling off his house in town ? 
 
 James Mott. 
 
 “ Who was it that the sale decreed, 
 
 And urged him on to do the deed, 
 
 And wished to close the terms with speed? 
 
 Lucretia ! 
 
 Then followed some sixteen or seventeen other 
 verses, descriptive of one and all, and ending with, — 
 
 “Who constantly will ring the bell, 
 
 And ask if they will please to tell 
 Where Mrs. Mott has gone to dwell ? 
 
 The beggars. 
 
 “ And who persistently will say 
 ‘ We cannot, cannot go away. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 363 
 
 Here in the entry let us stay ’ ? 
 
 Colored beggars. 
 
 “ Who never, never, nevermore 
 Will see the ‘ lions ’ at the door 
 That they ’ve so often seen before? 
 
 The neighbors. 
 
 “ And who will miss, for months at least, 
 
 That place of rest for man and beast, 
 
 From North, and South, and West, and East? 
 
 Every body. ’ * 
 
 Meantime, the little farm-house had been altered 
 and enlarged, and in the spring of 1857 James and 
 Lucretia Mott moved out there, and called the place 
 Roadside. Here they spent the rest of their lives. 
 
Roadside. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 When James and Lucretia Mott retired to country 
 life, it seemed to be only a temporary seclusion from 
 which they might emerge after the quiet of a few 
 years, but in reality, it marked a distinct period in 
 their lives, and one which proved to be the closing 
 portion. They still kept up an active interest in the 
 reforms of the day, and continued to attend such 
 meetings and conventions as took place within mod- 
 erate distances of Philadelphia, driving to them in 
 their own carriage, when it was possible. This was 
 no handsome equipage, with coachman and pair of 
 horses, but a neat, square, covered wagon, of what 
 would now be considered very antiquated pattern, 
 comfortable for two persons, and of an apparently 
 inexhaustible stowage capacity. The one horse was 
 generally a good animal, for James Mott was a crit- 
 ical judge of horses, and felt a pardonable pride in 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 365 
 
 those he owned. He and his wife had many a pleas- 
 ant drive together in the new leisure that had come 
 to them ; sometimes into the city, or to the neighbor- 
 ing town of Germantown, and occasionally through 
 the winding country roads into hilly Montgomery, or 
 fertile Chester County. In the summer of 1861 they 
 ventured as far as Auburn, N. Y., spending several 
 weeks on the journey. At another time, in prose- 
 cution of a concern felt by James Mott, they visited 
 in this way many of the country meetings of the 
 Society of Friends, near Philadelphia, James Mott 
 speaking at each one. 
 
 In driving, my grandfather enjoyed looking about 
 him as he went along, noticing the landscape, and 
 the crops, and the people ; while my grandmother, 
 on the contrary, regarded only the end of the jour- 
 ney, and felt little interest in intermediate objects. 
 She always took her knitting with her, and knitted 
 on the way. This occupation needed no eyesight, 
 and was no bar to conversation, the busy fingers 
 seeming to have an intelligence of their own. The 
 amount of work accomplished in this manner was 
 almost incredible. It was no mere fancy work, begun 
 for the entertainment of an idle hour. The little 
 pieces, knit separately in the form of shells or stars, 
 were afterward sewed together into bureau and table 
 covers, and crib-quilts for children and grandchil- 
 dren. When she first undertook to make these, it 
 was with the intention of providing substitutes for 
 her own covers and quilts, which good care could no 
 longer keep from wearing out. These were made 
 of English “ marseilles,” manufactured from free 
 cotton, and no more could be found in the American 
 market, except such as were made from cotton raised 
 
366 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 by slave labor. She therefore procured free knitting 
 cotton, and soon made for herself what she could not 
 buy. Then, having supplied her own wants, and 
 liking the convenient work, she continued it for the 
 benefit of others. 
 
 James and Lucretia Mott drove into Philadelphia 
 every Fourth-day morning to attend Friends’ meet- 
 ing. On First-days, until the death of the former, 
 they attended meeting at Germantown, or Abington, 
 with great regularity. Whenever t,hey drove into 
 the city, they were careful to take with them some 
 seasonable product of garden or farm, to give to one 
 or another of the family living in town. They never 
 went empty-handed. When there was nothing else, 
 I have known my grandmother to take two or three 
 freshly laid eggs in her hand-bag, in dangerous prox- 
 imity with its usual contents. One of her letters, 
 dated one Christmas Eve, says : — 
 
 “ Yesterday James Corr drove me into town with a dear- 
 born-load of turnips, scrapple, mince pies, and turkeys, to 
 be divided between House of Industry and Old Colored 
 Home. I made some calls, and then went round to some 
 dozen places, picking up 4 trifles light as air ’ for my pres- 
 ents. I find great comfort in keeping 4 in the simplicity,’ 
 and to useful articles. James Mott drove out with me, 
 with forty or fifty parcels in the wagon.” 
 
 The “ dozen places ” at which she chose her 
 Christmas presents were sure to be small out-of-the- 
 way shops, in whose support she had a kind of pity- 
 ing interest. She rarely entered the large shops of 
 the city, where she could have been better suited at 
 less price, but would walk long distances to make 
 her purchases at these other places. On her way 
 home, she would often contrive to call at a certain 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 367 
 
 confectioner’s (after the war made all sugar of free 
 produce), in order to take home to the children of 
 the household a favorite kind of cake made only at 
 that shop. Long after the rides in and out of town 
 had been superseded by the steam railway and the 
 tedious horse-car route, the same generous thought 
 for others and disregard of her own convenience, that 
 led her to carry into town the basket of fresh eggs 
 to give away, also induced her, no matter how laden 
 with bundles and bags, to take back with her the 
 equally awkward package of mountain-cake for the 
 gratification of the younger members of the family. 
 It was of no use to demur, or even to offer to assist 
 her. She liked to take the trouble, and to take it in 
 her own fashion. 
 
 This reminds me of an incident both amusing and 
 characteristic. Soon after moving into the country, 
 while on her way to the railway station, then at 
 Front and Willow streets, she saw in a second-hand 
 store a child’s high-chair, which she bought, to serve 
 as an extra one in the family. (In passing, I ought 
 to say that she seldom could go by that second-hand 
 * store without making some purchase.) The chair 
 was sent to the station, put on the cars, and put off 
 at the usual stopping-place, a mere shed on a side 
 lane. Contrary to custom, no carriage met her, and 
 no person was in sight. She stopped to think what 
 could be done with the chair, for it was hardly safe 
 to leave it where it was ; then saying to herself with 
 a little laugh, “ It is not heavy,” she took off her 
 bonnet, tied the strings together and hung it on her 
 arm, and, placing the chair upside-down on her head, 
 walked slowly across the fields to the house, nearly 
 a quarter of a mile, unseen by any but her own as- 
 tonished household. 
 
368 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE Tl A MOTT. 
 
 She was curiously unwilling either to exact or to 
 receive attentions. This was a marked peculiarity, 
 which naturally increased with age. In traveling, 
 if she were alone, she would slip quietly into a seat 
 near the rear end of the car, and seem to be asleep, 
 lest some fellow-traveler should notice her, and offer 
 his services as escort. It was kindness to leave her 
 to the unfailing companionship of her own thoughts. 
 When members of her family remonstrated with her 
 for going about alone, and offered to accompany her, 
 she would say, “No, thank thee, I do not want any- 
 one. There is always somebody to help me in and 
 out of the cars, and the conductors are very kind.” 
 When on occasions she stayed in Philadelphia over- 
 night to attend meetings, it was disagreeable to her 
 to be waited upon. Even late in the evening, she 
 would watch her opportunity to disappear unper- 
 ceived, and would walk unattended through the 
 streets to her lodging-place. The idea of fear never 
 entered her mind. An instance of this occurs in one 
 of her letters, as late as 1867. She says, “ I stayed 
 with sister Eliza until nearly nine in the evening, 
 and then slipped off, without troubling either of the 
 sons to wait on me to the horse-cars. I do enjoy in- 
 dependence.” 
 
 The following is another instance of the same sort, 
 as well as of her remarkable energy, to which ob- 
 stacles seemed to act only as incentives. It was 
 her intention to go with her daughter Anna several 
 miles into the country, to assist another daughter 
 with the carpets in her new house. After a very 
 busy day in the city, she reached the far up-town 
 depot at six o’clock, only to find that the train had 
 gone a half hour before. Most persons would then 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 369 
 
 have waited until the next morning, and she event- 
 ually was obliged to do so, but it was not until she 
 had tried several round-about ways to reach her des- 
 tination, without success. “ There was nothing to 
 do,” she says, “but to wait for the first morning 
 boat at six-thirty. So I went back to Edward Hop- 
 per’s, told them of my attempt, and joined in the 
 laugh at my expense. But next morning I rose 
 early, groped in the kitchen, found a pot of cold tea, 
 which with crackers was sufficient breakfast, and 
 walked down to the boat in good time. I got off at 
 Torresdale, the nearest stopping-place, although still 
 four miles from Elizabeth’s, got a lift in a dearborn 
 one mile, walked the other three, and reached the 
 house a few minutes after nine; w T as laughed at 
 again, and astonished at , and sewed on the entry car- 
 pets till near night.” This was in her sixty-eighth 
 year. In this connection let me introduce still an- 
 other letter, written seven years later, when she was 
 seventy-four years old. It was written just after she 
 and her husband returned from the first convention 
 of the Free Religious Association, held in Boston. 
 She had gone away from home in feeble health, but 
 the excitement of the journey and convention, so far 
 from doing her harm, seemed to revive her strength 
 and energy. The achievements recorded in this let- 
 ter might be envied by many of better health and 
 fewer years. It is dated : — 
 
 West Chester 6th mo. 5th, 1867. 
 
 . . . You cannot be surprised at my dating from this 
 place, we have been so much from home of late. ... We 
 reached Philadelphia on Seventh-day, at eleven o’clock, 
 not going out home till afternoon. On First-day morning 
 I flew around, put away our ironed clothes (which I al- 
 24 
 
370 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 ways prefer to have left for me to do), Unpacked and re- 
 packed our traveling bags, had an early breakfast, and off 
 we drove again for Darby, — thirteen miles, — to meeting. 
 There John and Mary Child joined us in their carriage, as 
 they did last year, and we came on to West Chester in 
 company, attended two Monthly Meetings, paid three or 
 four visits, and now here I am with Benjamin and Jane 
 Price. James had to return to Phila. I shall go to 
 Friends’ school and to meeting this morning, to the peace 
 meeting in the afternoon, to “ Progressive Friends’ ” meet- 
 ing at Longwood to-morrow, and on Sixth-day James will 
 join me again, to attend two more Monthly Meetings farther 
 west; returning to Kennett on First-day. We shall visit in 
 that neighborhood for two days, and come here again on 
 Fourth-day to the golden wedding of Benjamin and Jane 
 Price ; hurrying home that same afternoon and evening, in 
 the moonlight. 
 
 My grandparents never minded inclement weather. 
 If an engagement abroad had been made, neither 
 rain, nor snow, nor wind, was considered ; extra 
 wraps were got out, and they set forth. My weather- 
 wise grandmother was full of old nautical sayings 
 about new moons, and waning moons, and backing 
 winds, doubtless learned in the far-off Nantucket 
 childhood. She had a curious way of appending to 
 the date of her family letters, in log-book fashion, a 
 synopsis of the weather at the time of writing ; such 
 as, “ First mo. 8 th , clear and cold, high wind blow- 
 ing ; ” or “ Heavy rain from S. E. ; such storms never 
 last long ; ” or again, with a keen housewifely percep- 
 tion of the work pertaining to certain days in the 
 week. “ Second-day morning — clearing — clothes 
 drying nicely.” It would be an exaggeration to say 
 that her predictions concerning the weather always 
 came true, but it is within bounds to assure the reader 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 371 
 
 that they were generally correct. She would foretell 
 rain, when the skies were clear, and the air soft and 
 sweet, and the rain came ; or she would set out for 
 town in the face of what seemed to be unpropitious 
 gales, and the sun would soon break out and the day 
 prove to be what she had foreseen. She naturally 
 took pleasure and some pride in these prognostica- 
 tions. But though she often consulted the appear- 
 ance of the heavens to detect the signs of change, I 
 do not remember that she ever noticed the beauty of 
 the clouds, or the grandeur of sunset effects. She un- 
 derstood what they betokened for the morrow, but 
 that was all. My grandfather in his quiet way, took 
 more notice of such things, but he expressed little of 
 what he felt. 
 
 The house at Roadside was a sunny old place, sur- 
 rounded at first by cherry and apple and pear-trees ; 
 afterwards by maple and oak. The windows com- 
 manded pleasant, though limited views of the adja- 
 cent country, and looked up and down the much- 
 traveled “ Old York Road,” formerly the highway 
 for stage-coaches between Philadelphia and New 
 York. There was a small space between the house 
 and the road, originally hedged in by lilac and althea 
 bushes, but as these grew large and interfered with 
 a full view of the road, they were one by one sacri- 
 ficed to my grandmother’s dislike of being “ shut 
 in.” And many of the trees, too, as they spread 
 wider and shadier over the grass, fell under the same 
 decree. When the house was bought, it was a small 
 stone farm-house of the most primitive description. 
 A large addition to the north, and a kitchen wing to 
 the west, converted it into a substantial country resi- 
 dence. Externally, it was plain, but not unattrac- 
 
372 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TT A MOTT. 
 
 tive ; internally, it had the charm of oddly-shaped 
 rooms and queer passages, with unexpected turnings, 
 and steps up in one place, and down in another. 
 There was nothing handsome about the hall, nothing 
 imposing in the parlor but its fine , proportions, but 
 there was an air of hospitality and good cheer that 
 took possession of one entering its doors ; an atmos- 
 phere of cordiality, which rendered one insensible to 
 the lack of beautiful furniture and ornaments. Who 
 cared to think of carpets and hangings when James 
 Mott came forward, his kind face beaming, his ready 
 hand outstretched ? And when, from her chair by 
 the fireside, his wife rose to offer her cordial wel- 
 come ? A dear friend of theirs once said in my 
 childish hearing, “ James Mott’s greeting is a bene- 
 diction.” The words were a source of wonderment 
 then, for it was a daily blessing to me, lightly passed 
 by ; but in after years, when I returned a guest to 
 the old home, they came to my mind with full 
 meaning. 
 
 In looking back now, I can recall no other room 
 so attractive in its homely air of comfort, as the old- 
 fashioned parlor at Roadside. It was neither artistic 
 nor elegant, but it was lived in, every day, and bore 
 that indefinable mark. It was part of the new house. 
 In the south end, in what was the original house, was 
 the library, a small square room, lighted by two win- 
 dows, and a glass door opening on to the piazza. 
 This little library was the sanctum, the gathering- 
 place of the family in the morning, the quiet retreat 
 in the evening from the lively groups in the parlor. 
 Two book-cases held the well-worn volumes, and 
 from the walls looked down the faces of William 
 Lloyd Garrison, William Ashurst, George Thomp* 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 373 
 
 son, Elias Hicks, Miller McKim, Robert Purvis, and 
 some members of the family. On one side of the 
 fireplace was tacked a small map of Nantucket Island, 
 and another of the town, after the great fire of 1846, 
 while near by there hung a sort of genealogical 
 chart, with Tristram Coffyn at its centre. My grand- 
 father’s high, straight-backed chair stood at one side 
 of the fire near the light of the western window, and 
 in the corner behind it was the table, which in fam- 
 ily parlance was called “ the colt,” because of its long 
 legs. In the middle of the room, opposite the open 
 Franklin stove, stood my grandmother’s rocking- 
 chair, and her two-shelfed table, the latter covered 
 with books, papers, and writing materials, systemat- 
 ically arranged, and never disturbed but by her own 
 hands. A pretty Nantucket basket, devoted to car- 
 pet rags, and another sacred to mending, occupied 
 part of the lower shelf. Here she sat every morning 
 after her regular work was done, first to glance over 
 the “ Ledger,” 1 and then to settle accounts, or write 
 letters, or read some of the various books of interest 
 at the time. 
 
 When she enjoyed a book thoroughly, she could 
 not read it alone. If her ever-ready husband were 
 out of the way, going his rounds at stable or garden, 
 she would step quickly to the foot of the stairs, and 
 call for one or another of the family to come down 
 and share with her the pleasure of a fine passage. 
 Then in the evening she would read it again, and 
 make it a subject for general conversation ; or fail- 
 ing to obtain a sympathetic audience, she would 
 make copious extracts on various shabby bits of 
 paper, and put them away for future reference. 
 
 1 The morning newspaper. 
 
874 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 In tbis way she copied largely from some of her 
 favorite books, among them the “ Life of Joseph 
 Blanco White,” and Foxton’s “Popular Christian- 
 ity,” and later, the “Life of Dr. Arnold,” and some 
 of Dean Stanley’s addresses, particularly his valedic- 
 tory address at St. Andrews. Her printed copy of the 
 latter was worn out with much reading and lending. 
 
 Most of thes.e notes were written, as I have said, 
 on odds and ends of paper, but her favorite scraps 
 were the inside of envelopes that had been used. 
 After her death, numbers of these were found, tucked 
 into larger envelopes and carefully tied up and la- 
 beled. This habit was often deprecated by her fam- 
 ily, who furnished her with what they considered 
 more suitable paper, but she preferred her own way. 
 Such rigid economy — for it was nothing else — 
 might seem to border on parsimony, but that she 
 gave so freely of her limited means. She saved in 
 one way only to be generous in another. Her hus- 
 band sympathized fully with her in these habits. 
 They had both been trained to economy in a hard 
 school, where pennies and half pennies had to be ac- 
 counted for with conscientious scruple ; and when 
 the time came that extreme care was no longer nec- 
 essary for themselves, they continued it in order to 
 be able to help others. The amount they gave away 
 was a large portion of what was never more than a 
 moderate income. It was not given to ordinary 
 charities, as a rule, but was quietly passed over, five 
 dollars here, ten there, or fifty, perhaps, to help some 
 poor overworked seamstress to a holiday, to alleviate 
 a case of temporary distress, or to furnish an unex- 
 pected treat to some self-denying drudge. They 
 liked to supply to others what some one has called 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 375 
 
 the u necessary superfluities of life,” although denying 
 them to themselves. In one of her letters, Lucretia 
 Mott says, u James and I both feel that the pleasure 
 will be far greater in using what we may have, above 
 our own wants, for the help of those dear to us, and 
 of others, too, now while we live, rather than to leave 
 it for the law’s division, or indeed for appropriation 
 by legacy.” 
 
 They had also a wonderful way of divining the 
 wants of those around them, and supplying the 
 wherewithal. Many of us can remember one occa- 
 sion when several members of the household, chil- 
 dren, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, were 
 preparing for a trip to Auburn, N. Y., to welcome 
 home two young wanderers from a year’s journey 
 around the world. She called each one to her in the 
 course of the day, and handed him, or her, a sum suf- 
 ficient to cover the whole expense „of the journey. 
 About this same time, on the same morning perhaps, 
 a member of the household, going into her room, 
 found her diligently mending a rip in her pillow. 
 She glanced up and said, “ Will thee please open 
 that bureau drawer for me ? Right in front in the 
 corner, thee will find a feather that I want.” The 
 feather was given her ; she tucked it into the pillow, 
 and sewed up the hole. 
 
 Another instance of her saving was the use of 
 ravelings in sewing carpet rags, and in many kinds 
 of mending where strength was not required. This 
 has often been commented upon, sometimes with 
 harshness or ridicule ; but it is not for one who prof- 
 ited by her generosity to criticise, as excessive, the 
 economy that made such generosity possible. 
 
 Both she and my grandfather kept an accurate 
 
376 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT . 
 
 account of their expenses, and paid cash for what- 
 ever they bought. They regarded looseness in pe- 
 cuniary matters as a fault very nearly criminal ; and 
 while they were generous, they were also exact. 
 
 During the first few years at Roadside, George 
 and Martha Lord and their little children formed 
 part of the family. Afterwards, as will be seen in 
 the course of the accompanying letters, they went to 
 New York to live. This would have left James and 
 Lucretia Mott alone, but that in the mean time their 
 second daughter, Maria, with her husband, Edward 
 M. Davis, and their children, had come to live with 
 them. By this change Lucretia Mott was released 
 from all housekeeping cares, and though she con- 
 tinued for a while the oversight to which she had 
 been so long accustomed, she finally dropped it alto- 
 gether. But there were some things, — such as the 
 daily care of her own room, — which she always 
 preferred to do herself, and there were certain dishes, 
 the making of which she trusted to no hands but her 
 own. 
 
 No matter how absorbed she was in reading, or 
 sewing, or conversation, she found time to slip away 
 into the kitchen and prepare the famous Nantucket 
 blackberry pudding, or the calf’s head, or the corn 
 soup. And during the summer she called it her 
 privilege to pick the peas in the garden, and shell 
 them for dinner each day. 
 
 Before any one else was stirring in the house, she 
 would be up and out in the cool, dewy morning, and 
 by the time breakfast was ready — generally at seven 
 o’clock — she would bring in her basket of peas. 
 Some of the family demurred, for a while, at this 
 self-imposed labor, but when they found that she 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 377 
 
 really seemed to derive bodily strength, as well as 
 great enjoyment from the occupation, nothing more 
 was said. She used to declare that nothing was so 
 refreshing to her, as the odor of the moist earth in 
 the early morning before the hot sun had parched it. 
 Even a slight shower was no hindrance ; her tiny 
 form could easily take shelter under the fragrant 
 pea vines, and her garments were fitted for the ser- 
 vice. She liked also to gather raspberries and black- 
 berries, and in the summer afternoons she and her 
 husband, she, hardly as tall as the vines, he, head 
 and shoulders above them, were often to be seen in 
 the garden at this pursuit. Then she would come 
 into the house to receive visitors in the parlor, or read 
 abstruse essays in the library, with equal ease, and 
 apparently with equal interest, her husband continu- 
 ing his out-door occupations. 
 
 He was less of a reader than she, but always en- 
 joyed a good book, and especially a good novel. I 
 remember seeing him one rainy day sitting in his big 
 chair close by the window, intently reading some new 
 book. It was before they moved out of town. When 
 dusk came on, he was still reading, and the gas was 
 lighted earlier than usual, that he might continue ; 
 when my bed-time came, — rather early in those 
 days, — there he sat, still absorbed; and at breakfast 
 the next morning, he was the object of general rail- 
 lery, because he would not confess at what hour in 
 the night he had stopped. The magical book was 
 “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” just published. Even our 
 grandmother yielded to its influence, and listened 
 without impatience to an occasional chapter, — she, 
 who condemned novels, and wondered how any one 
 could find them interesting. 
 
378 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 Our grandfather liked also to stroll about the place 
 doing the many nothings which were nobody’s special 
 work, and which, when done, contributed so much to 
 the general air of order and thrift. In summer he 
 always carried with him a long handled weed-cut- 
 ter, made after his own device, which enabled him, 
 without bending over, to uproot at one thrust the 
 weeds that disfigured the lawn. Even the ubiquitous 
 plantain succumbed to his persistency. The little 
 children of the family liked to accompany him in 
 these wanderings, and to collect in little piles the 
 weeds which he cut off. In their visits to Roadside, 
 they were the devoted companions of this good and 
 gentle grandfather. In the heat of noon, he would 
 come into the house to read, or sit on the piazza in 
 the great, table-armed chair, or even more frequently, 
 spend the drowsy leisure under the shade of a favor- 
 ite pear-tree, with his chair leaning back against its 
 trunk. Then, in the afternoon, he would drive to the 
 station, or to Germantown to do errands, or accom- 
 pany our grandmother in her round of visits and 
 meetings, and weddings. She was much in demand 
 on such occasions. 
 
 It is customary among Friends to appoint two 
 persons of each sex to attend the marriage of mem- 
 bers of the Society, to “ see that good order is ob- 
 served.” If the parties concerned have any choice, 
 the Meeting usually appoints those whom they desig- 
 nate. In this way James and Lucretia Mott attended 
 many weddings, in the latter part of their lives, and 
 Lucretia Mott often said a few words after the cere- 
 mony. Of her participation at such times, the Rev. 
 William H. Furness says: — 
 
 “ On more than one occasion it was my privilege to offi- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 379 
 
 date at weddings where she was present, and when the 
 marriage service was over she was moved to speak a word 
 of counsel to the bridal pair ; and she discharged the office 
 with such a grace, that all wedding ceremonies seemed un- 
 finished when her benign voice was not heard there. I 
 remember once how she told a young couple, that she owed 
 the happiness of her wedded life to the fact that her hus- 
 band and herself were one in a deep interest in the sacred 
 cause of wronged humanity. Thus this deep interest, this 
 hunger and thirst for right, was a well of life in her, mak- 
 ing the present rich in happiness, and keeping her heart 
 full.” 
 
 Even more acceptable was her presence in the house 
 of mourning. Though, as she said in one of her let- 
 ters, she “ often shrank from giving utterance to the 
 sympathy her heart prompted, so vain seem words of 
 condolence,” yet, notwithstanding this, she was pre- 
 eminently a “ comforter among mourners.” Her 
 thoughtful words of hope, as free from the affecta- 
 tion of undue grief, and the irony of over-praise, as 
 from coldness and indifference, found their way into 
 sorrowing hearts like healing medicine. 
 
 It is difficult to give a connected account of the 
 lives of James and Lucretia Mott during the next 
 ten years, sometimes in the quiet country retreat, 
 sometimes in the whirl of the city ; at one time ap- 
 parently engrossed by domestic duties, and then ab- 
 sorbed in the day and night sessions of a fugitive 
 slave’s trial ; and again, in the happy circle of a fam- 
 ily gathering. In this dilemma, it seems best to 
 leave this checkered description to Lucretia Mott’s 
 letters. No matter how abruptly it changes from 
 one subject to another, it cannot be more kaleido- 
 scopic than was the life it describes. The letters are 
 
380 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 addressed mostly to her sister, Martha C. Wright, in 
 Auburn, N. Y., and to her daughter, Martha M. Lord, 
 after the latter went away from Roadside. 
 
 In describing to her sister a visit that she had had 
 from a cousin, whose views on most subjects, and par- 
 ticularly on religious observances, differed essentially 
 from her own, she says : — 
 
 “ The First-day that cousin M. was with us, I brought 
 out one article at a time to work upon, not so much with 
 reference to her Sunday piety, as to be consistent with my 
 custom always on this day, not to have work-baskets about, 
 or much going on ; but to make it a kind of leisure day, 
 while at the same time not hesitating to do anything 
 openly ; never concealing work because a pious observer 
 approached. 
 
 To my surprise, our cousin rather bore me out in it ; as 
 people often would find the case, if they were not afraid of 
 their shadows. She, in turn, told of writing letters on that 
 day, while those who condemned her would snooze away 
 the afternoon in idleness ; and asked which was worst.” 
 
 When Martha Wright replied to this, she related 
 a little incident of her own experience. A friend of 
 hers, whose intimate relations with the family gave 
 her frequent opportunity to notice how superior 
 were its regulations, said to her, “ How much you 
 do, Mrs. Wright, and yet how much leisure you 
 have ! ” To which she answered, “ You forget that 
 I have seven days a week, while you church people 
 have only six.” 
 
 llth mo. 28th, 1858. 
 
 ... I received a letter from Fanny Kemble last week, 
 written at her cousin’s request, to inform us of the death of 
 George Combe. We had already received a circular, bor- 
 dered with deep black, announcing it. I had intended 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 381 
 
 writing to Cecilia Combe, and delayed no longer. I also 
 answered Fanny Kemble’s letter. We felt his death as of 
 one allied by strong ties of friendship. 
 
 Her acquaintance with Mrs. Kemble dated from 
 the early days of the anti-slavery agitation, when 
 sympathy with abolitionists was a stigma upon one’s 
 social repute. It was, therefore, a noted exception, 
 when any one well known in the Belgravia of our 
 cities, was bold enough to extend a friendly hand to 
 these “ disturbers of the public peace.” Mrs. Kem- 
 ble’s surroundings were little calculated to encourage 
 countenance to these “ fanatics ; ” but her warm 
 heart and quick perceptions were soon awakened to 
 the iniquity of the slave system, and notwithstand- 
 ing her being assured that it was a blessing to the 
 negro race, she did not hesitate to declare her abhor- 
 rence of it. In company with the Rev. William H. 
 Furness, always a valued friend of James and Lu- 
 cretia Mott, she sought an interview with them, to 
 express her sympathy with their position, and from 
 that time continued to show her kind feeling in many 
 effective ways. They often spoke in admiration of 
 her. Once, when my grandmother went with a 
 friend to call on Mrs. Kemble, in her country home, 
 they were entertained by being shown the beautiful 
 grounds around the house. As they strolled along, 
 Mrs. Kemble gathered flowers for her guests, and 
 failing to find a string with which to tie them, with 
 sudden and characteristic humor she snatched a hair- 
 string from her own hair, saying, “ Here, Mrs. Mott, 
 I will tie these with the only thing a married wo- 
 man can call her own.” 
 
382 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 7th mo. 6th, 1858. 
 
 . . . R — B gives forth her views both on slavery 
 
 and on woman, which are in the main good, but from not 
 attending any of our meetings, nor reading our reports, she 
 is ignorant, and thinks the advocates of these causes are as 
 fanatical as the papers and popular opinion represent them. 
 Some years ago, when speaking in a meeting in Richmond, 
 Va., she introduced some remarks on anti-slavery, — some 
 rose and left the room. She said, “ Stop, friends ! I am 
 no abolitionist.” Later, having seen an account of this in 
 the papers, I expressed my regret that she should pander 
 to the pro-slavery prejudices of the people by such a dis- 
 claimer. She replied to me, u Oh, my dear, I was not cor- 
 rectly reported ; I said, 4 1 am no modern abolitionist . 9 >9 
 Now she knew no better than to suppose that would be a 
 satisfactory explanation to me ! 
 
 The misrepresentations of our opposers do us and the 
 cause great harm. Having suffered for years by false 
 witnesses having been suborned, makes me cautious how I 
 
 receive the testimony of G , or any other, against P. A!, 
 
 Mrs F., the Spiritualists, or indeed any of the reform mono- 
 maniacs. Anti-Slavery, after bearing misrepresentation for 
 twenty -five years, is just beginning to have the truth 
 spoken of its doings. Let each and all expound their own 
 creed, and then let us judge righteous judgment. Miller is 
 quite troubled that anti-slavery should be so mixed up with 
 other and objectionable “ isms.” He thinks conservatism 
 is needed, and that I ought to read and understand the views 
 of those ultra free-love people, so as to give my influence 
 against them. I do not feel called to such an ungracious 
 task ; and as to reading what is distasteful, when there is so 
 much of the deepest interest, which time fails me to peruse, 
 I cannot do it. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 883 
 
 TO MARY EARLE, NANTUCKET. 
 
 9th mo. 16tb, 1858. 
 
 My dear Cousin Mary, — I read thy late letter an- 
 nouncing thy dear mother’s ninetieth birthday, with no or- 
 dinary interest . 1 The time is at hand, and had I any poetic 
 genius, its fruits should be offered at her shrine. Were I 
 gifted with the pen of a ready writer, thy honored mother, 
 so well-beloved, should have its best production. As these 
 are denied, she shall have proof from Holy Writ, that her 
 “ age shall be clearer than the noon-day.” She “ shall 
 shine forth,” and “ shall be as the morning,” and “ shall be 
 secure, because there is hope,” and “ shall take (her) rest 
 in safety ; ” because, to the trusting souls there is promise ; 
 “ Even to your old age, I am he ; and even to hoar hairs, 
 I will carry you.” How can we improve such a bless- 
 ing? . . . Ever, L. Mott. 
 
 10th mo. 16th, 1858. 
 
 ... I am much pleased to hear of those young people 
 who are willing to devote time and talent to the woman 
 cause. But let not our faithful Susan B. Anthony abate 
 one whit of her outspoken zeal ; nor E. C. Stanton one 
 word of her vigorous writing. Lucy Stone is worth a dozen 
 quiet workers. Give me noise on this subject ; a real Bo- 
 anerges. It needs that the advocates of woman’s rights 
 should be thoroughly grounded, to be able to stand firm 
 against all opposition, and ridicule, and misrepresentation. 
 I agree * with thee, as to Lucy Stone’s right to her own 
 name, if she choose to retain it ; while glad also, that An- 
 toinette B. B. was independent enough not to be governed 
 by Lucy’s example, if she did not choose to. It has amused 
 me to see the wrath of some, because of Lucy’s retaining 
 her name, and how it is made an excuse for having no more 
 to do with the cause. . . . 
 
 The acquaintance of James and Lucretia Mott 
 
 1 She was grandmother Coffin’s next older sister, Phebe. 
 
384 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 with Robert Collyer -began soon after the former 
 moved into the country. Robert Collyer was then 
 working in the hammer factory near by, and was a 
 prominent class-leader in the little Methodist Church 
 of the neighborhood. All the country-side talked of 
 his eloquence and his extensive reading. They said 
 he studied and read on his way to and from work. 
 His own words best tell the story of his meeting my 
 grandparents : — 
 
 “ It fell to my lot to find them in the latter years of 
 their life together, and this was how I found them ; I was 
 then living about a mile from a place they had bought in 
 the suburbs of Philadelphia. 
 
 “We had started a lyceum the previous winter in the 
 school-house, and were hammering away at a great rate, as 
 to which is the most beautiful, the works of art or the 
 works of nature, and whether the negro or the Indian had 
 received the worst usage at the hands of the white man, — 
 a matter we could not settle, for the life of us, — when 
 Mr. Davis, a son-in-law of James and Lucretia Mott, came 
 in, and before we knew what was coming plunged us head- 
 long into the surging and angry tide of abolitionism. I was 
 then, as I always had been, in favor of emancipation by 
 practically letting the thing alone, or putting it away into 
 the far future. He said no ; the thing should be done this 
 instant. 
 
 “ Then one night Lucretia Mott came in and poured out 
 her soul on us, and I, for one, threw up my hands and said : 
 ‘ You are right. I fight henceforth under this banner.’ 
 After some weeks James Mott said : ‘We want thee to 
 come to our house,’ and I went, as I had gone to the house 
 of Mr. Davis. But I went with that sensitive pride a self- 
 respecting working man always feels in such a case. I 
 would stand no patronage, no condescension ; no, not in 
 an accent. If I felt this, even in the atmosphere, they 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 385 
 
 should go their way, and I should go mine. I found it was 
 simply like going into another and ampler home of my 
 own ; and this was not something they were doing care- 
 fully and by concert ; it was natural as their life ; they had 
 no room in their fine natures for any other thought. 
 
 “ This was how I came to know these Friends, and to be 
 at last almost as one of their own kinsmen. ,, 
 
 To resume the letters : — 
 
 12th mo. 27th, 1858. 
 
 . . . Robert Collyer was here most of the afternoon, 
 reading aloud with Edward, Buckle’s “ History of Civiliza- 
 ion.” Thou mays’t have seen the reviews of it — only one 
 volume published yet. William H. Furness, when I met 
 him at the anti-slavery Fair, was enthusiastic in praise of it. 
 J B says it will do more to break down supersti- 
 
 tion and false theology than any other book that has been 
 published these hundred and fifty years. 
 
 Thy account of Starr King’s lecture interested us. We 
 have been greatly pleased with listening to R. W. Emer- 
 son. His lecture on “ The Law of Success ” is full of 
 gems. Collyer heard him for the first time, and was car- 
 ried away with delight. He remembered so much yester- 
 day, that we quite enjoyed hearing it over. I spoke to 
 Emerson after the lecture, thanking him for it ; he replied, 
 “ I got some leaves out of your book,” adding, “ from 
 your New Bedford friends.” I remembered that his mind 
 was enlightened beyond his pulpit and ordinances about 
 the time of the enlightened Mary Newall’s coming out, 
 and I doubt not she had some influence on him. The only 
 objection I found to his philosophy the other evening was 
 his making Nature utilize everything — the bad as well 
 as the good. That may be in the animal economy — but 
 in morals, I told him, wickedness works only evil, and that 
 continually, and the only way was to destroy it with un- 
 quenchable fire. Certain essays written last winter made 
 good and evil, right and wrong, no longer antagonistic, but 
 25 
 
386 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 running in parallel lines. I do not understand it, and want 
 no such quietus to the conscience. Buckle calls Free Will 
 a metaphysical, while Predestination is a theological hy- 
 pothesis or dogma. It was revolting to my moral sense 
 years ago, when I heard Dr. Tyng at a Colonization Meet- 
 ing say, that with all the cruelties of the slave-trade, the 
 horrors of the middle passage, and the evils of slavery in 
 this country, he was prepared to say that slavery and the 
 slave-trade would yet be a blessing to Africa. At that 
 time Liberia was held up as a great civilizer and evangel- 
 izer to the nation. 
 
 William Logan Fisher called here yesterday. He has 
 been writing a new edition of his Sabbath book, now nearly 
 ready for publication. He too has been reading Buckle, 
 and objects to it as wanting in spirituality. Edward Davis 
 is in raptures with the book, and is re-reading it now. 
 
 3rd mo. 8th, 1859. 
 
 . . . James and I have had a very satisfactory visit in 
 Baltimore and Washington. Our meetings were large, and 
 people kind and attentive. There was a pleasant reception 
 at Dr. Bailey’s on Seventh-day evening ; we saw — oh, so 
 many ! We visited Miss Miner’s school and the colored 
 meeting ; also wasted time at the Capitol, looking at those 
 lazy loungers, and listening to “ Buncombe.” We met there 
 Jessie White Mario, who had brought letters of introduction 
 to us from Professor Nichol of Glasgow University, and 
 traveled with her as far as Baltimore, where she is to lec- 
 ture Fifth-day evening. I no sooner reached Philadelphia 
 than I went from Dan to Beersheba to make interest for 
 her ; have since corresponded with her, and now think we 
 shall get up a lecture or two for her in our city. She is an 
 earnest, pleasing woman — a little too much u fight for 
 Italy ” — but how smart for her to undertake so much ! We 
 are to have a visit from her and her husband, to whom she 
 introduced us. Since our return we have been twenty 
 miles up the country, holding anti-slavery meetings. The 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 387 
 
 first ever held at Gwynned ! Mary Grew did admirably. 
 Edward Davis joined us at Horseham and brought me 
 home. It did look so pleasant to see our long tea table. . . . 
 
 5th mo., 1859. 
 
 . . . Nothing could be more ill-judged than was the 
 reading in the convention that evening, and nothing more 
 forced than thy sister’s remarks following ; I was amused 
 with the comment in the newspaper, that “ there was noth- 
 ing fresh ” — which was a fact. To be set up to speak half 
 an hour, with nothing special to inspire one at the time, is 
 an infliction to the speaker, and a bore to the audience. I 
 have great faith in our Quaker dependence upon the light 
 within “to speak as the Spirit giveth utterance.” Fixed 
 speeches on such occasions are not to be compared to spon- 
 taneous discussions. Wendell Phillips is, of course, always 
 an exception. 
 
 If you take the trouble to read the newspaper report, do 
 correct where it makes me say “ even the glowing views ” ; 
 it ought to be “ gloomy views.” And again, “ the seed 
 sowed by me in weakness ! ” I never said by me ; not I ! 
 
 In the spring of 1859 a colored man named Daniel 
 Dangerfield (alias Webster) was seized on a farm 
 near Harrisburg, on the charge of being a fugi- 
 tive slave, and carried, handcuffed, to Philadelphia 
 to be tried before the United States Commissioner. 
 Previous to this year, and during the jurisdiction 
 of Judge Kane and Commissioner Ingraham, such 
 cases had generally resulted in the sending back of 
 the fugitive to slavery ; but with the substitution 
 of a new officer, a young man of Quaker antece- 
 dents, the abolitionists were inspired with renewed 
 hope. 
 
 They engaged eminent counsel for the benefit of 
 Dangerfield, and after a trial of absorbing interest, 
 
388 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 — lasting all one day, through that night, and into 
 the next day, — he was released. Mary Grew, who 
 was present, related some of the incidents of this 
 exciting scene as follows : — 
 
 “ Anti-slavery men and women thronged the court-room, 
 sat through weary hours of the day and the night, and 
 walked home in the dawning light of the next morning, 
 sad and hopeless. 
 
 “ The fact that Mrs. Mott’s seat was near to the prisoner 
 so disturbed the equanimity of the chief counsel of the 
 claimant, that he caused it to be moved ; but it was quickly 
 replaced by one of the opposing lawyers. There really 
 seemed to be no cause for alarm. Mrs. Mott was known 
 to be a non-resistant ; police officers sufficiently armed were 
 in attendance on the prisoner ; his claimants and their 
 counsel were close at hand. That the mild-looking Quaker 
 lady had unseen power to effect a rescue of their victim 
 was highly improbable. Yet in the presence of that im- 
 personation of righteousness, and sympathy with the vic- 
 tims of wrong, the strong man quailed. The decree of the 
 Commissioner, J. Cooke Longstreth, set Dangerfield at lib- 
 erty.” 
 
 Speaking of this trial, almost twenty years after- 
 wards, Lucretia Mott said : — 
 
 “ About that time our anti-slavery women were often at 
 the courts. On this occasion, several of us, and some men, 
 were in waiting in a small basement under the court-room, 
 corner of Fifth and Chestnut sts. Commissioner Long- 
 streth sat at the table writing. 
 
 “ Knowing him as a birthright member of the Society of 
 Friends, I ventured to step forward, and, in an undertone, 
 expressed to him the earnest hope that his conscience would 
 not allow him to send this poor man into slavery. He re- 
 ceived it civilly ; but replied that he must be bound by his 
 oath of office, — or words to that effect, — as nearly as I 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 389 
 
 can remember. This line of the poet came to my mind, 
 which I simply repeated, and said no more, — 
 
 ‘ But remember 
 
 The traitor to humanity, is the traitor most accursed.’ 
 
 When the man was brought in, a great crowd was collected 
 inside and out, and a rush was made for the court-room, 
 when a son of Judge Kane came and offered to conduct 
 me in. The Commissioner had an anxious countenance, 
 and looked pale. The case occupied the remainder of the 
 day and all the night, several women remaining until morn- 
 ing. It was evident that the Commissioner wished to favor 
 the poor man as far as he could, and finally he decided 
 that as the height of the man did not agree with the testi- 
 mony of the claimant, he could not be given up. 
 
 “ This is the only case in which I ever interfered in any 
 trial by our courts, further than to shelter the fugitives.” 
 
 Even after Dangerfield was released, it seemed 
 questionable if he could be saved from the rabble, 
 who, sympathizing with the South, surged up and 
 down the street outside the court-room, and threat- 
 ened to deliver him over to the master from whom 
 he had just escaped. 
 
 But a band of young men, who also had sat 
 through the trial, biding their time, — most of them 
 Quaker boys, who had grown up under the inspiring 
 influence of the abolitionists, — were even more de- 
 termined that Dangerfield should retain his hard- 
 won freedom, and they succeeded in baffling the 
 crowd, by escorting another colored man, who re- 
 sembled him, to a carriage and driving him off; 
 while the real Dangerfield quietly walked out and 
 away, in the company of some of his friends, to 
 a retired place where a conveyance awaited him. 
 Thence he was taken to an unsuspected station of 
 
390 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TT A MOTT. 
 
 the famous “ Underground Railroad,” 1 and in a few 
 days was safe in Canada. 
 
 Two years later the same Quaker boys were en- 
 gaged in the larger contest of the Civil War, bring- 
 ing to it the same determined advocacy of right and 
 resistance of wrong. 
 
 Soon after this celebrated case, the Rev. Wm. H. 
 Furness, of Philadelphia, made it the subject of a 
 sermon, from which I extract the following para- 
 graph, which alludes to Lucretia Mott’s connection 
 with it : — 
 
 “ I looked the other day into that low, dark, and crowded 
 room, in which one of the most wicked laws that man ever 
 enacted was in process of execution, and there I beheld the 
 living presence of that Spirit of Christ, out of which shall 
 again grow the beautiful Body of Christ, the true Church. 
 
 “ The close and heated atmosphere of the place well be- 
 came the devilish work that was going on. The question 
 was, whether, for no crime, but for the color of the skin 
 which God gave him, a fellow-man should be robbed of his 
 dear liberty, and degraded to a chattel and a brute. 
 
 “ There sat the man in his old hat and red flannel shirt 
 and ragged coat, just as he was seized by the horrible des- 
 potism. There he sat, while questions were discussed in- 
 volving things dearer to him than life. On one side of him 
 stood the minister of the cruel law. On the other — the 
 place was luminous to my soul with a celestial light — for 
 there stood a devoted Christian woman, blind to all out- 
 ward distinctions and defacements, deaf to the idle babble 
 of the world’s tongues, cheering her poor hunted brother 
 with the sisterly sympathy of her silent presence. 
 
 “ And as I looked upon her, I felt that Christ was there ; 
 that no visible halo of sanctity was needed to distinguish 
 
 1 The country seat of Morris L. Hallowell, eight miles distant from the 
 city. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 391 
 
 that simple act of humanity, done under such circumstances, 
 as an act preeminently Christian, profoundly sacred, inef- 
 fably religious.” 
 
 A striking instance of her power over others, even 
 over those most prejudiced against her, is given in 
 an incident of this trial. Benjamin H. Brewster , 1 
 the counsel for the Southern master, met her son-in- 
 law, Edward Hopper, one of the advocates on the 
 side of Dangerfield, and said, “ I have heard a great 
 deal of your mother-in-law, Hopper, but I never saw 
 her before to-day. She is an angel.” 
 
 It is also related of this same gentleman, several 
 years after, on his changing his political opinions, 
 and being asked how he dared make the change, that 
 he replied, “ Do you think there is anything I dare 
 not do, after facing Lucretia Mott in that court- 
 room, and knowing she wished me in hell ! ” Had 
 he known her better, he could not have said that ; 
 and still it is hardly to be wondered at, for I recol- 
 lect well the stern expression of her countenance, as 
 she steadfastly watched him, while he made his able 
 argument on the wrong side. 
 
 In the next autumn came the “ great awakening ” 
 shock of John Brown’s attack on Harper’s Ferry, and 
 the tragedy that followed. 
 
 During some of the anxious days preceding his 
 trial, his poor wife found sympathetic friends in 
 James and Lucretia Mott, who took her to their quiet 
 country home, and gave her what comfort they could. 
 The letters relating to these events are not to be 
 found. Being of unusual general interest, they were 
 sent to the farthermost branches of the family tree, 
 
 1 The present United States Attorney-General. 
 
392 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 and were lost sight of. But we do not need them to 
 remind us of the stormy excitement which took pos- 
 session of the whole country, and which in the South, 
 only a few months later, rose into active rebellion. 
 
 It was a trying time to the abolitionists, but it 
 proved to be the dark before the dawn. When the 
 time came that winter for the annual anti-slavery 
 Fair to be held, a leading newspaper of Philadelphia 
 went so far as to ask its readers if they meant to 
 permit it to be opened ; but the abolitionists were 
 not to be intimidated by such appeals to mob law, 
 and the Fair began as usual, only in a larger and 
 more prominent hall than before. 
 
 One of those 1 nearly concerned in its welfare 
 wrote : — 
 
 “ Our Annual Fair was in quiet and successful progress, 
 when we were surprised by an order from the mayor of the 
 city to take down our flag. Its picture of the old Liberty 
 Bell, with the well known inscription, ‘ Proclaim liberty 
 throughout all the land, to all the inhabitants thereof/ was 
 regarded as an incitement to riot. 
 
 “ This action was soon followed by the entrance of the 
 sheriff, who took possession of the hall, locked its doors, 
 and thus closed the business of the Fair. The managers 
 assembled in the room to take counsel together, and decide 
 upon the best suitable course for them to pursue. 
 
 “Mrs. Mott spoke in reply to the statements of the 
 sheriff and his lawyer. She said that she was glad to hear 
 her friend, Mr. Gilpin, express regret for this occurrence ; 
 she well remembered some service of his rendered to the 
 anti-slavery cause in earlier days ; that we did not re- 
 proach the officers for their part in this affair, we were so 
 sorry for them that they held offices which obliged them to 
 perform such deeds.” 
 
 1 Mary Grew. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 393 
 
 In obedience to an order from the sheriff to re- 
 move their property within three hours, on the plea 
 that “ the hall had been rented for a purpose which 
 tended to excite popular commotion,” the managers 
 transferred their goods to the Assembly Buildings, 
 which were at once opened to them, in brave dis- 
 regard of popular prejudice. Here they held their 
 Fair, and the meetings in connection with it, with 
 great success, for the remainder of the week. 
 
 The mob, so recklessly invoked by the newspapers, 
 instead of attacking the Fair, directed its violence 
 against an assembly in National Hall, gathered to 
 listen to a lecture by George Wm. Curtis, upon the 
 “ Present Aspect of the Country.” As fearless as 
 in their younger days, James and Lucretia Mott at- 
 tended this meeting, and occupied seats on the plat- 
 form. 
 
 Here follow various short, but characteristic ex- 
 tracts, which need neither date nor special comment ; 
 after which the letters are given in regular order. 
 
 “ How often have I thought when walking by our State 
 House in Chestnut Street, with a dozen errands to do, and 
 there have seen hundreds of idle men standing about, — 
 their wives meantime probably working hard at home, — • 
 that these men had the name of supporting their fam- 
 ilies ! ” . . . 
 
 “ Common honesty is so rare that great praise is be- 
 stowed where justice only should be recognized.” . . . 
 
 “ Has n’t — — learned better than to be disobliging to 
 
 because he had been so ? I never forgot how hard it 
 
 seemed to me, when I was a little girl, for my grandmother 
 to tell me she had intended to let me ride up to the field 
 with grandfather on the load of hay, if I had not been 
 naughty. What I had done left no impression, but her 
 
394 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE T/ A MOTT. 
 
 unkindness I could n’t forget ; for it would have been the 
 height of happiness to go with him in those rare days of a 
 drive.” . . . 
 
 “ Everything needs watching. I just ran out and pulled 
 off the clothes-pins, and let down the wet clothes, which 
 were blowing to pieces in the high wind ; after all I had 
 said about not putting them out in a gale ; but if we 
 changed help for such things, as E. does, and as she won- 
 ders I don’t, other things would be as bad. Mother used 
 to say, ‘ You only change faults.’ ” 
 
 . . . “ I went into town yesterday with your father to do 
 
 countless errands, and to call on . Only Mrs. 
 
 at home, who would rather not see her friends that day ; 
 perhaps some special reminder of her dear child. Having 
 missed the horse-car, and thereby walked four-and-a-half 
 squares, after a seven-mile-drive, it was rather a disap- 
 pointment to be denied; though she did not know who 
 called. I left my name ; and ’t was a satisfaction as I 
 turned away, that I had never sent any one from our 
 door.” . . . 
 
 . . . “ I have suffered so much of late with dyspepsia, 
 that James and our children think I am not able to go to 
 the Convention, but I have never yet seen the time that an 
 engagement had to be broken.” 
 
 Roadside, 3rd mo. 12th, 1860. 
 
 My dear Sister, — ... Miller and Sarah came over 
 in the evening. Our talk was partly, Greeley and Robert 
 Dale Owen on Marriage and Divorce. Some of us thought 
 Owen defended himself well ; others said Greeley had the 
 best of the argument. The next spirited discussion was on 
 Seward’s speech. Miller thought we ought to judge of it 
 from Seward’s stand-point. So much was said in its praise, 
 that I anticipated a treat, being generally the last to read 
 these spicy articles. It was a damper for him at the out- 
 set, to desire “ to allay , rather than foment the national ex- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 395 
 
 citement,” and to say that “ the public welfare and happi- 
 ness depend chiefly on institutions, and very little on men.” 
 Mary Grew thought that very unsound. We talked it over 
 at our Female Anti-Slavery meeting on Fifth-day. I had 
 taken some notes of the objectionable parts, and com- 
 mented upon them, while uniting with the praise bestowed 
 upon other parts of the well-prepared speech. I spoke at 
 some length, warning them against unqualified praise of 
 his speech, especially as the negro was so disparaged. It 
 seemed unexpected, but little reply was made. I looked 
 for the u Anti-Slavery Standard’s ” comments, hoping that 
 paper would not wait for the “ Liberator,” and was far 
 from satisfied that “ want of room excluded ” them. When 
 that severe criticism in “ The Liberator ” was read, how 
 glad was I that Garrison reviewed it as my instincts had 
 led me to do — and with all the faithful rebuke that ever 
 flows from his pen. You will see that. I need not, there- 
 fore, say more. 
 
 . . . Thank thee for that extract from Mr. Mellen’s let- 
 ter. That is just right, after a life well spent, when old 
 age and decay of faculties render it no longer desirable to 
 live ; but it is unnatural to be longing for death in the full- 
 ness of strength, when all the pleasures of life are within 
 our reach. Of course aunt C.’s death is “ a subject of con- 
 gratulation ; ” and still, there is sadness in the thought 
 that death is a welcome messenger to any who are born to 
 live. I mean to live as long as I can. . . . 
 
 Fare thee well, dear sister, L. Mott. 
 
 5th mo. 28th, 1860. 
 
 . . . The barbarous, brutal prize-fight, which has so cor- 
 rupted the public mind, and so filled our daily columns, 
 demoralizing the young, should serve as a caution to par- 
 ents and the guardians of morals, how they countenance 
 any play or scientific exercise that is warlike or fighting 
 in its tendency. The more I see of the restrictive edu- 
 
396 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 cation of Friends, on this subject, as well as its discourage- 
 ment of games of chance, and even of skill, with their 
 temptations to gambling, the more I admire the wisdom of 
 our Fathers in placing such safeguards around their chil- 
 dren, and teaching them in their school-books, that 
 
 “ Needful austerities our wills restrain, 
 
 As thorns protect the tender plant from harm.” 
 
 That is the kind of religious education encouraged by our 
 people. 
 
 . . . They will be saddened again in Boston, by the in- 
 telligence just received of Theodore Parker’s death ! It is 
 truly mournful that such a gifted spirit should be so early 
 removed from earth, where he was so much needed. To 
 meet the wants of the age, he undertook too much for any 
 man. The last time we had his company at our house in 
 Arch Street, he was telling us of the works he had on 
 hand, and the research necessary to complete them. I 
 cautioned him then not to overtax his powers of endur- 
 ance, little dreaming we should so soon hear of a fatal re- 
 sult of his great labors. It is too sad to dwell upon, when 
 we have so many around us who are but cumberers of the 
 earth. We have had a succession of melancholy deaths, 
 thinning our anti -slavery ranks: Ellis Gray Loring, 
 Charles Hovey, Eliza Lee Follen, and now Theodore Par- 
 ker. Who will fill such blanks ? 
 
 10th mo. 8th, 1860. 
 
 . . . James and I dined at Edward Wetherill’s in Frank- 
 ford, in company with Harriet Beecher Stowe. We were 
 pleased with her rather diffident, agreeable manner. She 
 was much interested in the account James gave her of your 
 asylum at Auburn. It was what she had long wished to 
 see. She said, she thought that criminals were often made 
 so by defective organization, as well as by neglect ; and we 
 should find the Professor’s story in the “ Atlantic ” went 
 to that point. I can’t remember just her words. . . . 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 397 
 
 11th mo. 16th, 1860. 
 
 . . . How much some of us have had to bear, for step- 
 ping out of Disciplinary — in other words — narrow, secta- 
 rian inclosure, in order to attend conventions, anti-slavery 
 lectures, and fairs ! Our Monthly Meeting sometimes oc- 
 curs during Fair week. Some think it inexcusable, to ab- 
 sent one’s self for such “ profane babbling.” Our conven- 
 tion on the whole was a success ; but the reporters grossly 
 misrepresented us, giving some reason for Wm. L. Fisher 
 (who does not go to our meetings) to rave almost, at the 
 hard language of the abolitionists. Robert Purvis has tried 
 to set himself right before the public ; for the reporters 
 made him rant without reason. Miller McKim has been 
 quite troubled about it, and has written cards and expla- 
 nations. But it is no new thing ; and through long-suffer- 
 ing, we are able to bear abuse. . . . 
 
 12th mo. 14th, 1860. 
 
 . . . The Fair is going on swimmingly, in spite of Union 
 meetings. Some five or six policemen are sitting about 
 the room ; just as if they were needed ! There has not 
 been the slightest disturbance ; the only insult, the tearing 
 out of the word “ slavery ” from the large placard at the 
 door. We immediately replaced it. . . . 
 
 This Anti-Slavery Fair, the twenty-fifth of the 
 series, and, as it afterwards proved, the next to last, 
 was again held in the Assembly Buildings, the place 
 which had so fearlessly given it shelter the year be- 
 fore. Much violence was threatened during its four 
 days’ continuance, but, as one of its managers said, 
 “ Our victory was complete, and our right of peace- 
 ful assemblage maintained, without any active dem- 
 onstration of hostility from the indignant citizens 
 who had fiercely resolved that the Anti-Slavery Fair 
 should be suppressed.” 
 
 Roadside, 1st mo. 15th, 1861. 
 
 My dear Sister, — In a hurried note sent a few days 
 
398 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT . 
 
 ago, the promise was made to begin a regular sheet soon. 
 So now, after a busy morning, the pleasant occupation is 
 left of devoting a little time to thee, and answering some of 
 thy inquiries. . . . 
 
 We took tea lately at Miller’s. There was not much 
 variety in our subjects of conversation, for the political out- 
 look is all-absorbing. Secession, civil war, compromises. 
 Do you think the Republicans will, after all, make un- 
 worthy compromises ? Seward went quite far enough in 
 that direction, though all did not agree with me here. 
 But so lacking are all these political speeches, in a feeling 
 heart for the slave. ... 
 
 Sister Eliza has to be very careful ; this cold weather 
 affects her, and she dreads going out ; while I can go into 
 town, and walk three or four miles — not all at once — and 
 scarcely feel it ; and yet I suffer much with dyspepsia, 
 nearly every day. I have received a letter asking my par- 
 ticipation in the Albany convention ; but James says I am 
 not well enough to go there. I know my 44 cipher ” days 
 are upon me ; and as to presiding at the convention, it is 
 impossible ; neither could there be any dependence on my 
 speaking, for I am wofully behind the times on the Woman 
 question. . . . 
 
 We are all much interested in the great theological 
 movement which you may have seen noticed in the 44 At- 
 lantic Monthly ” — ■ 44 Essays and Reviews ” by seven of the 
 clever liberals of Oxford, all clergymen opposed to Pusey ; 
 and frightening also the Evangelical or Low Church party, 
 as 44 menacing a division in the church.” James has bought 
 the book, a thick octavo ; it sells rapidly. And how much 
 more interesting it is to me than any of your novels ! 
 Some one who read it expressed surprise that it should 
 make such a sensation, when William Furness had preached 
 such doctrines these thirty years. As far as I have read, 
 it is not equal to one of my pet books, 44 Popular Chris- 
 tianity,” by Frederick J. Foxton. But then he was a real 
 come-outer, thoroughly radical, yet fervently religious. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 399 
 
 Roadside, 3rd mo. 21st, 1861. 
 
 . . . M.’s cautions and advice are all very good, and I 
 hope will be attended to ; we cannot say so much of her po- 
 litical leanings. To think of her saying the “ South is the 
 bone and sinew of the country,” and “ the firmest supporter 
 of the Democratic cause ! ” when they have ever looked 
 down on labor of any kind, calling the free Northern indus- 
 trial workmen “ the mud-sills of society.” What encourage- 
 ment have they ever given to universal education ? even 
 leaving out of view the millions of their bondmen, whom no 
 true democrat could trample under foot, denying their every 
 right, as they do. No, they send their own white sons to 
 West Point at the government expense, for a military and 
 aristocratic education, and leave the people and children 
 at large in the grossest ignorance. M. must view Democ- 
 racy only in a partisan light. I agree with her in much of 
 her estimate of the pseudo-democracy of the Whig party, 
 and am very jealous of the Republican party, as such. If 
 Jefferson had only carried out his democracy consistently, 
 he would certainly have been a model democrat. Our re- 
 public is beginning to open its eyes to the rights of man ; 
 may they never again be suffered to close until “ liberty be 
 proclaimed throughout the land, to all the inhabitants there- 
 of.” As to compensation, it is of secondary importance ; I 
 would oppose it on principle, as belonging to the slaves 
 rather than to those who have exacted their labor, extorted, 
 too often, by cruel taskmasters with scourges and stripes. 
 
 . . . My sister’s dissatisfaction with Seward’s “ backing 
 down,” his compromising spirit toward slave - holders — 
 even expressing a willingness to strengthen their oppressive 
 power — proves that she is not so carried away by party 
 preferences as to impair her judgment as an abolitionist ; 
 and I am far from satisfied with Lincoln’s inaugural. Far 
 better let the rebellious states go, than coax them back with 
 any cruel promise. . . . 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 On the tenth of Fourth Month, 1861, James and 
 Lucretia Mott celebrated their Golden Wedding. 
 
 “ Fifty years of joy and sorrow.” 
 
 On this bright sunny day in Spring the large family, 
 and many friends from far and near, assembled at 
 Roadside to do honor to the venerable bride and 
 groom. Children, grandchildren, and one tiny great- 
 grandchild, were there ; and of the one hundred and 
 twenty -five witnesses who, fifty years before, had 
 signed the wedding certificate in Pine Street meet- 
 ing, three of the twenty still living were present to 
 record their names in renewed recognition of the 
 solemnity of the marriage tie. The old document, 
 parchment yellow with age, was brought out, and 
 again read aloud ; and then all present appended 
 their names to a testimonial on the obverse side, 
 which ran : — 
 
 “ James and Lucretia Mott having completed fifty years 
 of married life, we, the undersigned, assembled on this 
 tenth day of April, 1861, to celebrate their Golden Wed- 
 ding, joyfully record here our names, in loving and respect- 
 ful tribute to them, who have given to us, and to the world, 
 another illustration of the beauty and glory of true mar- 
 riage.” 
 
 Much curiosity was excited among those who 
 signed the venerable document concerning a part, — 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 401 
 
 some of the blank part, towards one edge, — which 
 had been cut out ; and various were the comments, 
 when Lucretia Mott explained that she had commit- 
 ted the sacrilege, some forty years before, in order to 
 mend a broken battledoor for one of her children. 
 No other piece of parchment could be found, so she 
 took that ! ! 
 
 A substantial lunch followed the ceremony of sign- 
 ing ; after which this pleasant and memorable cele- 
 bration was concluded by the presentation of gifts, 
 — among them a neat little set of gold knitting-nee- 
 dles, which did active service afterwards, — and the 
 reading of various poetical tributes. 
 
 The following letters continue the narrative of the 
 next few years, and are introduced without comment, 
 except where explanation seems necessary. The first 
 was written during the first year of the Civil War, 
 and refers to it. 
 
 llth mo. 6th, 1861. 
 
 . . . But how trifling are all these family items when 
 our thoughts and hearts are full of the great events of the 
 day. I feel almost ready to despair of any good result 
 from the present outbreak. We know full well, that the 
 battle-field is a precarious resort to obtain the Right — that 
 sorrows multiply there ; and as to the moral sense of cor- 
 rupt statesmen, it is “ seared as with a hot iron.” Such 
 spirited protests as we have read may reach some con- 
 sciences and arouse the nation, and after a long, long while 
 liberty may be proclaimed. There has seemed to be rather 
 a stolid determination of late, among a class of politicians, 
 that this war shall have nothing to do with Slavery. “ The 
 Union, and nothing but the Union,” is their cry — as if 
 that were ever again possible, with the deplorable weight 
 of that incubus upon it. Time alone will reveal to us. 
 Petitions should now be poured in from all quarters, so 
 26 
 
402 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 that those in power may see how unavailing is their pro- 
 slavery conservatism. It only lays the foundation for fu- 
 ture trouble and fighting, when for reputation “ to please 
 men,” they seek to “ build again the things they are called 
 to destroy. ” 
 
 Blanco White, my loved, ultra author, says : “ Re- 
 
 formers ought to be satisfied to be destructives. They are 
 too apt to wish to be ^obstructives.” Thy account of your 
 absorbing interest in preparing Willy , 1 and your parting 
 with him, was all interesting. I knew there would be 
 much to feel at last. A strange thing it is, that the glories 
 of war can, in any wise, reconcile one to the perils. It is 
 in vain to say much on the subject now, but my convic- 
 tions are as strong as ever, that a better and more effectual 
 way will be found as civilization advances. 
 
 Soon after this, and while most of the households 
 of the North were absorbed in the departure of hus- 
 bands and sons to the war, the first serious break for 
 many years occurred in the large family circle, in the 
 death of the eldest grandchild, Lucretia Mott Hop- 
 per, just before her twenty-fourth birthday. Of this 
 her grandmother writes : — 
 
 Roadside, 1st mo. 12th, 1862. 
 
 My dear Sister, — Alas ! no Lue, precious invalid, to 
 write about. How entirely gone from us, she is ! At least 
 so far as daily solicitude for her is concerned. I feel at 
 times as if in spirit she may be much nearer to us than we 
 imagine. We have so long been taught to think of Heaven 
 as a far off place, that the nearness of the departed spirits 
 is not realized. And because we fail to dwell on it as a 
 known fact, G. L. exclaims, “ How little faith you folks 
 have ! ” I tell him sectarian theologies and speculations 
 should not be called faith. It is because we have so much 
 faith, and a firm trust that all will be well, that we indulge 
 no vain curiosity as to “ what we shall be.” Thou thought 
 1 Martha Wright’s oldest son, who had enlisted. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 403 
 
 it a pity that Lue and her mother could not talk freely of 
 her approaching death. Anna did answer her honestly 
 that she was no better ; but she could say no more. Dr. 
 Holmes warned his students against interfering with the 
 ways of Providence, who conceals the end from the patient. 
 It would be a satisfaction now if she had alluded more 
 plainly to it. But when Lue said to me a few weeks ago, 
 “ Oh, I want to get well,’’ I had not the courage, any more 
 than her mother, to say, “ It is impossible.” 
 
 Anna was far from well — had slight chills, and some 
 fever before Lue’s death. But she bore up until after the 
 funeral, which was quite private, and since then has been 
 confined to her bed, with a nervous fever. . . . 
 
 to m. c. w. 
 
 Roadside, 12th mo. 27th, 1862. 
 
 ... I was very glad to hear of the success of your new 
 church, and hope Mr. Fowler will be as radical a preacher 
 as his highest and best convictions will prompt. What 
 does he think of Bishop Colenso’s daring with the Penta- 
 teuch ? I wonder who “ T. L.” is, in the “ Tribune.” Are 
 you interested? I am, hi the fact that the Church is thus 
 agitated, after all the Oxford stir with Tracts, etc. ; and 
 that it is no longer a solitary Blanco White, followed by a 
 Newman and a Foxton, but that seven essayists came upon 
 them in a body ; and now, to them still worse, a bishop 
 and a missionary. How easy it is raise the cry of an- 
 other Voltaire or Paine “ come to judgment.” But it is 
 not so easy, blessed be our age of free inquiry, skepticism 
 being a religious duty, to frown down investigation into the 
 dogmatic theology of the schools. Edward D. brought out 
 Colenso’s book. The introduction interested us much, 
 but not the examination, having passed through that pe- 
 riod years ago ; when, as Ripley (we presume), the re- 
 viewer in the “ Tribune,” says, Professor Norton gave sim- 
 ilar results to the world, conservative as he was, and 
 
404 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 intimates that the Bishop may have received some ideas 
 from him. I am greatly interested in the onward move- 
 ment of the various sects. A Scotchman of their church, 
 Presbyterian, sent us a work on the Trinity, disproving it, 
 which I should like to pass over to Mr. Fowler; having 
 long since been at rest myself on that irrational creed. 
 Thy account of your sparse meetings of the new Freedmen 
 Association amused us. But if one can chase a thousand, 
 when the Lord is on the side, you need not be discouraged. 
 Edwd. D. went with me last week to our Friends’ Associa- 
 tion meeting, and found a very busy company there. 
 
 The visit from Samuel J. May, and your talk, interested 
 me. I agree with him that this terrible war will furnish 
 ample illustration, for the advocates of moral warfare, as 
 against carnal weapons. Strange that any argument is 
 needed. This, of course, our nation or government has 
 not attained unto. The fact that the cause is glorious 
 does not sanctify the means ; the resort to bloodshed is 
 barbarous, besides making the innocent suffer for the 
 guilty. 
 
 What I most fear, as I answered James Freeman Clarke, 
 when he said, “ The Lord reigns,” is, that the superstitious 
 idea that “ it is in the hands of the Almighty,” will cause 
 indolence, and that the effective instrument , the moral la- 
 borer, will cease from the exertions which have already 
 abolished slavery in the District of Columbia, and in all 
 future territories. . . . 
 
 Early in the following summer, George W. Lord 
 formed a business engagement in New York, that ne- 
 cessitated his removal with his family to that city. 
 The final departure of his wife, Martha, the young- 
 est daughter of James and Lucretia Mott, from the 
 home of her parents, was a severe trial to all con- 
 cerned, even though the change was a prosperous 
 one. Her mother’s next letter to her sister is full of 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 405 
 
 regret over the separation, as well as of interest in 
 the better prospects for her children, but she espe- 
 cially laments over the diminished household. After 
 enumerating those of the family who were left, she 
 says : — 
 
 u We appreciate them, but we want all. How we are 
 going to do without Patty, I do not know ! 
 
 . . . 44 After the heart-breaking is a little over, — I am so 
 like our mother, ready for a change, — I shall be quite in 
 haste to go help Patty furnish the littlest house they can 
 possibly rent.” . . . 
 
 to m. c. w. 
 
 Roadside, 2nd mo. 28th, 1863. 
 
 This month shall not go by without a sheet begun, 
 though for more than six weeks I have lacked energy to 
 engage in anything but carpet rags. Maria and Patty cut 
 all we had collected, filling our large clothes-basket. All 
 the balls thou sent we re-wound, adding a piece to those 
 that were cut too narrow, and interspersing all those lit- 
 tle brown balls. I almost lived over again some of those 
 old sewing days in Auburn, the familiar pieces like your 
 dresses so kept you in mind. Our brother Thomas was a 
 visitor with you at the same time, when I sewed, up in that 
 entry ; thy Frank was a baby, and thou would come walk- 
 ing slowly up with him in thy arms, saying, “ I know a re- 
 spectable woman who is tired.” . . . We have thirty-two 
 balls, about twenty-four lbs., put into the dark closet to-day. 
 
 What did thou think of ’s hailing McClellan’s ad- 
 
 vent as a “ godsend ? ” What an amount of good he would 
 bring out of all the evil of our supine government ! I told 
 him so, but he declared it “ sound philosophy ” neverthe- 
 less. Could I so regard it, we might all fold our hands 
 and await “ God’s own appointed time.” Such philosophy, 
 
 or heresy, is fraught with immense danger. defended 
 
 himself for joining the Union League, we being very 
 doubtful whether it would be anti-slavery enough to war- 
 
406 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 rant his crying “ a confederacy.” He thinks it is, and says 
 there is an amazing change taking place among politi- 
 cians. . . . 
 
 When thou comes, dear sister, we three will try to be 
 together often, for my day seems at times to be nearly 
 over ; 1 but I shall patch up, and mean to live as long as I 
 can. Our next family meeting is to make holders ; then 
 I have a little wool to card, and some quilting of skirts, for 
 I do not like balmorals. 
 
 In another letter, written several months after the 
 foregoing, she again mentions her feeble condition : — 
 
 “ Like thy friend who ‘ meant to live as long as she 
 could/ I, too, have some things I want to do yet; and when 
 people look at and treat me as if I had ‘one foot in 
 the grave/ I feel disposed to say — like the children — 
 ‘ No, you don’t ! ’ My health is better this summer than 
 last.” . . . 
 
 She then says : — 
 
 “ The neighboring camp seems the absorbing interest 
 just now. Is not this change in feeling and conduct to- 
 wards this oppressed class beyond all that we could have 
 anticipated, and marvelous in our eyes ? ” . . . 
 
 This camp — bearing the peaceful Quaker name 
 of William Penn — was situated within a short dis- 
 tance of Roadside. It was organized early in the 
 year 1863 , for the purpose of raising and training 
 colored troops, and sent many regiments to the field. 
 While Lucretia Mott strongly disapproved of war 
 and its attendant barbarities, she nevertheless could 
 not resist the interest that this public acknowledg- 
 ment of the negro’s rights as a soldier called forth. 
 As an abolitionist, she gave the movement her sym- 
 pathy, but as an advocate of peace, she condemned 
 
 1 She outlived both sisters; Eliza ten years, and Martha almost seven. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 407 
 
 any resort to carnal weapons. With these conflict- 
 ing feelings, she seldom visited the camp, and seemed 
 indifferent to its affairs as a military body ; but she 
 found many chances to befriend its inmates, both of- 
 ficers and privates, as individuals. And few liked 
 better than she to listen to the music of the band, 
 as it came softened over the fields. 
 
 One or two of the regiments, as they left for the 
 seat of war, marched in at the back gate of Roadside, 
 and out at the front, in order to pass directly by the 
 house. On one of these occasions, as they were 
 heard approaching, our grandmother ran quickly to 
 the cake-box, and emptied its contents into her 
 apron ; then standing at the end of the piazza, as 
 the men filed along, she handed each a gingerbread, 
 until the supply was exhausted. 
 
 Camp William Penn naturally attracted many cot 
 ored visitors from the city, and materially increased 
 the travel over the North Penn. Railroad and the 
 connecting Fifth and Sixth streets line of horse-cars. 
 For the convenience of this class of passengers, who 
 were not allowed to ride in the inside of the regular 
 horse-cars, every fifth car was reserved for their ex- 
 clusive use. If they took the others, they were com- 
 pelled by the rules of the company to stand upon 
 the outside platforms. One stormy day a respect- 
 able colored woman, in very evident poor health, 
 entered one of these, and, as usual, was sent by the 
 conductor to stand on the front platform. Lucretia 
 Mott, who was in the car, after a vain appeal to the 
 man, went out and stood beside her. A drizzling 
 rain was falling, and it was very cold. The con- 
 ductor viewed the proceeding with official indiffer- 
 ence, until the remonstrances of the other occupants 
 
408 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 obliged him to invite his white passenger to re-enter. 
 She replied, “I cannot go in without this woman.” 
 Perplexed by this new issue, he gazed at her for 
 a minute, and then said, “ Oh well, bring her in 
 then!” 
 
 It may not be amiss to say here, that shortly after 
 this, on the ninth of First mo., 1865, an order was 
 issued by this railway company, allowing colored 
 persons to ride indiscriminately in all its cars. This 
 led to much trouble and annoyance. The company, 
 judging by the records, would seem to have tried 
 faithfully to carry out the new arrangement, but 
 the force of prejudice and popular opinion was so 
 strong against it, that on the tenth of the follow- 
 ing month they rescinded the resolution. Meantime, 
 however, it had been noted on the minutes, “ Pas- 
 sengers refusing to ride cannot have their fare re- 
 funded,” and “ Conductors treating colored persons 
 with any want of respect shall be instantly dis- 
 missed ; ” but, as one of the officers said, they “ con- 
 sidered that every nigger they carried for seven cents 
 cost them a dollar, and as theirs was not a company 
 for moral instruction, they were obliged, in the inter- 
 est of their stockholders, to yield to popular preju- 
 dice.” After the passage of the Fifteenth Amend- 
 ment, popular prejudice gradually faded away ; and 
 as no further record regarding colored people is 
 found on the minutes of this company, it is to be 
 presumed that the rights, so long denied, were as- 
 sumed without serious opposition. 
 
 The next two letters are to Martha C. Wright : — 
 
 Roadside, 8th mo. 26th, 1863. 
 
 . . . Hast thou seen “The Religious Demands of the 
 Age?” — the preface to the London edition of Theodore 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 409 
 
 Parker’s works, by Frances Power Cobbe, just published 
 in Boston. Edwd. D. brought the book out a present to 
 me, which I prize. It is real Quaker doctrine revived. A 
 quotation from Bishop Colenso on the title-page recom- 
 mending, not to build our faith upon a book, though it be 
 the Bible itself ; God being closer than any book. Fanny 
 Kemble’s book, “ Journal of a Residence on a Georgia 
 Plantation,” is also interesting us. Elizabeth is now ab- 
 sorbed in it, while I write. . . . 
 
 James and I gathered three or four quarts of blackber- 
 ries this morning from our garden. They are getting scarce, 
 but peaches will soon take their place ; a beautiful succes- 
 sion of fruits, — and of everything else, indeed ; — but con- 
 stant attention is the price one pays, and weeds and briers 
 the penalty. 
 
 Roadside, 1st mo. 21st, 1864. 
 
 My dear Sister, — Our large family is scattered to- 
 day — some have gone to the city — Maria and Patty to 
 visit their dear sister at Eddington. James and I are left 
 nearly alone, and how better can I employ my leisure than 
 in writing to thee? 
 
 In replying to my last letter, thou mistakes me, in pre- 
 suming that at Laura’s wedding, war’s trappings made the 
 scene a whit more imposing than a rational citizen’s dress. 
 No ; it seems childish for men grown to rig out in that 
 style. Of course we become accustomed to all these uni- 
 forms, which meet us at every turn. The anti-slavery 
 sentiment is spreading ; not by batfles with carnal weap- 
 ons, but by the mighty “ armor of righteousness on the 
 right hand and on the left.” It is no evidence of incon- 
 sistency, to be glad when the right is uppermost in the 
 army, even if your dependence is not on the arm of flesh. 
 
 At thy instance, I made myself read “ A Man without a 
 Country.” The point or moral is good, and it is very well 
 told ; natural to the life ; but made-up stories do not inter- 
 est me, as do plain matters of fact ; still, I always like to 
 be told what is worth reading in the periodicals. 
 
410 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 I have just read Pierce Butler’s story of his married 
 life. What an illustration it furnishes of the evil of the 
 church service requiring obedience of the wife ! The man 
 really could not conceive how any woman could demur at 
 such a demand. He was not a fool either, as I inclined to 
 think he was, before reading his letters, some of which are 
 very good ; and he was sorely tried at times by his ex- 
 citable wife. Another illustration of the evils of slavery, 
 that he so feared the conscientious expression of her abhor- 
 rence of the system. If we had read “ Kinglake,” I might 
 respond to thy comments. James will read it some day, if 
 his eyes hold out. I cannot promise to do so, war’s details 
 never being to my liking, in the Bible or out of it. . . . 
 
 In much love, farewell. L. Mott. 
 
 The following letter, addressed to a niece, Anna 
 Coffin Brown, residing in New York, alludes to the 
 death of her youngest child, and to the loss sustained 
 by the writer’s daughter, Elizabeth, in the sudden 
 death of her eldest son, under peculiarly affecting 
 circumstances. 
 
 Roadside, 4th mo. 12th, 1864. 
 
 My darling Anna, — Come here to rest from thy 
 cares, and we will try to cheer thee up. We know the 
 blank that each return to your home must impress thee 
 with, so sadly. Time is the only restorer for such sorrow. 
 Resignation under the painful circumstances thou hadst in 
 a measure attained to, for thou said thou couldst not ask 
 your precious treasure back in all his sufferings. 
 
 Elizabeth is very, very sad. She gives herself up to 
 great grief. She commented, when I was there, on thy 
 comparison of your bereavements, and thought your grad- 
 ual preparation could not equal the sudden shock of theirs. 
 How natural ! — “ Is any sorrow like unto my sorrow t ” 
 It is not healthful or well, to dwell ever on the mournful, 
 — we all have enough, — but we must let the sunshine of 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 411 
 
 life in, as much as possible, and enjoy the remaining bless- 
 ings, which are not a few. 
 
 . . . We are having at our Race St. meeting-house an ex- 
 citing time just now, having formed a Freedmens’ Associa- 
 tion, after the example of our Orthodox Friends. At a 
 preliminary meeting, Abraham Barker gave an interesting 
 account of what they are doing on a large scale. Dr. 
 Joseph Parrish told particulars of a late visit he made to 
 Fortress Monroe, Norfolk, etc., and spoke well of the good 
 work Lucy and Sarah Chase are doing there. Our last 
 meeting was wonderfully interesting. Samuel Shipley gave 
 an exciting account of the sufferers in the Mississippi Val- 
 ley, and at the same time, of the contentment of the poor 
 slaves, in their escape from worse bondage. Bishop Simp- 
 son, a Methodist, who had been to Vicksburg, then ad- 
 dressed the meeting, and a missionary school-teacher from 
 there. The house was full down stairs, and many in the 
 gallery. Some Orthodox Friends were there. 
 
 Dr. Parrish admired the catholicity of the meeting, and 
 made a neat speech on the breaking through sectarian bar- 
 riers. So did Abraham Barker, on the importance of 
 working. Deborah Wharton addressed the meeting very 
 feelingly. Altogether the audience seemed to think the 
 windows of Heaven opened — such a shower of blessings ! 
 This is the first time that some of them have come out of 
 their sectarian inclosure. Our report showed zeal. . . . 
 
 Leaving all our items till thou comes, and hoping it will 
 be for a long visit, I will say how lovingly I am thy 
 
 Aunt L. 
 
 The next letter to her sister Martha, in speaking 
 of the large family assembled at Roadside to cele- 
 brate the fifty-third wedding anniversary, on the 
 tenth of Fourth mo., 1864, says : — 
 
 Not the least of the pleasures of these anniversaries is 
 the delightful time the little ones have, making as much 
 noise as they please. . . . 
 
412 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 Dear Elizabeth could not join us ; she stayed at home, 
 heart-rent, feeling that sorrow rather than joy would cover 
 her. . . . 
 
 Two days now have passed since they all left us, and 
 more lonely days I cannot remember. It seemed almost 
 as it was when Patty was married and left us. As I went 
 from room to room, to see that Mary put everything in 
 order, the deserted places brought tears. Such a sudden 
 change from these last few weeks ! Not even a cheerful 
 whistle ! 
 
 1864. 
 
 . . . Thou asks how I like Buckle’s “ Discourse on Wo- 
 man.” I only hurried over it once, and thought it good as 
 far as it went, as far as an Englishman could be expected 
 to go ; though not by any means equal to Mrs. Taylor’s 
 “ Enfranchisement of Woman,” published after our first 
 convention at Worcester. Buckle was so full of mduc- 
 tive and Reductive in his Discourse, that I tired of it. 
 
 His remarks on Mill’s admirable work on “ Liberty ” 
 interested me more. That work has been reprinted lately, 
 probably from Buckle’s directing attention to it. We have 
 it, but I have not yet had time to read it thoroughly. As 
 to Buckle's “ Atheism,” people will cry “ mad dog,” when 
 doctrines or sentiments conflict with their own cherished 
 ideas ; and I am glad to be able to say with the Apostle, 
 “It is a small thing to be judged of man’s judgment.” 
 
 11th mo. 14th, 1864. 
 
 . . . Our West Chester meeting was well attended, and 
 more interesting than we had feared it would be. Reuben 
 Tomlinson was very good with his Port Royal experi- 
 ence ; Mary Grew, excellent, as usual. . . . 
 
 We agree with thee that Garrison takes the unfortunate 
 difference with Phillips too much to heart. His criticism 
 of Phillips’ last speech is far too severe. The defense of 
 Banks, in the “ Liberator,” we do not like at all. With 
 thee we can but hope they will come together again. . . . 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 413 
 
 When we were in Chester, I was asked if I was over eighty! 
 Quite time I stopped going about ! . . . This morning I 
 have to answer a letter from Chicago, asking for James’ 
 and my autographs, with an original anti -slavery senti- 
 ment. What “ skeletons in my house ” such requests are ! 
 
 In the following letter brief allusion is made to 
 meetings attended by James Mott. For the first 
 time in his life he felt a concern to visit the various 
 Meetings connected with the Philadelphia Yearly 
 Meeting, in order to speak to the young people on 
 the subject of education, and to interest them in the 
 success of Swarthmore College, of which he was a 
 Manager. According to custom, a minute was given 
 him by the Monthly Meeting to which he belonged. 
 He was sometimes accompanied by his wife, but 
 generally by some other Friend. He was received 
 everywhere with kindness, and given hearty welcome 
 at Friends’ houses, whenever distance from home 
 obliged him to remain over night. Times had 
 changed since he and his wife had been driven to seek 
 shelter at a country inn. Death had removed some 
 who had been active in opposition to them, and a new 
 generation had arisen who acted under the influence 
 of enlarged views, more in accordance with the grow- 
 ing liberality of the age. Then followed the war of 
 the Rebellion. This brought peace within the bor- 
 ders of the Quaker communion. Those who had 
 violently opposed the abolition movement began to 
 think they had always been in favor of emancipa- 
 tion, and greeted its advocates as brothers beloved. 
 Among the Friends there came a 44 new heaven and 
 a new earth, wherein dwelt righteousness.” James 
 and Lucretia Mott, who had never changed their at- 
 
414 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT . 
 
 titude in relation to the great principles which had 
 been at issue, were again received as honored and 
 beloved members of the Society. 
 
 The change was a pleasant one to them ; for even 
 independent people find it pleasant to be approved, 
 and Lucretia Mott had, by nature, a strong love of 
 approbation. It was not strong enough to induce 
 her to swerve from the ridiculed and despised path 
 of duty, but it often made that path more difficult 
 to follow. 
 
 Roadside, 1st mo. 3rd, 1865. 
 
 My dear Sister, — This birthday letter I intended 
 should have been begun on the 1st, so as to wish thee 
 “ a happy New Year ; ” but our company then and yes- 
 terday put writing out of the question ; and now a ta- 
 ble - full of our children and grandchildren, talking so 
 lively together, rather distracts my attention here in the 
 library, added to somewhat of dyspeptic pain which has 
 troubled me to-day, more even than usual. Miller says 
 this attack, which at times has been very severe, is occa- 
 sioned by mental and moral over-work, which has led me 
 to go back a month or so, and trace the number of meet- 
 ings, funerals, golden weddings, companies, etc., etc. ; and 
 every day, nearly, was thus filled, until now my condition 
 is such that my nerves have become very weak, and I must 
 take some rest. 
 
 Thy characteristic dislike of meeting-going makes thee 
 think that thy dear brother James is wearing himself out 
 in this way ; but thou art much mistaken. He takes a 
 few meetings at a time, and comes home “ bright as a 
 button ; ” having given those accompanying him, to say 
 nothing of his own wife, good opportunity to “let their 
 word have free course and be glorified.” “ Plain Friends ” 
 are not apt to “ have a surfeit of meetings ; ” it is so in- 
 terwoven into their education. I confess to growing slack, 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 415 
 
 as old age advances, and not seldom staying at home — 
 worshiping always. I fear thou, my sister, cannot say so, 
 if thou art ever wishing some order of nature reversed, 
 and that “ we had nests and feathers and wings.” Did not 
 thy actions speak louder than words, we might conclude 
 thou wast really weary of the world as it is. Let us rather 
 ask man to change than nature ; so that there shall not 
 be these cruel distinctions : great wealth and abject pov- 
 erty. I have some hope that the cooperative trades-unions 
 are going to effect something toward a better state of so- 
 ciety. I should like to be one of the listeners at your 
 reading of “ Seged, Lord of Ethiopia ; ” having almost 
 forgotten it. Few “ School Readers ” equal Murray’s se- 
 lections ; they were unexceptionable, though Parnell’s her- 
 mit, I remember, was horrid. . . . 
 
 Yes, Frothingham is a beautiful writer ; but the best fail 
 when they attempt to reason about God’s ways and designs. 
 We do know that violated law brings its penalty. As to 
 fatalism, or pre-destination, or any other of those pres , 
 which men strive in vain to reconcile one with the other, I 
 can only say, “ Canst thou, by searching, find out God ? ” 
 We do know that “ He causes all his goodness to pass be- 
 fore us.” . . . 
 
 I like much an essay I have lately read, drawing a good 
 distinction between theology and religion. It was very 
 good, and so well written. I care not how radical the free- 
 inquirer may become, if a regard for true religion is pre- 
 served. Garrison always kept that in view in his speeches 
 and his Bible selections. Theologies and forms are dying 
 out ; even though too slowly. 
 
 Roadside, 4th mo. 17th, 1865. 
 
 My dear Sister, — A beautiful day ! When a great 
 calamity has befallen the nation, we want the sun to be 
 darkened, and the moon not give her light ; but “ how 
 everything goes on,” as Maria said after her dear little 
 Charley died, “ just as though such an awful event had not 
 
416 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 occurred.” Was there ever such universal sorrow ? The 
 “ mirth ” of the day before so suddenly “ turned into heav- 
 iness.” Men crying in the streets ! As we opened our 
 paper, the overwhelming news stunned us, and we could 
 hardly attend to our household duties. We broke it grad- 
 ually to our dear invalid, and when the fatal result was 
 known here by hearing the bells toll, she burst into 
 tears. 
 
 Such a display of mourning, as now in the city, was 
 never before. All business is suspended. The children 
 have festooned drapery along the length of our piazza. I 
 objected at first, but finding that Edwd. D. had brought out 
 a quantity of black muslin, and wished much to do it, I 
 did n’t care ; and James made no objection, when he saw it. 
 
 Miller is much interested in the new Union Association, 
 and the paper to be called the “ Nation.” They are now 
 collecting money on a large scale from some persons who 
 never before were called on, and who have contributed 
 freely. Miller would like for all the anti -slavery and 
 freedmen’s societies to be merged in this — a Recon- 
 structive Union. He sent an appeal to our “ Friends’ As- 
 sociation.” I told him it was objected, that woman was 
 ignored in their new organization, and if it really were a 
 reconstruction for the nation, she ought not so to be, and 
 that it would be rather humiliating for our anti-slavery 
 women and Quaker women to consent to be thus over- 
 looked, after suffering the Anti -Slavery Society to be 
 divided in 1840 rather than yield, and after claiming our 
 right so earnestly in London to a seat in the “ World’s 
 Convention.” He was rather taken aback, and said, “if 
 there seemed a necessity for women,” he thought “ they 
 would be admitted ; ” to which the impetuous reply was, 
 “ seemed a necessity ! ! for one hcdf the nation to act with 
 you ! ” 
 
 I am glad to hear thou read the proceedings of the non- 
 resistant meeting with interest. The words of truth and 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 417 
 
 soberness were spoken forth, and the meeting was alto- 
 gether one of deep interest to me. On one account, more 
 so than our first Anti-Slavery Convention ; that women were 
 there by right, and not by sufferance, and stood on equal 
 ground. With this I forward some of the tracts to hand to 
 those to whom “ it is lawful to speak wisdom.” 
 
 With affectionate remembrances to one and all of your 
 household, 
 
 I am thine, most tenderly, L. Mott. 
 
 It seems hardly necessary to say that the assassi- 
 nation of Abraham Lincoln is the calamity alluded 
 to in the foregoing letter. The “ invalid ” men- 
 tioned was their beloved daughter Elizabeth, who 
 had come home to her parents’ house to die. She 
 lingered until early autumn. This most mournful 
 event filled the hearts of all, to the exclusion of other 
 matters. Very heavily the blow fell on the father 
 and mother, in their advanced years. While with 
 both it seemed sensibly to increase their tenderness 
 towards their remaining children, it produced in Lu- 
 cretia Mott a listless despondency, which was alto- 
 gether new in her. This, with a severe attack of 
 dyspepsia, prostrated her until late in the fall, when 
 she began to be more like herself. She felt little in- 
 terest in the affairs that generally engaged her, and 
 could hardly rally sufficiently to write her regular 
 family letters. But even in this condition her nat- 
 ural vivacity asserted itself in fitful gleams of humor. 
 In one letter, when speaking of a proposition to 
 make a change of residence, she said : “We VI better 
 not be in a hurry to sell Roadside ; the carpets will 
 last three or four years yet, — as long as I shall ! ” 
 
 The next letter from which an extract can be 
 made is : — 
 
 27 
 
418 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRET1A MOTT. 
 
 6th mo. 10th, 1865. 
 
 S. B. A was with us yesterday, on her return from 
 
 Long wood ; and too, with their wives. We had 
 
 a great deal of talk ; and there was a good deal of fault- 
 finding. does not satisfy on the woman question, 
 
 nor she him on anti-slavery and the freedmen, and so we 
 have it. I weary of everlasting complaints, and am glad 
 sometimes that I shall not have much more to do in any of 
 these movements. One thing is certain ; that I do not 
 mean to be drawn into any party feeling. I honor S. B. 
 
 A ’s and E. C. S ’s devotion to their great work, 
 
 and try to cooperate as circumstances admit. 
 
 During the summer of 1866, James and Lucretia 
 Mott went to Auburn, N. Y. to visit their sister 
 Martha Wright. This journey was undertaken in 
 the hope that the change might benefit Lucretia 
 Mott ; and in some ways it succeeded ; but she still 
 was far from well. This was not perceptible to per- 
 sons who only saw her occasionally under the excite- 
 ment of a social call, for she would rally then to 
 almost her old vivacity; a little opposition in con- 
 versation would make her seem as well as ever ; but 
 in the absence of such incentive to effort, she was 
 dispirited, and often tortured by extreme dyspeptic 
 pain. This condition continued, with slight varia- 
 tions for better or worse, for almost a year. In look- 
 ing back, one sees plainly that it began when her 
 daughter Elizabeth died, and that it was a step 
 downward, from which she never quite recovered. 
 Public work began to be a dread to her, as never be- 
 fore. This is shown pathetically in her next letter, 
 written from her niece’s house, in New York, during 
 a visit there, and in the general tone of those that 
 follow. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 419 
 
 New York, 11th mo. 12th, 1866. 
 
 • . . Patty went with me yesterday to Elizabeth Stan- 
 ton’s to lunch, Lucy Stone and S. B. Anthony meeting us 
 there ; the time all taken up in discussing the coming con- 
 vention, and reading an address in an English paper by 
 Madame Baudichon, very good indeed. Elizabeth was like 
 herself, full of spirits, and so pleasant. . . . This Equal 
 Rights movement is no play — but I cannot enter into it ! 
 Just hearing their talk and the reading made me ache all 
 over, and glad to come away and lie on the sofa here to 
 rest, till and came. I had n’t much rest ! To- 
 
 morrow we lunch at Sarah Hicks’, and then come back to 
 company to tea; something all the time. On First-day I 
 dined at Hannah Haydock’s after Fifteenth st. meeting; 
 found S. B. Anthony waiting for me to go somewhere in a 
 carriage with her to meet Horace Greeley and an Hon. Mr. 
 Grifhng. I just couldn't do it. Moreover, Susan and some 
 others were to meet in Joralemon st. to discuss enlarging 
 the “ Friend ” to admit Equal Rights, and they wanted me 
 to go hear Beecher and have him talk with us afterwards, 
 preparatory to his speech in Albany, — but I could n't 
 do that any more than the other ! There is no rest ! . . . 
 I was wondering, the other day, what use the increasing 
 number of churches would be put to, as civilization out- 
 grew them. . . . 
 
 llth mo. 15th, 1866. 
 
 . . . Susan B. Anthony begs me to write, if only a line 
 or two . 1 But what can I say ! . . . Her whole mind is in 
 her work, and I do like her sincerity and plain-speaking, 
 very much. . . . The “ Standard” drags — so does the con- 
 tinuance of our Anti-Slavery Society. James thinks the 
 “ Penna.” should better wind up this year, but others will 
 oppose it. We have done right to hold on these two years, 
 but the time may be come, now that the Republicans are 
 taking up suffrage. It is so difficult to collect money for 
 1 For the first “ Equal Rights ” Convention at Albany. 
 
420 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 necessary expenses, an office, and salary of an agent, that 
 it will be a relief when the right time comes to close up. 
 We have just given $100 to our Friends’ Freedmen’s As- 
 sociation. There is no end to calls for money. . . . With 
 trade so uncertain, health, and indeed life equally so, I 
 
 hope that and will be content with their present 
 
 lot, which indeed is quite to the extent of this year’s means, 
 for the price of everything is frightful. When I see such 
 
 a house as ’s, complete as if by magic, and think of 
 
 all the outlay, and the labor of keeping all in order, I feel 
 “ blessed be contentment with greater simplicity and econ- 
 omy.” 
 
 1867. 
 
 . . . On Sixth-day last, that windy, cold day, I brought 
 down some of my winter clothes to mend, saying to Maria, 
 that it was Heaven to be by ourselves to do as we pleased. 
 We had not been seated long before she said, “ Look, 
 mother, here comes company, with a carpet bag.” I had 
 only time to escape, with my arms full of quilted petticoat, 
 
 etc., when and were ushered in. We were in 
 
 for it till the following Second-day, and it was a very pleas- 
 ant visit, if we had n't so much 'pleasure ! 
 
 Another time she wrote : — 
 
 ... As to Eliza’s visit, we hardly saw her. And the only 
 time when Thomas could come out with her to tea and stay 
 the night, and we were anticipating such a pleasant supper 
 and evening, what should appear but a country carriage 
 and horses, bearing two dear Friends, who would have been 
 welcome visitors, at almost any other time. Alas ! Eliza 
 and Thomas went back that night, and it was the dear 
 Friends that stayed till morning ! I had come out the 
 day before, sick with a bad cold, and used up, being at so 
 many meetings since Second-day ; three evenings on cap- 
 ital punishment — two afternoons at peace meeting, besides 
 our own Fourth-day meeting, and divers errands. There 
 seems never to be an end ! I ’m getting too old ; the grass- 
 hopper is a burden. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 421 
 
 And again : — 
 
 I stayed in town at Anna’s all Third - day night, to 
 attend the lecture of Frances W. Harper; it was a fine 
 one, and there was a large audience ; but how I should 
 have wanted to go home afterwards, had I known that 
 George and Patty were there, having come on from New 
 York, unexpectedly, for a few days’ stay. Next morning, 
 as James and I drove into our gate, Maria opened the li- 
 brary door, saying, “ Come in this way, mother,” and there 
 sat dear Patty ! It is one of the pleasantest events of life, 
 such a surprise ; and oh ! the exquisite enjoyment of hav- 
 ing your own to visit you ! 
 
 The following letter from Wm, Lloyd Garrison, — 
 which might risk being called fulsome, were it not 
 heartily meant, and equally well-deserved, — helped 
 to consecrate the last wedding anniversary which 
 James and Lucre tia Mott were to celebrate together. 
 Before the next came around, the inevitable separa- 
 tion had befallen them in the death of James Mott, 
 and the day, — always so happy before, — became 
 one of mourning and tears. 
 
 Roxbury, April 8th, 1867. 
 
 Lucretia Mott : 
 
 My dear and revered Friend, — In common with 
 a great many others who are strongly attached to you, and 
 whose estimate of the beauty and perfectness of your char- 
 acter no language can express, I have been greatly con- 
 cerned to hear of your serious indisposition for some time 
 past, and painfully apprehensive that it might have a fatal 
 result ; but a letter received to-day brings us the cheering 
 intelligence that you are decidedly better, with a fair pros- 
 pect of soon being restored to your usual state of health. 
 Though you are about eleven years older than I am, if my 
 reckoning be not at fault, I feel a strong desire that you 
 
422 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT . 
 
 should remain in the body until the time for my departure 
 has also come, that I may go hand in hand with you to 
 the Spirit world. Indeed, so great a company of beloved 
 ones have already gone before — so many are vanishing on 
 the right hand, and on the left — that I feel more and more 
 prepared for that great change which in due time comes to 
 all, and ready for the translation. Yet I desire the pro- 
 longation of your valuable life, if it be the will of Heaven, 
 because it affords such an example of active sympathy with 
 suffering humanity in all its multiform phases, such an ex- 
 hibition of goodness of heart, benevolence of spirit, moral 
 heroism in the investigation and assertion of truth, com- 
 plete womanhood in the relation of wife and mother, marked 
 ability and usefulness as a public religious preacher, rever- 
 ence for the will of the Heavenly Father as revealed to 
 your own understanding, and total consecration of all your 
 faculties and powers to the service of righteousness in the 
 widest and most practical application. 
 
 Perhaps it will never be given to you to know how many 
 you have blessed and aided by your counsel and sympathy, 
 your liberality and cooperation, your testimony and ex- 
 ample ; but the number is very great and constantly aug- 
 menting. 
 
 To come into your presence is always to be the better 
 for it ; your company is ever edifying and pleasurable ; and, 
 associated with your dearly beloved husband, who is indeed 
 worthy of you, your home — to borrow the language of 
 Dr. Watts — seems “ like a little heaven below.” Accept 
 this as from the core of my heart, with no wish or inten- 
 tion to burn incense, or indulge in mere compliment. 
 
 William reminds me that you and James will celebrate 
 the fifty-fourth anniversary of your marriage on Wednes- 
 day next. I should like to be one of the circle at Road- 
 side on that day, but circumstances forbid. I hope, how- 
 ever, that this letter will arrive seasonably, bearing my 
 congratulations to you both, and my fervent wishes that 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 42S 
 
 you may be permitted to renew this celebration for a series 
 of years to come, with no drawback of sickness or calam- 
 ity. You will have your children, and your children’s chil- 
 dren, and affectionate relatives and friends to felicitate you 
 on this rare attainment beyond the “golden ” era, and to 
 give you their united benediction. 
 
 On the 8th of May, in company with my dear friend and 
 co-laborer, George Thompson, I expect to sail from Boston 
 for Liverpool, to make a final visit to English friends, to 
 attend the approaching World’s Anti-Slavery Conference 
 in Paris, and to embrace my darling Fanny and Frank on 
 my arrival there. I trust the voyage may prove beneficial 
 to my health, for I have been a good deal broken since my 
 unfortunate headlong fall last year, and now write this with 
 a feverish brain and hand. 
 
 Heaven bless you for what you have lately done to help 
 George Thompson pecuniarily. The health of my dear 
 wife is now remarkably improved, and she is looking young, 
 and fresh, and fair. She indorses all I have said about you, 
 and unites with me in affectionate regards to all the house- 
 hold at Roadside. 
 
 Your loving friend, 
 
 Wm. Lloyd Garrison. 
 
CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 On the 30th of May, 1867, a meeting was held in 
 Boston to “ consider the conditions, wants, and pros- 
 pects of free religion in America.” Among others, 
 Lucretia Mott was invited to be present. Although 
 in a feeble state of health, her interest in the object 
 of the call was so profound that, accompanied by a 
 daughter, she made the journey to Boston, and not 
 only attended the meeting, but spoke on the memo- 
 rable occasion with vigor and animation. Having 
 been introduced by the president, she said: — 
 
 Our president announced me as a representative of the 
 Quaker sect, or Society of Friends. I must do our 
 Friends at home the justice to say that I am not here as a 
 representative of any sect. I am not delegated by any 
 portion or by any conference or consultation of Friends 
 in any way. ... I represent myself, not the Friends, al- 
 though I am much attached to the organization to which I 
 belong. 
 
 She then made a rapid review of the growth of 
 religious freedom, and gave the following emphatic 
 indorsement of the new movement : — 
 
 I believe, as fully as that the command was given to 
 Abraham, that the command is now to many, " Get thee 
 out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy 
 father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” As 
 George Fox was drawn away from all organizations of his 
 time, and had to retire alone, and there be instructed by a 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 425 
 
 higher power than himself, by the divine word within, and 
 had to claim that as the highest authority for action, — with 
 no Bibles, no human authorities, no ministers, no pulpits, 
 no anything that should take the place of this divine, in- 
 ward, every-day teacher, so simple in its instruction, — as he 
 was thus called out from all his kindred and from his fa- 
 ther’s house, and brought into the land that was thereafter 
 shown unto him, so, I say, there is an increased number of 
 this description. 
 
 Much as she sympathized with the objects of the 
 Free Religious Association, and she said frequently 
 that no reform, since the close of the anti-slavery 
 struggle, had interested her so warmly, unless, per- 
 haps, the cause of peace, — she was for some time 
 unwilling to allow her name to appear among its 
 officers, on account of an obnoxious phrase in its 
 constitution which seemed to her to lay stress on 
 the technical study of theology. She, however, at- 
 tended the annual meetings whenever her strength 
 would permit a journey of such length, and gener- 
 ally took part in the proceedings. In the course of 
 a few years, the matter still weighing on her mind, 
 she addressed the following letter to the Rev. O. B. 
 Frothingham, President of the Association, suggest- 
 ing an amendment to the constitution : — 
 
 Roadside, 5th mo. 22nd. 
 
 “ The objects of the Free Religious Association are to 
 promote the scientific study of \ theology, and to increase fel- 
 lowship in the spirit,” &c. 
 
 Doubting the propriety of calling theology a science, I 
 would suggest an amendment in this wise : to encourage 
 the scientific study of the religious nature or element in 
 man — the ever-present Divine inspiration. 
 
 W. J. Potter and others have written on this subject, 
 
426 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT . 
 
 once alluding to my objection ; but they have not met the 
 distinction I would make. Sam 1 Longfellow thought my 
 dislike of the term was because of the abounding erro- 
 neous, or false theology. No ; it is more than this : it is 
 the study to “ find out,” or define God. Abbot says, 
 “ Index,” 267, “ If we make an image of Him, even in our 
 own thoughts, to bow down before and worship, it will be 
 hard to realize His presence in our own souls, out of which 
 grow our holiest feelings, our noblest living.” 
 
 John Weiss, in his speech at our first Free Religious 
 meeting, directed us to the ever present inspiration in our 
 own minds or souls, apart from all miracle or super-natu- 
 ralism. I would add, apart from all verbal creeds and 
 theologies, and from all sectarian or conventional observ- 
 ances as well. 
 
 “ These little systems have their day, 
 
 They have their day and cease to be ; 
 
 They are but broken lights of Thee, 
 
 And Thou, O Lord, art more than they.” 
 
 Combe, in his Essay on Natural Religion, says, “ It is 
 greatly to be regretted that theology has ever been con- 
 nected with religion ; and religion so much injured by the 
 conjunction.” 
 
 Is not the basis of all science, fact, demonstration, or 
 self-evident truth ? Can we create a science on our spec- 
 ulations ? Some writer has said : “ The heathen make 
 graven images, we make verbal ones, and they do not wor- 
 ship more ardently the work of their hands than we do 
 the work of our pens. Language is inapplicable to such 
 speculations, and can no more explain w r hat eye hath not 
 seen or ear heard, than we can by taking thought add one 
 cubit to our stature.” 
 
 Will not the above apply to much that has been written 
 on the importance of faith in a personal God ? 
 
 Let us rather use our time and efforts for the promotion 
 of a higher righteousness than is yet demanded by our 
 Scribes and Pharisees. Lucretia Mott. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 427 
 
 The suggestion was laid before the next annual 
 meeting, and the amendment adopted. It now stands 
 as the statement of the third object of the Associa- 
 tion. Originally the sentence read, “ To encourage 
 the scientific study of theology.” 
 
 Extracts from her addresses at the various annual 
 meetings of the Free Religious Association which she 
 attended are given in the Appendix in their chrono- 
 logical order. 
 
CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 The summer and autumn of 1867 were seasons of 
 quiet happiness to James and Lucretia Mott. Both 
 were in good health, — if the fragile condition of the 
 latter could ever be so called, — and in better spirits 
 than for several years past. All of their remaining 
 children, but one, were living within easy distances of 
 them, and with that one they exchanged frequent 
 visits. Grandchildren were growing up around them, 
 and friends were everywhere. The old issues that 
 had caused so much bitter feeling had passed away, 
 and the time of reward had come. It was sunset, 
 but a radiant, peaceful sunset, after the storms of 
 mid-day had disappeared. 
 
 During the summer they made several journeys to- 
 gether; once as far as Nantucket, to see their old 
 friends Nathaniel and Eliza Barney ; and James 
 Mott concluded his round of visits to the Meetings 
 about Philadelphia. At one of these, held in Abing- 
 ton, a person present, struck with his earnestness, 
 made a report of his remarks, from which the follow- 
 ing appeal to parents is extracted. This was the 
 burden of his concern wherever he spoke. Al- 
 though not the words of an orator, they are the 
 words of a good man, whose ripe experience entitled 
 him to testify whereof he had seen. They are par- 
 ticularly valuable to his descendants as his last pub- 
 lic utterance. 
 
r.*m i ** 
 
 From a photograph by F. Gutekunst in 1863. 
 
 \ 
 
 THE HELIOTYPE PRINTING CO , BOSTON 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 429 
 
 Every one will admit that peace is better than war — 
 that harmony and good feeling in a neighborhood are much 
 better than strife and contention. We all feel that the 
 same is true of nations. We have had wars for ages past, 
 and the people continue to be in a state almost ready at 
 any time for warfare. How are we going to bring about a 
 feeling of peace, kindness, and love in the community gen- 
 erally, so that we shall be able to uproot all war and bit- 
 terness ? I do not know of any better way than to begin 
 at home with our children . Parents must learn to educate 
 and gQvern themselves — their own feelings. And in the 
 management and government of their little children at 
 home, let kindness, love, and gentleness be manifested on 
 all occasions. There has been a great advance in these re- 
 spects within my memory. We know that the time was 
 when the rod was considered necessary in all schools, and 
 in almost all families. Now, our best schools have abol- 
 ished it ; and there are comparatively few intelligent per- 
 sons who think it necessary under any circumstances. We 
 have found that love, gentleness, and kindness are much 
 more efficient in overcoming unruly conditions, than the ap- 
 plication of those relics of barbarism, the rod and the 
 strap, which always tend to excite opposition and hatred. 
 Let us, my friends, endeavor to instill into the minds of our 
 children the principles of peace. “ Train up a child in the 
 way he should go, and when he is old he w r ill not depart 
 therefrom.” I do not know of any better or more certain 
 way to bring peace on earth, than for each to see that we 
 have it within ourselves, and then cultivate it in the minds 
 of little children. Young men, young women, let me im- 
 press upon your minds the importance of the work before 
 you. 
 
 He often impressed upon his children and grand- 
 children the duty of teaching by gentleness. He 
 would say, “ Never threaten, and never promise re- 
 ward, and be very careful to consider before you say 
 
430 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 4 no ; ’ say 4 yes ’ as often as you can.” And when 
 he heard of punishments inflicted on the younger 
 generation of the family, he would counsel patience, 
 and say in his own loving way, 44 1 would n’t punish 
 them for trifles ; they grow older every day, and will 
 soon know for themselves.” 
 
 The children, in turn, loved him dearly ; and 
 while they often made great inroads upon his indul- 
 gence, rarely failed in respectful obedience to his 
 wishes. 
 
 In the autumn he and his wife spent a week near 
 Boston, — the last time together ! During this visit, 
 Lucretia Mott preached one First-day morning in 
 the hall of the Parker Fraternity in the city. At 
 the close, among the many persons who crowded 
 up to speak to her were a young gentleman and 
 lady from England, who had brought letters of in- 
 troduction. She entered into such animated con- 
 versation with them, that the time came to go to 
 the railway station before they were ready to part. 
 With the impulse that was natural to her, she quickly 
 invited them to go home with her to dine, and they 
 as readily accepted the invitation. She also asked 
 Mr. Garrison and his son William, and her sister, 
 Martha C. Wright, to accompany them. 1 She was 
 staying at the house of a granddaughter, in a sub- 
 urb of Boston, a small house of very modest pre- 
 tensions, overflowing with a family of little children. 
 By the time they arrived at the station where they 
 were to alight she began to realize what an over- 
 whelming apparition a company of seven guests 
 would be to the hostess, who expected only two, and 
 
 1 Martha C. Wright was at this time visiting her daughter, the wife of 
 William L. Garrison, Jr. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 431 
 
 those two part of her own family. She therefore 
 hastened to the house a little before the others, and 
 said with pretended dismay, and not a little amuse- 
 ment at the complication, “ What will thou say to 
 me ! I ’ve asked Lord and Lady Amberley, and 
 William Lloyd Garrison, out here to dine, and Aunt 
 Martha and William with them, and they are all 
 just coming up the hill ! ” 
 
 For a few minutes the startled hostess felt as if 
 she might say anything ; for, expecting only her 
 grandparents, she had allowed the nurserymaid to 
 go away for the day ; and a dinner prepared for six 
 seemed ill-suited to the appetites of eleven. But 
 the visitors were at the door, and nothing was to be 
 done but to welcome them. She will never forget 
 the sweetness with which Lady Amberley apologized 
 for coming so informally, nor her graceful tact in 
 saying, when the children made their demands for 
 care and attention, “ I am my children’s nurse, too.” 
 It proved to be a delightful occasion. Some neigh- 
 bors came in, among them David A. Wasson, and a 
 memorable discussion of woman’s actual and ideal 
 position in America occupied the hour that we sat 
 around the blazing woodfire in the autumn twilight. 
 
 A month later, the same guests were entertained 
 at Roadside. A warm friendship sprang up between 
 the gifted young English lady and the aged Amer- 
 ican preacher. The following letter, written after 
 the death of James Mott, fitly closes this mention 
 of their short acquaintance. The baby Lucretia, 
 alluded to in the letter, died of diphtheria a few 
 years afterwards, and was followed before many days 
 by her poor young mother, a victim to the same ma- 
 lignant disease : — 
 
432 
 
 JAMES AND LUC RE TI A MOTT. 
 
 London, June 30th, 1868. 
 
 Dear Mrs. Mott, — -I have never ventured to intrude 
 on you since my return to England, as I heard of your sad 
 and great trouble ; but I hope you will not mind this little 
 note, just to ask after you, and to tell you of a friend of 
 mine, who is just going to America. It is Mr. Thackeray’s 
 daughter, who is going next month with her husband, Mr. 
 Leslie Stephen. She is a very clever and interesting wo- 
 man, and if she could, would much like to see you. My 
 little daughter, who was born on the second of March, was 
 called Rachel Lucretia, after you and her ancestress. 
 Your picture hangs up in my room, and she shall be taught 
 to venerate and love her unknown and far-off namesake, 
 whom I hope some day she may resemble to some extent, 
 in all those noble, true, and feminine qualities which will 
 always make yours a known and honored name to all lovers 
 of truth, justice, and humanity. My little girl is very dark, 
 and has the sweetest, gentlest smile and ways, and such a 
 placid temper ; the little twin sister never lived, alas ! I 
 should like to have kept my two little American treasures. 
 Looking back on our journey, one of my greatest pleas- 
 ures has been my meeting with you and Mr. Mott, and 
 the sermon I had the delight of hearing from you ; and 
 the two afternoons I spent with you at Boston and at 
 Phila. Many thanks to you for your kindness to us. 
 
 Yours most affectionately, Kate Amber ley. 
 
 In recalling the events of the autumn of 1867, it 
 seems almost as if one could recognize gome premo- 
 nition of the sad change which was soon to follow, 
 in the reluctance with which James and Lucretia 
 Mott parted from their son and his family, who, late 
 in the year, sailed for an extended absence in Eu- 
 rope. Their lively house at the Farm was sold, 
 and winter settled down upon a quiet household at 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 433 
 
 Roadside, in sombre contrast with the preceding 
 summer. 
 
 About the middle of First-month, 1868, our grand- 
 parents left home to visit their daughter in Brooklyn, 
 New York ; and also to attend the wedding of two 
 young people, children of old friends, who particu- 
 larly desired their presence on the occasion. On the 
 way our grandfather contracted a cold which he said 
 was too trifling to be considered ; but it soon devel- 
 oped into pneumonia ; and early on the morning of 
 the 26th, — the day before the wedding, — his life 
 quietly ended. As he breathed his last, in a peace- 
 ful sleep which no one recognized for a while as 
 death, his wife, worn with the night’s watching, 
 rested her head on his pillow and slept too. In the 
 silent dawn of that winter morning, their daughter 
 looked with awe upon those two still faces ; one 
 calm in eternal rest; the other, in serene uncon- 
 sciousness of the sorrow which would greet her 
 waking. 
 
 During the first few days of his illness, our grand- 
 father several times expressed a wish to be at home ; 
 and once, with perhaps a perception of the approach- 
 ing change, unexpected then by his family, he said, 
 44 But I suppose I shall die here, and then I shall be 
 at home ; — it is just as well.” Throughout his ill- 
 ness he was the object of tender and unremitting at- 
 tention from his younger brother, Richard Mott, of 
 Toledo, Ohio, who chanced then to be visiting rel- 
 atives in Brooklyn. The two brothers, strikingly 
 alike in character as well as appearance, were united 
 by a strong bond of affection which bridged over 
 the sixteen years’ difference between their ages ; and 
 28 
 
434 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 at this solemn time, it was a comfort to both that 
 they could be together . 1 
 
 The body of our grandfather was taken to Phila- 
 delphia to the house of his children, Edward and 
 Anna Hopper, where the funeral was held, and was 
 then laid in the family lot in the Friends burying- 
 ground, at Fair Hill. A large concourse of people 
 assembled at the house, and several, out of the full- 
 ness of their hearts, spoke a few words, but, as is 
 usual among Friends, there were no set funeral 
 services. Dr. Furness, the long-tried friend of the 
 family, repeated Mrs. Barbauld’s beautiful hymn, — 
 “ How blest the righteous when he dies ! ” 
 and made some brief remarks, in his own touching 
 and impressive manner. Robert Purvis, another val- 
 ued friend, then offered his fervent tribute of sym- 
 pathy, and was followed by Mary Grew, in eloquent 
 appreciation of the “ incalculable value of the influ- 
 ence of such a life, extending from generation to 
 generation.” 
 
 Then some colored men, who had requested the 
 privilege, as a final mark of respect and reverence 
 
 1 An incident of their early life may be mentioned here. A gold-headed 
 cane came into Richard’s possession while he was still too young to carry 
 it. He therefore passed it over to James, who, in accepting it, said jest- 
 ingly, “ 1 ’ll give it back to thee when thee ’s a member of Congress.” This 
 improbable event came to pass some twenty years after, in the stirring 
 times before the pro-slavery rebellion, when the struggle for freedom — 
 fought at once on the plains of Kansas and in the congressional halls of 
 Washington — resulted in the exclusion of slavery from the new territo- 
 ries of California, New Mexico, Kansas, and Nebraska, During this excit- 
 ing contest, Richard Mott, then a representative from the Toledo district 
 of Ohio, was obliged by ill health to seek a brief rest, and went to his fa- 
 vorite retreat, “ the old place,” at Cowneck, L. I. He had hardly arrived, 
 when at midnight the following telegram from his friend Joshua R. Gid- 
 dings, in Washington, recalled him: — “ Freedom for Kansas depends on 
 your vote. Giddings.” He immediately returned to his post. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 485 
 
 i* one whom they regarded as the devoted friend of 
 their race, performed the last services, and bore him 
 away to bis long resting-place. 
 
 From the large number of letters which were re- 
 ceived after his death, the following are selected for 
 insertion here : — 
 
 Let it comfort you, dear friend, that this world of ours 
 is, to-day, better for your life in it ; better, because you two 
 have lived together in it. Very rarely is the world blessed 
 with such a light as shone — and shone so far — from that 
 wedded life. That light has not gone out. It never will 
 go out. And every year that you will stay with us will 
 help to keep it bright. If I were to try, I could never tell 
 you, dear friend and teacher, how much you have done for 
 me. The breaking of some spiritual fetters, the parting 
 of some clouds which opened deeper vistas into heaven, I 
 owe to you. 
 
 Some day, perhaps, in this world or another, sitting at 
 your feet, I can tell you more of this. Now, sorrowing in 
 your sorrow, I can do little more than pray that you may 
 be blessed and comforted, even as you have blessed and 
 comforted others. Mary Grew. 
 
 Watertown, Feb., 1868. 
 
 My dear Mrs. Mott, — I have just received through 
 our dear friend, Dr. Furness, the message which you felt 
 prompted to send to the young Radicals of this vicinity, who 
 have so lately been honored and greatly cheered by your 
 visit and words. I shall read Dr. Furness’ letter at the 
 next meeting of the Club. In the mean time, I must for 
 myself acknowledge the friendly faithfulness which spoke 
 through those moments of tenderness and sorrow, and 
 which gained thereby so much weight and meaning. I 
 shall lay it to heart. It connects the greatest of truths, 
 with the reverence which I have for you. And that rever- 
 ence is paid to your most womanly faith, sweetness, firm- 
 
436 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 ness and devotion, by which the truths of humanity have 
 gained fresh illustration from you. 
 
 How precious must be the review of this to you, in con- 
 nection with that life-long partnership in honor and char- 
 ity, which death is now for a while interrupting. If any- 
 thing can bid the last years of life blossom into celestial 
 peace and confidence, it must be such years of maturity, 
 spent by you and your husband in great closeness to the 
 Divine Light, and in obedience to the voice that pro- 
 nounces the names of the oppressed, and of all the little 
 ones who must not be lost. 
 
 Great encouragement flows into me from such examples ; 
 and I delight to express to you my homage, as I subscribe 
 myself 
 
 Most sincerely yours, John Weiss. 
 
 FROM WM, LLOYD GARRISON. 
 
 . . . What he was as a husband, no one can tell so well 
 as yourself ; what he was as a father, only his children can 
 realize and depict ; what he was as a friend, a vast multi- 
 tude can testify with moistened eyes and glowing hearts ; 
 what he was as a public benefactor, an untiring philanthro- 
 pist, and a true and courageous reformer, the record of his 
 long and most beneficent life will show in luminous charac- 
 ters. My respect, esteem, affection, and veneration for him 
 were as strong and as exalted as it is lawful to cherish for 
 any human being. He seemed to me to lack nothing as a 
 good and noble man. He was gentle, and yet had great 
 strength of purpose and will ; no fear of man ever caused 
 him to swerve one hair’s breadth from his convictions of 
 duty ; he had a great and pure conscience, and a loving and 
 world-embracing spirit. What a joy and inspiration it is to 
 contemplate such a life ! What an example he was in all 
 manner of goodness ! How early he espoused the cause 
 of the millions cruelly imprisoned in the loathsome house 
 of bondage! I see his name at this moment among the 
 agents of the Genius of Universal Emancipation , as long 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 487 
 
 ago as Dec. 23 rd , 1826. The slave never had a better 
 friend, nor the free man of color one more ready to lend a 
 helping hand in the time of distress. . . . 
 
 At the time of his death James Mott was Presi- 
 dent of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, and 
 Chairman of its Executive Committee; President of 
 the Pennsylvania Peace Society; and a prominent 
 member of the Board of Managers of Swarthmore 
 College. 1 
 
 Some mention of his position in the Society of 
 Friends has already been made, but additional light 
 is thrown upon it by the following brief account, 
 written after his death, by one who, from behind 
 the curtain, was acquainted with certain facts which 
 James Mott would have been reluctant to detail con- 
 cerning himself. 
 
 In this connection it is proper, and perhaps neces- 
 sary, to explain that the person who appears con- 
 spicuously in the statement was a well-known Friend, 
 who had become a member of the Monthly Meeting 
 to which James and Lucretia Mott belonged, soon 
 after the Separation. In a short time he was made 
 an Elder. He earnestly and honestly believed in 
 eldership , and in the exercise of all the authority in- 
 cident to the office. The arbitrary measures pursued 
 by him and his followers were opposed by those who 
 believed that a spirit of toleration and charity should 
 characterize the administration of the Discipline ; 
 and many discussions consequently took place in the 
 Select Meeting for Ministers and Elders, in which 
 he violently and persistently opposed Lucretia Mott. 
 The want of harmony was such as to cause anxious 
 
 1 A well-known educational institution, near Philadelphia, organized 
 and controlled by Friends. 
 
438 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 concern throughout the Society, and many feared a 
 return of that state of ecclesiastical oppression from 
 which the Separation had for a time delivered them. 
 
 I do not know when Janies Mott was first made an 
 Elder. It was long, long since. He did not, I think, re- 
 sign the office. The Discipline provides for a change or 
 reappointment once in three years, when a committee is 
 appointed for the purpose. If there is no disturbing ele- 
 ment, those who have heretofore been in the service are 
 renominated ; and such is generally the case. During the 
 term of Clement Biddle and James Mott, there was dis- 
 agreement, and the committee felt that in view of the dis- 
 cordant feeling existing between these two Friends, both 
 their names could not properly be reported to the Monthly 
 Meeting. A majority of the committee, perhaps, was favor- 
 able to the reappointment of James Mott ; and their report, 
 if made, would probably have been sustained by the meet- 
 ing. It is certain that he was strongly urged to allow his 
 name to be presented, and had he shown the least desire for 
 the place, it would in all probability have been given to him ; 
 but his disapprobation of the course pursued, and the dis- 
 affection of his wife to the “ select ” institution, as it was 
 then conducted, made the station distasteful to him. He 
 stated to the committee that as the reappointment of both 
 would not be productive of peace and quiet, it would be 
 better for them not to serve together, and that for him to 
 displace the other, would seriously affect the health, if not 
 the life of the latter. He therefore took his seat on the 
 floor again, and Clement Biddle kept his in the gallery. 
 
 Time passed, circumstances changed, and peace was re- 
 stored to Zion. James Mott was again made an Elder. 
 He had no longing for the office, but accepted it in submis- 
 sion to the partiality of his many friends, and held it in all 
 modesty until his life was so abruptly ended. The position 
 gave him social opportunities which were pleasant to his 
 declining days. He seldom had anything to say in public 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 439 
 
 meetings, but in meetings for discipline he spoke upon mat- 
 ters wherein good sense and good judgment were needed, 
 his remarks being very practical, and tending to impart 
 strength and unity to the brethren. His judgment was 
 much respected, and his cooperation in the service of the 
 church highly and gratefully appreciated. This is the cor- 
 dial, unqualified testimony. 
 
 An earnest tribute of respect — a minute con- 
 cerning his life and character — was read before the 
 Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends to which 
 he belonged, and recorded in their minutes. 
 
 I will not attempt to depict the blank left in the 
 family circle. Though our grandfather had reached 
 the ripe age of nearly eighty years, he was so young 
 in feeling, so strong in health, that no one could as- 
 sociate the thought of death with his fullness of life. 
 Had the summons come to our grandmother, whose 
 etherealized frame seemed ready to succumb to the 
 slightest touch, the blow would have been much less 
 unexpected. But the strong man was swept away; 
 and the fragile woman waited yet twelve years for 
 the kind future which she hoped would reunite them. 
 
 Soon after the sad event, Martha Wright, in a 
 letter to a friend, said of her sister : — 
 
 The striking traits of Lucretia’s character are remark- 
 able energy that defies even time, unswerving conscientious- 
 ness, and all those characteristics that are summed up in 
 the few words, love to man and love to God. . . . Though 
 much broken by the heavy affliction that has come to her 
 so unexpectedly, for, frail as she is, she never thought she 
 should survive her strong and vigorous husband, she has 
 borne the stroke better than we feared. 
 
 She took up her daily life as nearly as possible in 
 its accustomed rounds, and tried to fulfill the duties 
 
440 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 that remained with cheerfulness and resignation, but 
 the sense of desolation continued to the end. She 
 never again slept in the chamber which she and her 
 husband had occupied together, — a bright sunny 
 room at the south end of the house, — but took for 
 herself a tiny little place, called in the family, the 
 “ middle room,” with a window to the east, com- 
 manding the sunrise. With this room our last mem- 
 ories of her are associated. It was also noticeable 
 that from the time of her husband’s death she rarely 
 attended the First-day meetings, to which she had 
 driven with him so often, and that she cared less for 
 public gatherings of any kind, with the exception of 
 the mid-week Friends’ meeting, in Philadelphia, to 
 which she went with great regularity until within 
 six months of her death. Here she met the children 
 who attended Friends’ Central School; it being a 
 rule that the scholars, both boys and girls, should be 
 present at this religious meeting. She liked to see 
 them file in and take their places with such deco- 
 rous order. She said that their fresh young faces 
 helped her to forget her own increasing feebleness, 
 and mitigated her loneliness. 
 
 Another notable exception must be made in favor 
 of the Pennsylvania Peace Society, whose executive 
 committee meetings were an unfailing attraction to 
 her. She rarely allowed anything to interfere with 
 her attendance at these. The promotion of Univer- 
 sal Peace was a cause with which she had been iden- 
 tified from the beginning, and in which her latest 
 interest was engaged. 
 
 She also continued to attend the Yearly Meetings 
 of Friends and some Womans’ Rights conventions, 
 and occasionally participated in the annual meetings 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 441 
 
 of the Free Religious Association, in Boston, but with 
 these exceptions, she went less and less into public 
 assemblies. Her home life gradually assumed a new 
 routine ; friends and children and grandchildren came 
 and went, and the days passed on. How they passed 
 may be gathered from a few extracts from some of 
 her letters to her sister and daughter : — 
 
 Roadside, 3rd mo. 26tli, 1868. 
 
 My darling Patty, — Are you thinking this day, that 
 two months have passed since that memorable night and 
 day ? Every day and night since has been counted by me, 
 and the untiring subject of thought finds expression when- 
 ever there are ears to hear and sympathetic hearts to beat 
 in unison. We are continually remembering some incident 
 to tell our dear son, Thomas ; and such a comfort it is to 
 have him with us at this time ! Your visit was most grate- 
 ful to my longing heart, although I was so engrossed with 
 the natural dwelling on our great loss. . . . Mine are not 
 tears of bitterness, but of tenderness. Excessive grief is 
 lamentable, if not reprehensible. I do not mourn, but 
 rather remember my blessings, and the blessing of his long 
 life with me. How far preferable a sudden to a lingering 
 death ! . . . 
 
 Roadside, 6th mo. 26th, 1868. 
 
 My beloved Children and Grandchildren, — I 
 have given you a little rest from letters lately. Thine, 
 dear Patty, instead of yourselves, arrived in good time, and 
 was read with all the resignation we could summon. The 
 days were passed, not without company, but much alone in 
 my little sanctum, and in the parlor, while the rest were 
 out on the piazza. The recurrence of the eightieth birth- 
 day 1 with us, as with you, led to a review of the past and 
 present, and a greater change than here the last year we 
 thought could not be found anywhere. So much life and 
 
 1 U sd James Mott lived, he would have been eighty, on the 20th of 6th 
 mo. 1868. 
 
442 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETLA MOTT . 
 
 activity last summer and early fall, over at the Farm ; the 
 basket wagon daily here for the young folks to drive to 
 Germantown or elsewhere ; the “hifalutin,” afternoons, for 
 the older members to drive with Mariana ; company out 
 every other evening. Your dear father going here and 
 there to meetings, his return always so pleasant ; our 
 united visit to you at Suffern, and at Nathaniel Barney’s ; 
 those delightful trips in the fall, meeting with so many 
 intelligent people ; Wendell Phillips’ meetings at West 
 Chester, and Kennett, and in the city ; Lord and Lady 
 Amberley’s visit here, and Uncle Richard’s. Then the 
 change! all the family gone from the Farm; Aunt Mar- 
 tha’s comings, always so cheering, at an end, it seemed, 
 with sickness at home. Our delightfully anticipated visit 
 to you cut short so sadly ! Laura’s illness and death im- 
 mediately following ; you know the sad, sad list. . . . But 
 with it all we try to number our remaining blessings, and 
 are generally hopeful, cheerful, and thankful. 
 
 Most tenderly, Mother. 
 
 7th mo. 6th, 1868. 
 
 . . . Maria and I are day after day alone. Edward 
 comes out to a late dinner. Ellis and Margaret drove over 
 the other evening by bright moonlight, and passed an hour 
 or so on the piazza. Bat oh ! the great blank ! Your 
 dear father was ever there these warm summer evenings, 
 and we seem to miss him more there than in the house, if 
 that is possible. Scarcely a day passes that I do not think, 
 of course for the instant only, that I will consult him 
 about this or that. ... It discourages me to find that my 
 memory is failing. When I found this morning that I had 
 written the same thing twice, I put aside my pen, went 
 into the garden and gathered peas for dinner, came in and 
 shelled them, and have since read the “ Radical,” and 
 looked into “ Friends’ Intelligencer,” and some other peri* 
 odicals, and wished we only took half the number. . . . 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 443 
 
 Roadside, 7th mo. 18th, 1869. 
 
 • . . We were saying the other evening as we sat on the 
 piazza in the moonlight, Edward, Maria, and I, how few 
 friends we had left to come and sit with us, as Robert Coll- 
 yer used to, and how we missed, in a thousand ways, the 
 beloved occupant of the large chair out there. ... I have 
 come up to my little middle room to rest, and perhaps lie 
 down awhile, for I was up and out in the garden before six 
 this morning, gathering peas ; and I ’ve finished a nice new 
 dress ; on at this present. . . . Tom and Fanny are here 
 for a few days, and their merry laugh takes us back to the 
 happy days of Roadside, before the glory departed. Alas ! 
 
 The following letter, although written several 
 years after this period of loneliness and mourning, 
 is introduced in this connection as giving some of 
 the views of the writer regarding death and the un- 
 known future. It is the only one of the kind that I 
 ever knew her to write, and was in answer to a friend 
 who, in the agony of heavy bereavement, had sought 
 some consolation from her. These were questions 
 upon which she thought it unprofitable to dwell. 
 Believing sincerely that all such things are ordered 
 for the best, she was content to leave the impenetra- 
 ble mystery in the hands of Infinite Beneficence : — 
 
 How gladly would I send thee a consolatory letter in 
 answer to thine ; but alas ! While the faith of many sym- 
 pathizers with the bereaved can present beautiful pictures 
 of the blessedness of the departed, and their assurance of 
 a happy reunion, I can only say with the Apostle, “ It doth 
 not yet appear what we shall be,” and try to be satisfied with 
 the consciousness that now are we the children of God; — 
 with the fullness of hope, and such an earnest of the king- 
 dom of Heaven as may be in completion hereafter — and 
 always with the idea that our nearest and dearest im- 
 mortals are waiting for us. 
 
444 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 The very prevalent faith in the joys of a hereafter, 
 either in a gross or a more spiritual form, may satisfy the 
 ardent desire of some ; the Scripture testimony is enough 
 for others ; but in this age of reason and demonstration, I 
 
 marvel not, dear , that thou art not so easily satisfied 
 
 and comforted. ... I have no guesswork to give as to 
 what the future will be, but I have full faith that what is 
 best for us will be ours. Still I may say to thee, that in 
 the oft-repeated heartrendings of ours, I have sought con- 
 solation in vain from prevailing beliefs and the experience 
 of spiritualists, — so far short of our high ideal of Heav- 
 enly enjoyment, — but have caught some ray of futurity 
 in the placid and beautiful expression in putting off mor- 
 tality, when there is almost a halo over the face of the de- 
 parted. 
 
 The above will little satisfy thy request to have the de- 
 cision of my mind as to the destiny of us mortals ; I am 
 equally unable to say aught to dry the tear of sorrow; 
 only, let not your grief arise to murmur, nor repining to 
 mingle with your woe. I love to quote the following : — 
 
 “ Pardon, just Heaven, but when the heart is torn, 
 
 The human drop of bitterness will steal ; 
 
 Nor can we lose the privilege to mourn 
 While we have left the faculty to feel.” 
 
 I know full well how little the foregoing will satisfy 
 thee, but Time is a never-failing healer of the anguish of 
 such bereavements, while, in my own experience, not re- 
 moving the longing desire to have our loved ones back 
 again. 
 
 With enduring love, 
 
 L. Mott. 
 

 
CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 In the loneliness which is the inevitable lot of 
 those who survive their contemporaries, and which, 
 though only a “ vague unrest ” compared to the sor- 
 row of personal bereavement, is yet benumbing in 
 its sense of desolation, Lucretia Mott found solace in 
 the general kindliness that greeted her everywhere. 
 The old times of disfavor had passed forever. In- 
 stead of averted faces and open condemnation, she 
 now met manifestations of tenderness and venera- 
 tion. As death, year by year, removed the compan- 
 ions of her long life, a younger generation arose to 
 take their places, and to tend the declining steps of 
 age with care and devotion. It was no unusual oc- 
 currence for her to be addressed by strangers in the 
 street, with the request that they might be allowed 
 to take her hand a moment ; and once, a woman in 
 deep mourning brushed quickly by her, and whis- 
 pered as she passed, “ God bless you, Lucretia 
 Mott ! ” 
 
 In this fostering atmosphere of love and appreci- 
 ation, her warm heart became like that of a little 
 child, among friends ; and her face like that of a 
 transfigured saint. Each year, as it stole something 
 from her physical and mental vigor, but added to 
 the gentle grace of her manner. She had lived to 
 see the triumph of the great cause of Freedom, and 
 her heart was filled with thankfulness. She could 
 
446 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 say, “ Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, 
 for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” 
 
 In the winter of 1870, accompanied by her friend, 
 Dillwyn Parrish, she visited most of the colored 
 churches in and around Philadelphia, and addressed 
 the congregations ; receiving, as she always did from 
 the colored people, an outpouring of love and grati- 
 tude. She also made a journey to Washington about 
 this time, to speak at a meeting there; and to New 
 York for the same purpose. Everywhere she met 
 the same cordial greeting, and frequently from those 
 who in former years had passed on the other side. 
 Some rather ludicrous evidences of public approba- 
 tion were shown in the surprising number of chil- 
 dren, black and white, who were named for her; 
 and in the societies that adopted her as their patron 
 saint. She could never hear the name of one, “ The 
 Rising Sons and Daughters of Lucretia Mott,” with- 
 out amusement. It is told too, that, at a banquet 
 in a village near her country home, she was toasted 
 as “ The black man’s Goddess of Liberty,” a well- 
 deserved, if rather peculiar compliment. 
 
 From among the many letters that she received 
 during this change of public sentiment, I have se- 
 lected two which were especially grateful to her. 
 One reads : — 
 
 . . . For many years I have been a follower of thine, 
 grateful for myself, but more grateful for the good thou 
 hast been doing others. I have lived long enough to note 
 the change in the general appreciation of thy career, and 
 could but wonder, as we sat through the late Yearly Meet- 
 ing, whether the love and confidence that supports thee 
 now is not a sweet reward for the martyrdom thou suffered 
 so long. . . . 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 447 
 
 The other says, in quaint Quaker phraseology: — 
 
 I have felt a desire to express to thee my great appre- 
 ciation of thy minglings in our meetings. A deep feeling 
 awakened in me on hearing thy impressive communications 
 in our assembly on last Fourth -day. Thy text, “ Little 
 children, keep yourselves from idols,” struck upon me with 
 a memorable force, probably similar to that which thou ex- 
 perienced some fifty years ago in Arch street meeting, 
 when a voice uttered, “ Keep thy heart with all diligence, 
 for out of it are the issues of life.” Thy beautiful and ap- 
 plicable remarks were such as will, I think, prove to me 
 and to many others present, as a “ nail fastened in a sure 
 place.” 
 
 In this connection I am reminded of another letter 
 which gladdened her heart in the last years of her 
 life. It was an unexpected, but most welcome re- 
 sponse from the employees of the North Pennsylvania 
 Railroad Company. For several years she had been 
 in the way of sending a small box of candy to each 
 of these men at Christmas time, — once amounting 
 to over fifty boxes, — as a slight acknowledgment of 
 their kindness in helping her in and out of the cars, 
 for, as she said at home, “the conductors and brake- 
 men are very thoughtful of me ; they never let me 
 lift out my bundles, but catch them up so quickly, 
 and they all seem to know me.” The following note 
 was sent to her on her eighty-sixth birthday. 
 
 North Penna. R. R. Co., Philadelphia, 
 Jan. 3rd, 1879. 
 
 Lucretia Mott, dear Friend, — The officers and em- 
 ployees of the North Penn. R. R. Co. desire to recognize on 
 this, the eighty-sixth anniversary of your birth, their appre- 
 ciation of the happy intercourse that has existed for so 
 many years between you and your family and them. 
 
448 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 One and all join in wishing you a happy continuance, and 
 a peaceful ending at the close, of your long and useful life. 
 
 Yours with respect, 
 
 A. H. Fracker, 
 
 Geo. H. Edwards. 
 
 On behalf of the company’s employees. 
 
 As her popularity extended, she received letters of 
 a character very different from the foregoing. Many 
 were appeals for money, or requests for autographs ; 
 others for advice on all imaginable points ; from the 
 choice of a profession, to the choice of a boarding- 
 house or school. Some were based on a newly dis- 
 covered relationship through the far-reaching Coffin 
 family ; others on the nearer connection of similar- 
 ity of interests. One letter, I remember, modestly 
 asked for a list of all the public schools in Pennsyl- 
 vania, in order that the writer might make applica- 
 tion for the position of teacher in one of the most 
 salubrious localities. Another earnestly recom- 
 mended the investment of a large sum in the manu- 
 facture of an article to u take the kink out of the 
 hair of the negro,” with the assurance of the writer, 
 that this would do more to further his independence 
 than any scheme of education and political equality. 
 Still another effusion asked for a replenishing of 
 household furniture, from bedding to silver spoons, 
 “ or plated will do ; ” and ended, rhapsodically, “ Had 
 I the wings of a dove, I would fly to thee ! — Oh — 
 and send a silk umbrella.” 
 
 Her replies, even to such productions, were always 
 courteous ; for she never liked to wound the feelings 
 of any one. It was impossible to be other than 
 amused at such nonsense, but she would soon check 
 our merriment by saying, “ Don’t laugh too much, 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 449 
 
 the poor souls meant well.” And I remember once, 
 when the sense of the ludicrous side of a question un- 
 der discussion around the breakfast-table threatened 
 to drown the merits of the case, that she rebuked us 
 gently, saying, “ I like fun too, but not fun made of 
 serious subjects or serious people.” Another time, 
 commenting on some rather flippant remarks made 
 in her presence, she said, u Let us have unbelief, but 
 let it be a reverent unbelief.” 
 
 With the mysterious balance of mortal life, while 
 in public she was reaping the fruit of her own faith- 
 fulness, and the blessing of the multitude was being 
 poured upon her, her domestic life was shadowed by 
 one sorrow after another. Within two years of her 
 husband’s death, there followed that of her beloved 
 sister, Eliza, the cherished companion of seventy 
 years. In this bereavement she said, “ No one knows 
 how sadly I miss my dear sister. I pass by her 
 house with an aching sense of desolation, and feel 
 as a lone, lorn one left behind.” In the course of 
 the next six years, six more of the immediate fam- 
 ily died, including her youngest sister, Martha C. 
 Wright, and her eldest daughter, the sweet and 
 gifted Anna M. Hopper. The former, a woman of 
 fine presence, wide information, keen wit, and rare 
 good sense, had been her fellow-laborer, her support, 
 and sometimes her leader in the Woman’s Rights re- 
 form. The sisters were as united in their public 
 career as in their domestic relations, and the separa- 
 tion was a sad change to the one left behind. No 
 wonder that she wrote, “It is time for me, too, to 
 rest 4 low in the ground,’ beside your dear father’s 
 earthly all, and so near two dear daughters.” 
 
 Under these repeated inflictions her health, never 
 
 29 
 
450 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 robust, gave way, and the frail body yielded more 
 and more to the infirmities of advanced age ; but 
 the dominant spirit, clothed in immortal youth, tri- 
 umphed over the weakness of the flesh, and could not 
 be held back from doing u righteousness at all times.” 
 “ They shall perish, but thou shalt endure ; yea, all 
 of them shall wax old like a garment; . . .but thou 
 art the same, and thy years shall have no end.” 
 
 More than ever did she now turn to the compan- 
 ionship of certain books, of which Dean Stanley’s 
 Sermons — and particularly his Valedictory Address 
 at St. Andrews — were the preeminent favorites. 
 She had at first only the newspaper report of the 
 latter address, which soon became worn out from 
 much reading and lending ; and a new one, neatly 
 pasted into a small blank book, was sent her by a 
 friend. This she carried in her pocket, more to 
 lend than to read, for she knew much of it by heart. 
 She was never weary of calling attention to the 
 sound liberality of the following passage : — 
 
 “We often hear of the reconciliation of theology and 
 science. It is not reconciliation that is needed, but the 
 recognition that they are one and indivisible. Whatever 
 enlarges our ideas of nature, enlarges our ideas of God. 
 Whatever gives us a deeper insight into the nature of the 
 Author of the Universe, gives us a deeper insight into the 
 secrets of the universe itself. Whatever is bad in theol- 
 ogy, is bad in science ; whatever is good in science, is also 
 good in theology. In like manner, we sometimes hear of 
 the reconciliation of religion and morality.* The answer is 
 the same ; they are one and indivisible. Whatever tends 
 to elevate the virtue, the purity, the generosity of the stu- 
 dent, is his religion. Whatever debases the mind, or cor- 
 rupts the heart, or hardens the conscience, under whatever 
 pretext, however specious, is infidelity of the worst sort.” 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 451 
 
 The addresses made by Dean Stanley during his 
 sojourn in America were read by Lucretia Mott with 
 absorbing interest. When they were published in 
 book form, she bought a large number of copies to 
 give away. Another favorite book was Arnold’s 
 poem, “ The Light of Asia.” 
 
 She continued to attend some of the meetings and 
 conventions held in Philadelphia, though she was 
 able to speak but little. One of these occasions must 
 be mentioned. It was the Centennial Anniversary 
 of the Old Pennsylvania Abolition Society, held in 
 one of the largest halls in the city. The place was 
 thronged, and the platform crowded with those who 
 had been active in the great cause. Henry Wilson, 
 Senator from Massachusetts, presided, and William 
 H. Furness made the opening prayer. After one or 
 two speeches had been made, the president said : — 
 
 “ I propose now to present to you one of the most ven- 
 erable and noble of the American women, whose voice for 
 forty years has been heard, and has tenderly touched many 
 noble hearts. Age has dimmed her eye and weakened her 
 voice, but her heart, like the . heart of a wise man and a 
 wise woman, is yet young. I present to you Lucretia 
 Mott.” 
 
 As she stepped forward, the vast audience rose 
 with tumultuous applause, cheering, and waving 
 their hats and handkerchiefs. She stood motionless, 
 so frail in body, but with a heavenly inspiration 
 beaming from her face, and awaited the profound si- 
 lence that followed, when, in a voice slightly tremu- 
 lous, but clear and impressive, she slowly repeated 
 these lines : — 
 
 “ I ’ve heard of hearts unkind, kind words 
 With coldness still returning. 
 
452 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 Alas ! the gratitude of man, 
 
 Hath oftener left me mourning.” 
 
 Then, after a slight pause, she proceeded with the 
 few remarks she had to make. It was a scene never 
 to be forgotten by those present. 
 
 Another similar ovation occurred on the Fourth of 
 July of the following year, when the u National 
 Woman’s Suffrage Association” held a meeting in 
 Dr. Furness’ church, for the purpose of having the 
 Woman’s Declaration of Independence read. Mrs. 
 Stanton presided. When Lucretia Mott rose to 
 speak from her place among the audience, several 
 persons called, “ Go up into the pulpit.” With a 
 few deprecatory words, she complied with the re- 
 quest, but hardly had she begun to ascend the steps, 
 when a single clear voice began the hymn, “Nearer, 
 my God, to thee,” and, animated by a sentiment qf 
 • appreciative reverence, the whole audience joined. 
 Never was the beautiful hymn sung with more fer- 
 vent expression, while the unconscious object of this 
 subtle flattery quietly waited until it was finished, 
 without the least suspicion of any personal applica- 
 tion in what she considered a part of the regular 
 service. Her humility was slow to appropriate com- 
 pliments of any kind, though she was not indifferent 
 to discriminating praise. This reminds me of a re- 
 mark she made to her daughter not many weeks be- 
 fore her death. She heard read from the “Free Re- 
 ligious Index” of September 16, 1880, an editorial 
 notice of her increasing physical weakness, which was 
 accompanied by a few reverent words regarding “ the 
 valuable lessons of her long life.” She listened, and 
 said, “ It ’s better not to be in a hurry with obitu- 
 aries.” Then, after a pause, she added in an under- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 453 
 
 tone, as though to herself, “ I ’m a very much over- 
 rated woman, — it is humiliating.” 
 
 It will be necessary now to turn back several 
 years, to a time when, recovering somewhat from 
 the shock of her husband’s death, she once more en- 
 tered into the affairs of the world around her. As 
 in the preceding chapters, the narrative is left to 
 her own letters. The first in order is the last one 
 of the long series to her old friend in Ireland, Rich- 
 ard D. Webb. 
 
 Roadside, near Philada., 1st mo. 22nd, 1870. 
 My dear Richard Webb, — I fear thou must think 
 me heartless, after such a letter as thou sent me more 
 than two months since, with the heart-rending inclosure of 
 details of the awful ravages and suffering from the war in 
 France, that no response has yet been made. What shall 
 I say? Could I have returned a list of contributors to- 
 wards the relief of the sufferers, surely an answer would 
 have been forthgoing. But any attempt to raise money 
 here seemed a useless effort. The Hicksites have few 
 rich — and the Orthodox prefer a distinct fund. They 
 may have been appealed to from England, and not in 
 vain. 
 
 Will not this terribly devastating war tend to open the 
 eyes and conscience to the unchristian, the wicked, the 
 barbarous resort to murderous weapons ? There is cer- 
 tainly more life and interest in the Peace nr s now than 
 ever before. The conventions are well attended, and higher 
 ground is taken. A Peace Congress is resolved upon — 
 when and where, hereafter to be decided. It only needs 
 the will of the people, to substitute other settlements of 
 claims and redress of grievances, and thus to make “ war 
 a game that kings shall not play at.” 
 
 Charles Sumner lately delivered a grand lecture on the 
 subject, in which he called attention to the fact of the 
 Working Men’s Union in England having come out with a 
 
454 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 protest against war. Even the woman question, as far as 
 voting goes, does not take hold of my every feeling as does 
 war. 
 
 But my small space for communing with thee must not 
 all be devoted to my hobbies, so I will stop after saying, 
 that a large and good meeting on “ Woman Suffrage” has 
 lately been held in Washington, by the Stanton-Anthony 
 side ; and a very successful Bazaar in Boston, by the Stone- 
 Blackwell party; each advocating the self-same measures. 
 
 With dear love to thy daughter, Deborah, and thyself, 
 with a wish not yet abandoned, that you will come back 
 some day and settle among us, I will close. 
 
 Lucretia Mott. 
 
 Next come some extracts from letters, mostly to 
 members of the family, which give hints of the busy 
 life of the writer, her varied interests, and her grad- 
 ually declining strength, better than any one else 
 can describe them. 
 
 Phila., 11th mo. 13th, bright, clear day. 
 
 . . . Yestermorn Anna and Maria looked over their 
 wardrobe and made a large pile for Washington and Iowa; 
 for, be it known, we have a large box nearly filled to send 
 there. I arranged for James Corr to come in this morn- 
 ing, bring in what fowls and produce he can collect, then 
 drive around with me, and gather up the gifts to take to 
 the House of Industry and Race Street schoolroom, where 
 Mary Jeans and Lydia Gillingham are intending to pack a 
 box for Washington. 1 Then at 2 o’clock I am to meet Lucy 
 Stone and Henry Blackwell at Dr. Child’s, with as many 
 as can go at so short notice, to consult as to a m ts here 
 this winter. After sundry calls yesterday, and an hour at 
 the photographer’s (at his request), I whipped into the 
 cars and out to Roadside, gave James Corr the above di- 
 rections, took a cup of tea and toast, and in again at four- 
 
 1 For the frecdmen. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 455 
 
 thirty. So I had n’t my shawl and bonnet off after break- 
 fast till arriving at John Wildman’s to tea. . . . 
 
 2nd mo. 4th, 1870. 
 
 . . . What a pity as thou says, that let her share 
 
 go beyond her control. Women will be slow to learn to 
 assume pecuniary responsibility, even of their own. Ever 
 taught to confide and trust in men in such matters, they 
 risk more than they ought, where they have no exercise of 
 
 judgment. No wonder such a loss made sick. That 
 
 was the way it affected James, dear soul, when our little 
 new shop in Fourth Street was going behind, in 1816. . . . 
 
 I cannot summon much interest for signers to our peti- 
 tion to the Judiciary Com. Sarah Pugh does her part. 
 ... I was in town at a meeting at the Old Colored Home 
 on First-day, and told them of the funeral of Thomas Gar- 
 rett the day before, which Edward Davis and myself at- 
 tended. 1 Aaron Powell was there, and spoke admirably 
 well ; also a Methodist minister of repute, and a fine, in- 
 telligent colored man. Such a concourse of all sects and 
 colors we never before saw ! The street lined for half a 
 mile to the Meeting-House, and as many outside as in. 
 Six colored men bore him that distance, and then into the 
 graveyard adjoining. He was universally respected, and 
 well-beloved by many, even though his name was cast out 
 as evil in Anti-Slavery days. 
 
 1st mo. 20th, 1871. 
 
 Every foot of added room in building adds to the 
 work of a house. When I see a family of two or three 
 in a large double house, the Indian wigwam seems desirable, 
 rather than the constant toil of our so-called civilization ; 
 and especially is this the case when the time of young 
 mothers is absorbed in elaborate dresses for their children. 
 Oh, the alarming extravagance of this age ! My soul mourns 
 it oftener than the morning. 
 
 Although Lucretia Mott did not advocate the 
 
 1 At Wilmington, Delaware. 
 
456 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 adoption of the Quaker dress by young people, she 
 did try to influence them to dress simply, and seri- 
 ously deprecated the waste of good material in long 
 trains and needless trimmings. Her testimony in 
 this respect was faithfully upheld, both in her ser- 
 mons and her private conversation. In the New 
 York Yearly Meeting of 1872, she closed an impres- 
 sive discourse by an appeal to the young women for 
 moderation and simplicity as a matter of conscience. 
 The report says that “ the women’s gallery, with its 
 array of ribbons and head-gear, fluttered its multitu- 
 dinous fans very nervously at this.” 
 
 4th mo. 23rd, 1872. 
 
 Some of us have watched for years the progress of 
 free thought and speech in England, and have looked for 
 more daring or moral courage, in expression and action, 
 than has yet appeared. The tendency both in England 
 and in this country, to engraft the popular creed on our 
 simple Quaker religion, requires a firm withstanding, lest 
 we be found preaching an outward , rather than an inward 
 salvation ; directing to the letter which killeth, and not to 
 the spirit which giveth life, thus building again the things 
 which William Penn and his co-workers destroyed. The 
 cardinal doctrine of our Society, — “ the light within,’’ — 
 “ the engrafted word,” — is sufficient, if we only have faith 
 in its teachings, and bear a true testimony to its unfoldings. 
 Good works will ever be the standard for righteous judg- 
 ment. This was the philosophy of Jesus of Nazareth, 
 who is yet so little understood. 
 
 8th mo. 26th, 1872. 
 
 . . . Even these nothings of letters are becoming a 
 burden, for I fail every week, and fear sometimes I shall 
 not hold on till October, when we promised to meet in New 
 
 York, and welcome and home. I was weighed 
 
 yesterday, — only seventy-six and a half pounds now ! 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 457 
 
 9th mo. 26th, 1872. 
 
 . . . It was a disappointment to be taken sick just as I 
 
 was preparing to go to ’s wedding ; but I can’t do such 
 
 things any more. My day is over for application to any- 
 thing but carpet rags. Seventeen yards are just woven, 
 and so handsome that Maria and Edward protest against 
 its covering our kitchen ; so they have divided it into rugs 
 to give to our children. The weaver said that among all 
 he had ever woven, he never saw any other so well mixed 
 and sewed ; he had called neighbor Williams in to see it. 
 Besides this work at odd hours, I have turned sheets and 
 hemmed towels and darned the stockings. 
 
 The foregoing letter may not be understood by the 
 general reader, if not New England born and bred. 
 The old-fashioned custom of making “ hit-or-miss ” 
 carpets out of household rags, an economy inherited 
 by our grandmother from her primitive Nantucket 
 ancestors, was a favorite occupation of her leisure 
 hours. She sewed the rags — generally with ravel- 
 ings from some stronger material, instead of thread 
 — into balls, weighing about a pound each, and when 
 a sufficient number of these had been accumulated, 
 sent them to a neighboring weaver to be woven into 
 yard-wide strips. Her own, and some of her chil- 
 dren’s kitchens, were generally covered with car- 
 peting of her make ; and one grandchild, at least, 
 can remember a present of a large roll of some 
 fifteen or twenty yards. The carpet in question was 
 almost a work of art, so well assorted was it in color, 
 and so finely and evenly woven. Many of us can 
 remember how long the roll stood in the parlor cor- 
 ner, and how pleased our grandmother was to ex- 
 hibit it to guests, spreading it out over the floor with 
 her own hands. It was finally cut into two yard 
 
458 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TIA MOTT. 
 
 lengths, and distributed as keepsakes ; and the next 
 that she sewed — the last, as it proved — was woven 
 into small rugs for gifts to her friends. 
 
 The allusion in the next letter, and in some pre- 
 vious ones, to the “ dear Aged Colored Home,” also 
 calls for some explanation. This home is a charitable 
 institution in West Philadelphia, in which our grand- 
 mother was warmly interested. Long after she gave 
 up driving, except for unavoidable errands or visits, 
 
 — she never, at any time, drove for pleasure only, — 
 she continued to go, at intervals, to the First-day 
 service at this home. It was a drive of over twenty 
 miles, there and back ; but I have known her to un- 
 dertake it when she was suffering so acutely from 
 dyspepsia that she could not sit upright in the car- 
 riage, rather than disappoint the aged inmates who 
 were expecting her. She also drove there regularly, 
 
 — for years, — the day before Christmas, with gifts 
 of turkeys, pies, apples, and vegetables, a gingham 
 apron for each of the women, and a handkerchief 
 apiece for the men. She did this until she was 
 eighty-five. 
 
 3rd mo. 13th, 1874. 
 
 . . . Sumner’s death has filled our thoughts. How full 
 the papers are in his praise ; and well they may be ! I 
 like our “ Press ” notice better than any other, as it says 
 more of his peace efforts and productions. I wish we had 
 more Sumners among our public men. When he delivered 
 his last lecture in Phila., on “ Duels between Nations,” or 
 some such title, I asked him if our Peace Society could 
 have his “ True Grandeur of Nations ” to reprint. He said 
 he would be willing, but that it was in the hands of his 
 publishers, and he could not recall it. . . . The life of Mrs. 
 Somerville, and John Stuart Mill’s autobiography, are the 
 only books we have read lately, but newspapers galore. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 459 
 
 William J. Potter’s article in a late number of the “ Index,” 
 on “ Religion, and the Science of Religion,” pleased me 
 very much. Have you read Matthew Arnold’s “ Literature 
 and Dogma ” ? It is well worth reading : his nice distinc- 
 tions in the Bible, — and bringing so into notice the “ not 
 ourselves ” “ which makes for righteousness.” . . . 
 
 . . . Maria went to meeting with me on Fourth-day, 
 for I have arrived at the state not to be trusted alone ; 
 therefore I shall soon give up going anywhere. I have 
 already done riding more than I can help ; but, to tell the 
 truth, I mean to go to the dear Aged Colored Home next 
 First-day. All this morning I ’ve been summoning reso- 
 lution to take the pen, which is an increasing burden, 
 though when once begun, subjects crowd upon me. . . . 
 Mother was nine years younger than I am now, when she 
 said, “ I am almost past writing, my hand trembles so.” My 
 trembling increases much. ... I asked Maria to-day, if it 
 was as pleasant to her as to me, to come out to our quiet 
 home. This cosy little library has often been a blessed 
 resting-place. 
 
 The next letter is interesting, as giving the origin 
 of the motto, “ Truth for Authority, not Authority 
 for Truth,” which Lucretia Mott adopted for her 
 own. 
 
 Roadside, 6th mo. 5th, 1877. 
 
 Mary P. Allen : 
 
 My dear Friend, — The visit of thy father, Nicholas 
 Hallock, to our Yearly M g . with a minute, was about 1841. 
 The word “ Holy” applied to the Scriptures in our “ Que- 
 ries,” drew forth some objections from him. He said that 
 while he “ fully appreciated the truths of the inspired, writ- 
 ers, and read the book (he presumed) with an interest equal 
 to any present, there were accounts there of conduct which 
 we should be unwilling our children should read if found in 
 any other book” (naming some objectionable parts). 
 
460 
 
 JAMES AND LUC RET I A MOTT . 
 
 Opposition followed ; after which a committee was named 
 to consider the subject of indorsing minutes. Their re- 
 port was, the practice should better be discontinued, which 
 was united with. My son-in-law, Edward Hopper, thought 
 it well to drop the practice, but could not unite with it 
 now , if it was meant to apply to our friend Nicholas Hal- 
 lock. He then arose, hoped the custom would be followed 
 this year, and each minister’s minute be indorsed save his 
 own . This is as nearly correct as my memory, with Ed- 
 ward’s help, can give it. 
 
 Either in his remarks above, or in another of his valua- 
 ble testimonies while with us, thy father uttered those for- 
 cible words, “ Truth for authority , not authority for truth," 
 which, as I told thee, has long been my adopted motto. . . . 
 
 In the autumn of 1869, Lucretia Mott went to 
 Nantucket to attend the funeral of her life-long 
 friend, Nathaniel Barney. And again, in the sum- 
 mer of 1876, when she was eighty-three years old, 
 she visited the home of her childhood. On this 
 occasion she took the grandchildren and great-grand- 
 children who were with her to see the old familiar 
 landmarks ; Ray’s pump, whose cool, fresh water her 
 father had liked so well ; the old house, changed a 
 little by the innovations of modern fashion, but still 
 much the same as she remembered it ; the windmill, 
 to which she had carried corn ; and the unmarked 
 site of the whipping-post, around which she had seen 
 a crowd gather to see a woman whipped. It was 
 touching to see her stop in the street to speak to any 
 aged person she met, with questions concerning the 
 past, of seventy years before. She never saw her 
 native island again, notwithstanding that at the time 
 she fondly promised herself that she would revisit 
 it the following summer. She never again had 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 461 
 
 strength to take the fatiguing journey. But in the 
 summer of 1878, in company with her friend, Sarah 
 Pugh, not many years younger than herself, she 
 went to Rochester, New York, to be present at the 
 Thirtieth Anniversary Meeting of the Woman’s 
 Rights Society, and was able to make a short ad- 
 dress. 
 
 On the seventh of First month, 1880, she attended 
 for the last time the Executive Committee meeting 
 of the Pennsylvania Peace Society, in which she 
 still took a lively interest, but was not strong enough 
 to remain throughout the session. Since 1870, she 
 had been president of this association. 
 
 Her last appearance in any public assembly was 
 at the Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends, in 
 the Fifth month of the same year. A letter from 
 one of her daughters to another gives the following 
 graphic account of this : — 
 
 Roadside, 5th mo. 17th, 1880. 
 
 My dear Sister, — Yearly Meeting is over, and our 
 bright young mother of eighty-seven none the worse for it ; 
 but on the contrary in apparently better case than before it 
 began. She always did thrive on excitement. We went 
 into town every day but First and Third ; on Fourth and 
 Fifth only to the afternoon sittings, but on the other days 
 to both morning and afternoon. A room was kindly fur- 
 nished at noon, in which she could have a rest, if not a 
 sound sleep. It was an ovation every day, in the multi- 
 tudes who came “ just to take her by the hand,” and the 
 only way to escape this, for it was very exhausting, was to 
 leave just before the closing minute was read. 
 
 It was an interesting meeting throughout ; especially on 
 Sixth-day morning. The report of the representative com- 
 mittee was read then, wherein, among other things, they 
 said, that temperance had been before them, but that 
 
462 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT. 
 
 “ way did not open ” to take action upon it. Deborah 
 Wharton regretted this, and said that there was great need 
 for action now ; whereupon the floodgates were opened, 
 and the whole meeting seemed to resolve itself into a 
 temperance convention, with now and then a wholesome 
 warning against the twin evil, tobacco. Friends hoped 
 that a general committee might be appointed to consider 
 the subject. One suggested that a memorial be prepared, 
 and sent to Congress, asking for the passage of the bill for 
 investigation into the evil effects of the liquor traffic. She 
 added that such a bill had been before Congress for two 
 years without action having been taken upon it. Mother 
 quickly rose, and said “ perhaps the way had not opened f” 
 This produced a suppressed titter of appreciative enjoy- 
 ment, while she went on to say, that she was tired of that 
 phrase ; it was a convenient excuse for doing nothing ; she 
 had heard it often enough in years past, and also that “ Is- 
 rael must dwell alone,” etc. . . . She spoke only a short 
 time, but with unusual earnestness and feeling. 
 
 I sat alone, and was often entertained by the side re- 
 marks of those around ; as once, some one directly behind 
 me, said to her companion, “Well, Lucretia has outlived 
 
 her persecutors.” And another time, just as finished 
 
 a rather lengthy exhortation to the youth, a woman next 
 me, whispered, “ Her children ain’t no better than other 
 people’s.” . . . There is no question but that our mother is 
 better than she was a week ago, and now she wants to carry 
 out her intention of going to Medford and Cambridge. 
 
 She never went. Day by day the journey was 
 postponed, until it became evident that she was not 
 strong enough to leave home again. Through the 
 summer she was able to leave her room towards the 
 latter part of the day, and spend several hours with 
 the family, or with such friends as came to see her ; 
 but she was averse to meeting strangers, formal con- 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS . 
 
 463 
 
 versation having become a great exertion. Occasion- 
 ally her old energy revived and she seemed like her- 
 self ; but each temporary wave of vitality left her a 
 little further stranded on the eternal shore. There 
 was no suffering most of the time, but a steady de- 
 cline of strength ; though her mental faculties re- 
 mained unimpaired. She took her usual interest in 
 hearing news of the outside world, and knew more 
 of the exciting political campaign of that year than 
 many with easier chances of information. Her pa- 
 tience and sweetness are never to be forgotten. Un- 
 like most invalids, her peculiarity lay in her exacting 
 too little of those about her, whose whole desire was 
 to serve her, and make the wearisome hours less 
 heavy. She talked very little of her condition, re- 
 serving her strength for matters of wider interest ; 
 but once, in answer to a question, she said : “ I do not 
 dread death. Indeed, I dread nothing ; I am ready 
 to go or to stay, but I feel that it is time for me to 
 go.” And then she added, impressively, “ But re- 
 member that my life has been a simple one ; let sim- 
 plicity mark the last done for me. I charge thee, do 
 not forget this.” Another time she said: “I am 
 willing to acknowledge all ignorance of the future, 
 and there leave it. It does not trouble me. We 
 know only that our poor remains 
 
 * Softly lie, and sweetly sleep 
 Low in the ground.’ ” 
 
 About a month before her death she received a 
 farewell visit from two old friends, Oliver Johnson 
 and Robert Collyer, of which the former wrote after- 
 wards to her daughter : — 
 
 The picture which your mother presented as she lay 
 there so calmly and quietly upon her bed, awaiting the 
 
464 
 
 JAMES AND LUC RET LA MOTT. 
 
 close of her long and noble life, without any suggestion of 
 fear ; the brightness of her mind, triumphing over the weak- 
 ness of the flesh ; her gentle and affectionate words, in 
 which she was so true to herself, and so considerate of oth- 
 ers ; all this will remain forever stamped upon my mem- 
 ory, and be frequently recalled as long as I live. I felt 
 while under your roof that I was in a hallowed place, where 
 all selfish ambitions should be hushed, and the soul lifted 
 above all that is unworthy an immortal destiny. 
 
 The close of this beloved life came on the evening 
 of the eleventh of Eleventh month, after an illness 
 of a week, and a mortal struggle of two days, too 
 painful to recall. A niece, staying in the house, 
 wrote of the earlier part to another relative : — 
 
 Thou wilt be anxious to hear how dear Aunt Lucretia 
 is, and Maria has asked me to write for her. . . . She has 
 failed steadily, with much discomfort, followed by longer or 
 shorter resting spells of natural sleep, and occasional inter- 
 vals when she has lain quiet and comfortable, listening or 
 not to the conversation in her room ; and when we have 
 asked her if it disturbs her, replying, “ O no ; it ’s pleasant.” 
 Some days, and nights also, she has talked a great deal, but 
 seldom in a connected way for more than a minute or two 
 at a time. The thought seems to be clear in her mind, but 
 with her extreme weakness it becomes confused before she 
 is able to express it. . . . Yesterday she had an alarming 
 sinking spell. We were called upstairs, and for twenty 
 minutes watched, as we thought, for the last breath. She 
 then revived and was comparatively comfortable, and slept 
 some. On waking she was very restless, without the power 
 to move much, but evidently suffering, and frequently say- 
 ing “ Oh dear ! ” . . . There never was a sick person who 
 required so little done for her. If we ask her, she gener- 
 ally says she is pretty comfortable, and that she wants 
 nothing. . . . Afternoon. There is nothing to add. Aunt 
 Lucretia is sleeping quietly now. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 465 
 
 During the third night before her death, it seemed, 
 as well as her daughter could gather from her rather 
 incoherent words, that she thought she was attend- 
 ing her own funeral, and addressing those present. 
 The following detached sentences were written down 
 at the time : — 
 
 “ If you resolve to follow the Lamb wherever you may 
 be led, you will find all the ways pleasant, and the paths 
 peace.” 
 
 44 I feel no concern for those of my own fold. I believe 
 they are well grounded.” 
 
 44 If an official ministers, let him know his place.” 
 
 44 Now thee lead, Maria, and the rest will follow. First, 
 all of my own fold will go. Now, follow as truth may 
 open the way.” 
 
 44 Decorous, orderly, and in simplicity.” 
 
 These last words were repeated many times. 
 
 During the last twenty-four hours, she said over 
 and over again, 44 Let me go!” 44 Do take me!” 
 44 Oh, let me die ! ” 44 Take me now, this little 
 
 standard-bearer.” 44 The hour of my death.” 
 
 At four o’clock of the afternoon of the day she 
 died, she suddenly threw up both hands to her head, 
 exclaiming in a tone of anguish, 44 O my ! my ! my !” 
 and soon passed into a blessed sleep, from which she 
 never roused. At half -past seven o’clock on the 
 eleventh day of Eleventh month, 1880, with all of 
 her remaining children, and several grandchildren 
 and other relatives around her, she quietly stopped 
 breathing. 
 
 On the following First-day afternoon she was taken 
 to rest beside her husband, and 44 near two dear 
 daughters,” in the Friends’ burying-ground, at Fair 
 
 Hill. In accordance with her own wishes, and those 
 30 
 
466 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 nearest to her, the arrangements for the funeral were 
 “decorous, orderly, and in simplicity.” Although no 
 invitations were issued, it was generally understood 
 that those who desired to attend would be welcome. 
 A large concourse gathered in the house. According 
 to the custom among Friends, there was a solemn 
 season of silence, after which short remarks were 
 made by those who felt moved to speak. 
 
 Her friend and contemporary, Deborah F. Whar- 
 ton, quoted the passage, “ Know ye not that there is 
 a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel,” 
 and followed it by a few earnest words. William 
 H. Furness then recited the beatitudes, and paid a 
 warm tribute to the labors and worth of the departed, 
 saying she did not need to wait for the future life; 
 she had entered into her reward, and had enjoyed it 
 an hundred fold, years ago. No mortal man or wo- 
 man can do as much for the truth as it does for them. 
 He concluded with a prayer, that the example of the 
 beautiful life just ended upon earth might not be 
 lost to the living. Several other friends made brief, 
 but fervent remarks, and then sons and grandsons 
 tenderly carried the little coffin away. At the bury- 
 ing-ground several thousand people collected to wit- 
 ness the interment of one who had been a friend to 
 so many. With the exception of a few words by 
 Dr. Henry T. Child, everything was conducted in 
 profound silence. As all were standing by the open 
 grave, a low voice impulsively said, “ Will no one say 
 anything?” and another near by responded, “Who 
 can speak ? the preacher is dead ! ” 
 
 The following extract from a letter written by one 
 nearly connected by marriage with our grandmother, 
 speaks for itself : — 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 467 
 
 Nov. 15th, 1880. 
 
 ... I think I told you some weeks ago that dear Aunt 
 Lucretia was failing fast, though bright and interested in 
 every one she saw. 
 
 On Thursday evening, the 11 th , at half-past seven, she 
 passed away, and yesterday the frail, beautiful body was 
 luid in the grave. She looked very gentle, very sweet, as 
 she lay in her coffin ; the grand head laid on its last pillow ; 
 the slender, never-idle hands so meekly still ; the dear feet 
 forever at rest, that for more than eighty years had gone 
 about doing good. For God had called her while she was 
 yet a child, as He did Samuel, to do His work, and to bear 
 His message to the people. And surely Samuel’s work 
 among his own self-willed people was not greater than her’s 
 here in this land, where braggarts shouted for liberty and 
 slavery in the same breath, and cruelty and Sodom-like 
 immorality blasphemously called for the blessing of the 
 Great Father Christ upon their horrible deeds. 
 
 As I look back upon what I have known of her charac- 
 ter, it seems perfect, that is, as far as we can reach per- 
 fection ; strong, steadfast, wise, gentle, courteous, sympa- 
 thizing ; and refined to a degree that showed how large 
 brain and heart were — (for it is only as we become con- 
 scious of the great spaces of God’s love, that we become 
 fine in all our thoughts and perceptions). 
 
 You felt in her presence, to use her own words, that He 
 had clothed her soul with a divine philosophy that no wea- 
 riness of body, no sorrows of the heart, and no failing in 
 plans or work could disturb or move. Not that these were 
 not all felt at times, but the peace which we cannot under- 
 stand lay beneath all. Eighty-seven years of a most beau- 
 tiful life, in which we who look back upon it now that it is 
 over, can see no flaw ! You cannot tell how strange it 
 is to be without her, to know that she is no longer here. 
 A light as if suddenly gone out ! . . . And yet her work 
 seemed done, and though she took interest in those near 
 
468 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRETIA MOTT . 
 
 and dear to her to the last, she was glad to go, she said. 
 The weariness of the body was great, and she seemed to 
 long to be taken to rest entire, and life imperturbable. One 
 thinks of the meeting of the father and mother and their 
 children, of the meeting with our dear mother 1 and dear 
 sister Mary, to whom Aunt Lucretia was peculiarly at- 
 tached. The love between the two sisters, mother and 
 Aunt Lucretia, was just as close as that of my dear mother 
 and Aunt Mary Howitt. This affection has always been a 
 sweet peculiarity in both Ellis’ family and mine, and a curi- 
 ous resemblance ; for such sisterly love and friendship are 
 rare in this world. 
 
 The gathering in the house yesterday where the holy 
 corpse lay, was very solemn. Now and again a silence fell 
 on all, that was most impressive. . . . Words seem so slight 
 in the presence of a death ; words of praise so useless, with 
 such a life to think over. Silence is so strong and peace- 
 giving. Very great numbers came to the house, though 
 there was no public invitation. Aunt Lucretia had ex- 
 pressed a desire that the funeral should be as quiet as pos- 
 sible. In the graveyard there were crowds assembled, and 
 many colored people. . . . 
 
 Notices of the death of Lucretia Mott were gen- 
 eral throughout the country, and, with but few ex- 
 ceptions, were marked by reverential admiration of 
 her life. Memorial meetings were held in various 
 cities, at which eloquent addresses held up to pub- 
 lic view the virtues of the departed reformer; and 
 many of the liberal churches held special services 
 in her memory. The Society of Friends paid their 
 usual tribute in the form of an excellent memo- 
 rial, which was read before the Yearly Meeting to 
 which she had belonged, and entered upon their 
 minutes. 
 
 1 Lucretia Mott’s sister, Eliza C. Yarnall. 
 
LIFE AND LETTERS. 
 
 469 
 
 I am permitted to close this Memoir with the fol- 
 lowing extract from a sermon delivered by Samuel 
 Longfellow, in the Unitarian Church, in German- 
 town, Pennsylvania. 
 
 . . . How can I say these things and speak of a life 
 ordered by obedience to God's laws, without thinking of 
 such a life that has just ended among us its earthly term. 
 We shall no more look on the face of Lucretia Mott, that 
 face which “ was a benediction ; ” that face which shone with 
 the inner life of peace and the serenity of truth. We 
 shall no more hear that voice speaking the words of cour- 
 age, of simplicity, of sincerity, and of heavenly wisdom. 
 Far beyond the common limit, the light of that counte- 
 nance has been before us, and the words of that voice 
 heard wherever an unpopular truth needed defense ; wher- 
 ever a popular evil needed to be testified against ; wherever 
 a wronged man or woman needed a champion. There she 
 stood, there she spoke the word that the spirit of truth and 
 right bade her speak. How tranquil and serene her pres- 
 ence in the midst of multitudes that might become mobs ! 
 How calm, yet how searching, her judgment against wrong- 
 doing ! Her simple, straightforward words went right to 
 the mark of the truth, right to the heart of the evil. 
 There was a divine force in that “ still small voice ” of rea- 
 son, of conscience, of unselfish purpose. No whirlwind of 
 passion, or lightning of eloquence ; it was rather the dawn 
 of clear day upon dark places and hidden. She had the 
 enviable but rare power of “ speaking the truth in love, 
 without in the least abating the truth.” 
 
 She espoused the anti-slavery cause when to do so was 
 a reproach and a peril ; and to the last bore her unflinching 
 testimony against all bondage and in behalf of true liberty in 
 every form. She espoused the cause of the right of women 
 to speak in public and to vote, when both these were under 
 the ban of ridicule and prejudice (not yet outgrown), and 
 
470 
 
 JAMES AND LUCRE TI A MOTT . 
 
 she manifested in herself the proof that women could take 
 part in public affairs and speak on platform or in pulpit 
 without the least dereliction of womanly dignity or mod- 
 esty. Against the inhuman practice of settling national 
 disputes by war, and in behalf of peace on earth, she spoke 
 as if the angels of Bethlehem had come again. 
 
 In behalf of freedom of inquiry in religion she was in the 
 front against proscription and ecclesiastical authority ; “ call 
 me a radical of the radicals,” she was wont to say, and she 
 was ever keeping up with the best and freshest thinking of 
 the time ; to the last, loving to read and recite from mem- 
 ory the best words of the freshest, broadest, and loftiest 
 minds. Channing and Dean Stanley she knew by heart. 
 
 Her life was ordered by divine laws, not by human 
 opinions and customs ; and so she was strong and calm, 
 clear-sighted and sweet-hearted. Around her and beneath 
 her were the everlasting Arms. The churches may brand 
 her as a heretic; God must welcome her, “Well done, 
 good and faithful servant ! ” 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 i. 
 
 LETTER FROM DANIEL O’CONNELL TO LUCRETIA MOTT, 
 
 WITH REFERENCE TO THE REJECTION OF FEMALE DEL- 
 EGATES BY THE WORLD’S CONVENTION IN LONDON. 
 
 16 Pall Mall, 20th June, 1840. 
 
 Madam, — Taking the liberty of protesting against 
 being supposed to adopt any of the complimentary phrases 
 in your letter as being applicable to me, I readily comply 
 with your request to give my opinion as to the propriety of 
 the admission of the female delegates into the Convention. 
 
 I should premise by avowing that my first impression 
 was strong against that admission, and I believe I declared 
 that opinion in private conversation. But when I was 
 called on by you to give my personal decision on the sub- 
 ject, I felt it my duty to investigate the grounds of the 
 opinion I had formed ; and upon that investigation, I easily 
 discovered that it was founded on no better grounds than 
 an apprehension of the ridicule it might excite if the Con- 
 vention were to do what is so unusual in England, — to 
 admit women to an equal share and right of discussion. 
 I also, without difficulty, recognized that this was an un- 
 worthy, and indeed a cowardly motive, and I easily over- 
 came its influence. 
 
 My mature consideration of the entire subject convinces 
 me of the right of the female delegates to take their seats 
 in the Convention, and of the injustice of excluding them. 
 I do not care to add, that I deem it also impolitic ; because 
 
472 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 that exclusion being unjust, it ought not to have taken place, 
 even if it could also be politic. 
 
 My reasons are, First, — That as it has been the prac- 
 tice in America for females to act as delegates and office- 
 bearers, as well as in the common capacity of members of 
 anti-slavery societies, the persons who called this Conven- 
 tion ought to have warned the American Anti-Slavery So- 
 cieties to confine their choice to males ; and, for want of 
 this caution, many female delegates have made long jour- 
 neys by land, and crossed the ocean, to enjoy a right which 
 they had no reason to fear would be withheld from them 
 at the end of their tedious voyage. 
 
 Secondly , — The cause which is so intimately interwoven 
 with every good feeling of humanity, and with the highest 
 and most sacred principles of Christianity, — the Anti- 
 Slavery cause in America, — is under the greatest, the 
 deepest, the most heart-binding obligations to the females 
 who have joined the anti-slavery societies in the United 
 States. They have shown a passive but permanent cour- 
 age, which ought to have put many of the male advocates 
 to the blush. The American ladies have persevered in our 
 holy cause, amidst difficulties and dangers, with the zeal of 
 confessors, and the firmness of martyrs ; and, therefore, em- 
 phatically, they should not be disparaged or discouraged by 
 any slight or contumely offered to their rights. Neither 
 are the slight and contumely much diminished by the fact 
 that it was not intended to offer any slight or to convey 
 any contumely. Both results inevitably follow from the 
 fact of rejection. This ought not to be. 
 
 Thirdly , — Even in England, with all our fastidiousness, 
 women vote upon the great regulation of the Bank of Eng- 
 land, in the nomination of its directors and governors, and 
 in all other details equally with men ; that is, they assist in 
 the most awfully important business, the regulation of the 
 currency of this mighty empire, influencing the fortunes of 
 all commercial nations. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 473 
 
 Fourthly , — Our women, in like manner, vote at the 
 India House, — that is, in the regulation of the govern- 
 ment of more than one hundred millions of human beings. 
 
 Fifthly , — Mind has no sex ; and in the peaceable strug- 
 gle to abolish slavery, all over the world, it is the basis 
 of the present Convention to seek success by peaceable, 
 moral, and intellectual means alone, to the utter exclusion 
 of physical force or armed violence. We are engaged in a 
 strife, not of strength, but of argument. Our warfare is 
 not military, — it is strictly Christian. We wield not the 
 weapons of destruction or injury to our adversaries. We 
 rely entirely on reason and persuasion, common to both 
 sexes, and on the emotions of benevolence and charity, 
 which are more lovely and permanent amongst women 
 than amongst men. 
 
 In the church to which I belong, the female sex are de- 
 voted by as strict rules, and with as much, if not more un- 
 ceasing austerity, to the performance (and that to the ex- 
 clusion of all worldly or temporal joys and pleasures) of all 
 works of humanity, of education, of benevolence, and of 
 charity in all its holy and sacred branches, as the men. 
 
 The great work in which we are now engaged embraces 
 all these charitable categories ; and the women have the 
 same duties, and should therefore enjoy the same rights 
 with the men, in the performance of their duties. 
 
 I have a consciousness that I have not done my duty in 
 not sooner urging these considerations on the Convention. 
 My excuse is, that I was unavoidably absent during the 
 discussion of the subject. 
 
 I have the honor to be very respectfully, madam, your 
 obedient servant, Daniel O’Connell. 
 
 Mrs. Lucretia Mott. 
 
474 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 LETTER FROM WILLIAM HOWITT, ON THE SAME SUBJECT 
 AS THE FOREGOING. 
 
 London, June 27th, 1840. 
 
 Dear Friend, — I snatch the few last minutes of a 
 very hurried time before embarking for Germany, to ex- 
 press to you and your fellow-delegates the sense I have of 
 your unworthy reception in this country, which has grown 
 on me for the last week, extremely ; even amid the over- 
 whelming pressure of arrangements, inevitable on quitting 
 London for a considerable stay abroad. Mary and myself 
 greatly regret that we had left our home before we had the 
 opportunity of seeing you, or we should have had the sin- 
 cerest pleasure in welcoming you there to spend at least 
 one day of quiet, as pleasant as that which we spent with 
 you at our worthy friend, Mr. Ashurst’s, at Muswell Hill. 
 I regret still more that my unavoidable absence from town 
 prevented my making part of the Convention, as nothing 
 should have hindered me from stating there, in the plainest 
 terms, my opinion of the real grounds on which you were 
 excluded. 
 
 It is pitiable that you were excluded on the plea of 
 being women ; but it is outrageous that, under that plea, 
 you were actually excluded as heretics. That is the real 
 ground of your exclusion, and it ought to have been at 
 once proclaimed and exposed by the liberal members of the 
 Convention ; but I believe they were not aware of the fact. 
 I heard of the circumstance of your exclusion at a dis- 
 tance, and immediately said, “ Excluded on the ground 
 that they are women ? No, that is not the real cause, — 
 there is something behind. Who and what are these fe- 
 male delegates ? Are they orthodox in religion ? ” The 
 answer was, “ No, they are considered to be of the Hicks- 
 ite party of Friends.” My reply was, “ That is enough, — 
 there lies the real cause, and there needs no other; the in- 
 fluential Friends in the Convention would never for a mo- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 475 
 
 ment tolerate their presence there, if they could prevent it. 
 They hate them, because they have dared to call in ques- 
 tion their sectarian dogmas and assumed authority ; and 
 they have taken care to brand them in the eyes of the Cal- 
 vinistic Dissenters, who form another large and influential 
 portion of the Convention, as Unitarians, — in their eyes 
 the most odious of heretics. ,, 
 
 But what a miserable spectacle is this! The “World’s 
 Convention” converting itself into the fag-end of the 
 Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends. That Conven- 
 tion, met from various countries and climates to consider 
 how it shall best advance the sacred cause of humanity, — 
 of the freedom of the race, independent of caste or color, 
 — immediately falls the victim of bigotry, and one of its 
 first acts is, to establish a caste of sectarian opinion, and to 
 introduce color into the very soul ! Had I not seen, of 
 late years, a good deal of the spirit which now rules the 
 Society of Friends, my surprise would have been unbounded 
 at seeing them argue for the exclusion of women from a 
 public body, as women. But nothing which they do now 
 surprises me. They have in this case, to gratify their 
 wretched spirit of intolerance, at once abandoned one of 
 the most noble and most philosophical of the established 
 principles of their own Society. That Society claims, and 
 claims justly, to be the first Christian body which has rec- 
 ognized the great Christian doctrine, that there is no 
 sex in souls ; that male and female are all one in Christ 
 Jesus. They were Fox and Penn, and the first giants of 
 the Society, who dared, in the face of the whole world’s 
 prejudices, to place woman in her first rank, — to recog- 
 nize and maintain her moral and intellectual equality. It 
 was this Society which thus gave to woman her inalienable 
 rights — her true liberty ; which restored to her the ex- 
 ercise of mind, and the capacity to exhibit before man, her 
 assumed lord and master, the highest qualities of the hu- 
 man heart and understanding : discretion, sound counsel, 
 
476 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 sure sagacity, mingled with feminine delicacy, and that 
 beautiful, innate modesty which avails more to restrain its 
 possessor within the bounds of prudence and usefulness, 
 than all the laws and customs of corrupt society. It was 
 this Society which, at once fearless in its confidence in 
 woman’s goodness and sense of propriety, gave to its 
 female portion its own Meetings of Discipline, meetings 
 of civil discussion, and transaction of actual and various 
 business. It was this Society which did more; which per- 
 mitted its women, in the face of a great apostolic injunc- 
 tion, to stand forth in its churches and preach the gospel. 
 It has in fact sent them out, armed with the authority of 
 its certificates, to the very ends of the earth, to preach in 
 public ; to visit and persuade in private. And what has 
 been the consequence ? Have the women put their faith 
 and philosophy to shame ? Have they disgraced themselves 
 or the Society which has confided in them ? Have they 
 proved by their follies, their extravagances, their unwo- 
 manly boldness and want of a just seuse of decorum, that 
 these great men were wrong? On the contrary, I will 
 venture to say, and I have seen something of all classes, 
 that there is not in the whole civilized world a body of 
 women to be found, of the same numbers, who exhibit 
 more modesty of manner and delicacy of mind than the 
 ladies of the Society of Friends ; and few who equal them 
 in sound sense and dignity of character. . . . 
 
 And here have gone the little men of the present day, 
 and have knocked down, in the face of the world, all that 
 their mighty ancestors, “ in this respect, had built up.” If 
 they are at all consistent, they must carry out their new 
 principle, and sweep with it through the ancient constitution 
 of their own Society. They must at once put down meet- 
 ings of discipline amongst their women ; they must call 
 home such as are in distant countries or are traversing this, 
 preaching and visiting families. There must be no more 
 appointments of women to meet committees of men, to de« 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 477 
 
 liberate on matters of great importance to the Society. 
 But the fact is, my dear friend, that bigotry is never con- 
 sistent, except that it is always narrow, always ungracious, 
 and always, under plea of uniting God’s people, scattering 
 them one from another, and rendering them weak as water. 
 
 . . . The Convention has not merely insulted you, but 
 those who sent you. It has testified that the men of Amer- 
 ica are at least far ahead of us in their opinion of the dis- 
 cretion and usefulness of women. But above all, this act 
 of exclusion has shown how far the Society of Friends is 
 fallen from its ancient state of greatness and catholic no- 
 bleness of spirit. . . . 
 
 I have heard the noble Garrison blamed that he has not 
 taken his place in the Convention, because you, his fellow- 
 delegates, were excluded. I, on the coutrary, honor him for 
 his conduct. In mere worldly wisdom he might have en- 
 tered the Convention, and there entered his protest against 
 the decision, — but in at once refusing to enter where you, 
 his fellow-delegates, were shut out, he has entered a far 
 nobler protest, not in the mere Convention, but in the 
 world at large. I honor the lofty principle of that true 
 champion of humanity, and shall always recollect with de- 
 light the day Mary and I spent with him. 
 
 I must apologize for this most hasty, and, I fear, illegible 
 scrawl, and with our kind regards, and best wishes for your 
 safe return to your native country, and for many years of 
 honorable labor there, for the truth and freedom, I beg to 
 subscribe myself, 
 
 Most sincerely your friend, William Howitt. 
 
 II. 
 
 HANNAH BARNARD. 
 
 It would be difficult to find an instance of unjust 
 and high - handed persecution, greater than that 
 which was meted out to Hannah Barnard by the 
 
478 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Society of Friends in England, in 1797, and which 
 was followed up in this country, after her return. 
 
 One of the last letters which Lucretia Mott wrote 
 — a letter addressed to her cousin, Phebe Earle Gib- 
 bons — was in relation to this unjust and unwarrant- 
 able proceeding. In it she says : — 
 
 ... I have always regretted that so little has been pub- 
 lished of the sad experience of that remarkable woman, Han- 
 nah Barnard ; but I have no authentic data to give now. 
 
 She was born in Nantucket, and removed with her 
 parents to Hudson, I think before the War of the Revolu- 
 tion, for my mother remembered her being on a religious 
 visit to Nantucket before the year 1800. About that time 
 she went to England with a certificate from the Meeting 
 of Ministers and Elders, signed by John Murray, James 
 Parsons, and James Mott (our grandfather) ; Elizabeth 
 Coggeshall being her companion. While she was in Eng- 
 land, a complaint was sent thence to the Monthly Meeting 
 of Hudson, accusing her of unsound doctrine bordering on 
 infidelity ; and a letter was sent to her by the three Elders, 
 encouraging her to return to her home. This was, I think, 
 after London Meeting had taken up the case. That meet- 
 ing disowned her. When her case was opened in that 
 meeting, her companion, Elizabeth Coggesliall, fainted. 
 
 On their return home, Hudson Meeting could do no less, 
 in their reverence for London Meeting, than to deny her 
 right of membership. Her letter in reply to the Elders 
 was an excellent production, stating her own case clearly, 
 and the injustice of the treatment which she had received, 
 saying, that when she had preached against war, as never 
 having been prosecuted by the command of the Divinity, 
 she had been accused of denying the authenticity of the 
 Scriptures; and whereas Jesus had faith in Moses, there- 
 fore she denied Jesus, and was an infidel. 
 
 This is from memory. The papers were sent to us by 
 our mother Mott, with the certificate and other papers. I 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 479 
 
 valued them highly, and often lent them to our Friends, 
 John Comly and others ; but at length they disappeared 
 and no search could restore them ; so that I have some- 
 times feared a pious fraud had been practiced. Among 
 the papers was Hannah Barnard’s creed, opposed to any 
 “scheme of salvation.” 
 
 She lived to witness our Separation, and said that she 
 had lived to see the Society divided on the ground on which 
 she was disowned. 
 
 She and her husband and family lived comfortably to- 
 gether in Hudson. She was well known as a friend to 
 the poor and afflicted. . . . Some traveling Friends paid 
 a religious visit to her, advising her to “return, repent, 
 and live.” Before they left, she addressed them thus : 
 “ Friends, your preaching does not apply to me.” . . . 
 
 Some of the liberal Friends in Chester County were 
 much disturbed by the dealings with Hannah Barnard, 
 and expressed themselves freely. Soon after, there was 
 a revision of our Discipline in the early part of this cen- 
 tury, and Jonathan Evans and some others had that clause 
 added which makes it a disownable offense to deny the 
 Divinity of Christ, and the authenticity of the Scriptures. 
 I learned this fifty years ago. 
 
 III. 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM ADDRESSES BY LUCRETIA MOTT AT 
 THE ANTI-SABBATH CONVENTION, HELD IN BOSTON, 
 MASS., MARCH 23RD AND 24TH, 1848. 
 
 ... I have little to add to what has already been said. 
 The distinction has been clearly and ably drawn between 
 mere forms and rituals of the Church, and practical good- 
 ness ; between the consecration of man, and the consecra- 
 tion of days ; the dedication of the Church, and the dedica- 
 tion of our lives to God. 
 
 But might we not go farther, and show that we are not 
 
480 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 to rely so much upon books, even upon the Bible itself, as 
 upon the higher revelation within us ? The time is come, 
 and especially in New England is it come, that man should 
 judge of bis own self what is right ; and that he should 
 seek authority less from the Scriptures. 
 
 . . . Those who differ from us would care little for an 
 Anti-Sabbath Convention which should come to the con- 
 clusion that, after all, it would be best to have one day in 
 seven set apart for religious purposes. Few intelligent 
 clergymen will now admit that they consecrate the day in 
 any other sense, or that there is any inherent holiness in it. 
 If you should agree that this day should be for more holy 
 purposes than other days, you have granted much that they 
 ask. Is not this Convention prepared to go farther than 
 this ? to dissent from this idea, and declare openly that it 
 is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day ? That it is the 
 consecration of all our time to God and to goodness, that is 
 required of us ? Not by demure piety ; not by avoiding 
 innocent recreation on any day of the week, but by such a 
 distribution of time as shall give sufficient opportunity for 
 such intellectual culture and spiritual improvement, as our 
 mental and religious nature requires. 
 
 In the scripture authority, however, as it has been cited, 
 it might have been shown, that even in the times of the 
 most rigid Jewish observance, it was regarded only as a 
 shadow of good things to come. “ I gave them also my 
 Sabbaths to be a sign unto them.” The distinction was 
 then made, by the more faithful and discerning of their 
 people, between mere formal worship and practical good- 
 ness. “ Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle ? Who 
 shall dwell in thy holy hill ? He that walketh uprightly, 
 and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his 
 heart.” When these things were not done, even the tem- 
 ple worship became an abomination ; the Sabbaths, the 
 holy meetings, he was weary of them. Their clear-sighted 
 prophets spoke in the name of the Highest to those who 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 481 
 
 had violated the law of right : “ I hate, I despise your 
 feast-days.” “ The new moons and Sabbaths, the calling 
 of assemblies, I cannot away with ; it is iniquity, even the 
 solemn meeting.” They were called to amend their ways 
 and their doings — “ to do justly, love mercy, and walk 
 humbly.” There is now, as there ever has been, but one 
 test — one standard of true worship. 
 
 ... It has been said here, that we are not bound by the 
 Old Testament; but are we to bind ourselves to the New 
 Testament authority ? Enough has already been quoted 
 from that book, to prove all that we would ask, with re- 
 gard to the day. There is no evidence, no testimony there 
 found, that will authorize the consecration of one day above 
 another. Jesus recognized no such distinction; and the 
 Apostle Paul said, “ Let every man be fully persuaded in 
 his own mind. He that regardeth the day, unto the Lord 
 he doth regard it ; and he that regardeth not the day, unto 
 the Lord he doth not regard it.” These equally give God 
 thanks. There is all this liberal view, and it is well to 
 bring it before the people. But, after all, are we to take 
 this as our sufficient authority? Suppose some of them 
 had been so under their Jewish prejudices as to teach the 
 importance of the observance of the day, would that have 
 made it obligatory on us ? No, we are not called to follow 
 implicitly any outward authority. Suppose that Jesus him- 
 self had said, with regard to the day, as he did in allusion to 
 his baptism by John, “ Suffer it to be so now,” would that 
 have made it binding on us ? Is the example of the an- 
 cients, whether Prophets or Apostles, or the “ beloved Son 
 of God ” himself, sufficient for the entire regulation of our 
 action at the present day ? No ; Jesus testified to his dis- 
 ciples, that when the spirit of truth was come, they should 
 be taught all things, and should do the things which he did, 
 and greater. The people were not then prepared for more. 
 The time would come when that which was spoken in the 
 ear, in closets, should be proclaimed on the housetop. He 
 31 
 
482 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 urged upon his disciples to keep their eye single, that their 
 whole body might be full of light. 
 
 His practice, then, in any of these observances, is not 
 sufficient authority for us. We are not required to walk in 
 the exact path of our predecessors, in any of our steps 
 through life. We are to conform to the spirit of the pres- 
 ent age, to the demand of the present life. Our progress is 
 dependent upon our acting out our convictions. New bot- 
 tles for new wine now, as in days past. Let us not be 
 ashamed of the gospel we profess, so far as to qualify it 
 with any orthodox ceremonies or expressions. We must 
 be willing to stand out in our heresy ; especially, as already 
 mentioned, when the duty of Sabbath observance is carried 
 to such an extent, that it is regarded, too generally, a greater 
 crime to do an innocent thing on the first day of the week, 
 — to use the needle, for instance, — than to put a human 
 being on the auction block on the second day ; — a greater 
 crime to engage in harmless employment on the first day, 
 than to go into the field of battle, and slay our fellow-be- 
 ings, either on that or other days of the week ! While 
 there is this palpable inconsistency, it is demanded of us, 
 not only to speak plainly, but to act out our convictions, 
 and not seem to harmonize with the religious world gener- 
 ally, when our theory is not in accordance with theirs. 
 
 Many religionists apparently believe that they are conse- 
 crating man to the truth and the right, when they convert 
 him to their creeds, — to their scheme of salvation and 
 plan of redemption. They, therefore, are very zealous for 
 the traditions of their fathers, and for the observance of 
 days ; while at the same time, as already mentioned, they 
 give countenance to war, slavery, and other evils ; not be- 
 cause they are wholly reckless of the condition of man, 
 but because such is their sectarian idea. Their great er- 
 ror is in imagining that the highest good is found in their 
 church. . . . 
 
 In the existing state of society, while the laborer is over- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 488 
 
 tasked, and has so little respite from his toil, we may in- 
 deed rejoice that, by common consent, he has even this one 
 day in seven for rest, when, if he choose, he ought to be 
 encouraged to go out with his family, in steamboat and 
 railway cars ; and in the fields and woods he might offer 
 acceptable homage and worship to the Highest. This ac- 
 tion of his need not interfere at all with the conscientious 
 action of those who believe they may more acceptably 
 worship God in temples made with hands. But if we take 
 the ground, that all should rather assemble on that day to 
 worship, and to hear what is called religious instruction, 
 there is danger of our yielding the very point for which we 
 are called together. 
 
 Many of us verily believe that there is, on the whole, 
 material harm done to the people, in these false observ- 
 ances, and in the dogmas which are taught as religious 
 truth. So believing, we should endeavor to discourage 
 this kind of devotion, and correct these errors by plain 
 speaking and honest walking, — rather than, by our exam- 
 ple and our admissions, do that which shall go to strengthen 
 superstition, and increase idolatry in the land. 
 
 Later, in the same convention, she said : — 
 
 Our friend makes a difference between calling the day 
 Sabbath, and recognizing it as the Lord’s Day. Is not this 
 a distinction in terms only, but the same thing in fact? 
 The mere change of the day from the seventh to the first 
 of the week does not meet all the wants of the people on 
 this subject. We may call it Sabbath or Lord’s Day, and 
 be equally in darkness as to the nature of true worship. 
 
 We may deceive ourselves, in our care not to offend our 
 neighbors, who are Sabbatarians, or Lord’s Day observers. 
 For their sakes we seem to observe the day, refraining 
 from that which, on another day, would be right, but which 
 might wound them. Upon a closer examination of our 
 motives, it may be our own love of approbation and selfish- 
 
484 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 ness that is wounded. If so, there is a kind of hypocrisy 
 in the act of seeming to be what we are not. We have 
 need to guard ourselves against any compromise for the 
 sake of man’s praise. 
 
 For years after my mind was satisfied on this subject, if 
 engaged in sewing on First-day, and a domestic or other 
 person entered the room, the work was laid by or con- 
 cealed, that their feelings should not be hurt. But on be- 
 ing asked why I did not also, for the same reason, go to 
 the communion table, or submit to baptism, I could not an- 
 swer satisfactorily, and was at length convinced that more 
 harm was done to myself and children, in the little decep- 
 tion practiced, than in working “ openly, uncondemned, 
 and in secret doing nothing.” As advocates of the truth, 
 we must be willing to be “ made of no reputation,” to lose 
 caste among our people. If we seek to please men, we 
 “ make the cross of Christ” (to use a symbolical expression) 
 “ of no effect.” Let us, therefore, stand fast in the liberty 
 wherewith the truth has made us free. 
 
 There are various reasons for keeping this convention 
 on very simple ground, — not blending it with any of the 
 popular views of the subject, which prevail to such an ex- 
 tent. We shall do more, in this way, to promote the cause 
 of practical Christianity, than by yielding to the prevailing 
 idea, that worship is more acceptable on one day in seven, 
 than doing right every day of the week. The character of 
 many of these reformers, — their interest in the various 
 concerns of humanity, — the sacrifices they have made for 
 the good of their fellow-beings, — all testify to their devo- 
 tion to God and humanity. They feel it incumbent upon 
 them to be exceedingly careful in their conduct on all days 
 of the week, so that those who speak evil of them as evil- 
 doers may be ashamed when they falsely accuse them. 
 Numbers of these have seen to the end of gathering to- 
 gether for religious purposes. They understand the vision 
 of John in the Revelation, describing the New Jerusalem, 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 485 
 
 the holy city ; and he “ saw no temple therein, for the Lord 
 God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” These 
 cultivate the religious sentiment every day. They feel in 
 their hearts the raising of praise and hallelujah unto their 
 God, when they go forth into the fields and groves. God’s 
 temple is there ; and they no longer need to enter the out- 
 ward temple to perform their vows and make their offer- 
 ings. “ Let every man be fully persuaded in his own 
 mind.” 
 
 There are signs of progress in the movements of the age. 
 The superstitions and idols in our midst are held up to the 
 view of the people. Inquiring minds are asking, “ Who 
 shall show us any good ? ” These are dissatisfied with the 
 existing forms and institutions of religious sects, and are 
 demanding a higher righteousness — uprightness in every- 
 day life The standard of creeds and forms must be low- 
 ered, while that of justice, peace, and love one to another, 
 must be raised higher and higher. “ The earth shall be 
 filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.” We 
 wait for no imagined millennium — no speculation or arith- 
 metical calculation — no Bible research — to ascertain when 
 this shall be. It only needs that the people examine for 
 themselves — not pin their faith on ministers’ sleeves, but 
 do their own thinking, obey the truth, and be made free. 
 The kingdom of God is nigh, even at the door. He dwell- 
 eth in your midst, though ye know it not. 
 
 This is no longer the peculiar creed of the Quaker. It 
 is coming to be universally acknowledged in the hearts of 
 the people, and if faithful, the bright day of liberty, of 
 knowledge and truth, shall be hastened. It is of more im- 
 portance to live up to our convictions of right, than to sub- 
 scribe to the creed of any church. May our light so shine, 
 that men may see our good works, and glorify our Father 
 in Heaven, even though our worship of him may be after 
 the way called heresy. We may be instructed by the 
 prayer of the Apostle Paul for his brethren : “ I pray to 
 
486 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 God that ye do no evil ; not that we should appear ap- 
 proved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though 
 we be as reprobates; for we can do nothing against the 
 truth, but for the truth.” 
 
 Every fetter which superstition and sectarian bigotry 
 have imposed must be broken before the mind of man will 
 be free. The pulpit and the press may yet be enlisted 
 even in this cause. If the reformer be faithful to his con- 
 victions, and make no compromise with the religion of the 
 day ; if he do not seem to believe that for which he has no 
 respect ; if he come not to the table of the Lord unwor- 
 thily, the time will not be long before the clergymen of 
 the various sects will investigate this subject with other 
 spectacles than those they have hitherto worn. 
 
 This is no new subject. I am one of the older members 
 of this convention. I have been familiar with these views 
 from my early days, being accustomed to hear the remarks 
 of the venerable Elias Hicks, who bore his testimony 
 against all penal enactments for enforcing the observance 
 of the Sabbath. He traveled extensively through New 
 York and Pennsylvania, and after much observation came 
 to the conclusion, that crime and licentious indulgence were 
 greatly increased by the existing arrangement of society on 
 this subject. He remarked for himself, that he was care- 
 ful on the first day of the week, as on the fourth, not to do 
 so much work in the morning as would unfit him for the 
 enjoyment of his meeting ; but after meeting, on either 
 day, if he had a field of wheat which needed cradling, he 
 would not hesitate to do it, and the law forbidding it on 
 the First-day was oppressive to his conscience. His view 
 was, that there should be such regulation of time as should 
 over-tax none with labor on any day of the week — that 
 darkness was spread over the land half the time, when man 
 might rest ; and after such devotional exercises as he might 
 choose for himself, he should have the advantage of inno- 
 cent relaxation. A person present, opposing him, stated 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 487 
 
 how he observed the day — that he wished all to be quiet 
 — no secular business, etc. Elias replied, “ I consider thee 
 as much under the effect of superstition, as thou would be 
 in the observance of any other of the Jewish rites.” Dur- 
 ing that discussion, impressions were made which I have 
 ever remembered. They were strengthened in after years, 
 and I now feel the more prepared by my feeble expression, 
 to encourage those who have been pioneers in other labors 
 of reform. 
 
 IV. 
 
 DISCOURSES BY LUCRETIA MOTT. 
 
 DISCOURSE ON WOMAN, 
 
 Delivered Twelfth Month 17 th, 1849 . 
 
 There is nothing of greater importance to the well-be- 
 ing of society at large — of man as well as woman — than 
 the true and proper position of woman. Much has been 
 said, from time to time, upon this subject. It has been a 
 theme for ridicule, for satire, and sarcasm. We might look 
 for this from the ignorant and vulgar ; but from the intel- 
 ligent and refined we have a right to expect that such 
 weapons shall not be resorted to, that gross comparisons 
 and vulgar epithets shall not be applied, so as to place 
 woman, in a point of view, ridiculous to say the least. 
 
 This subject has claimed my earnest interest for many 
 years. I have long wished to see woman occupying a more 
 elevated position than that which custom for ages has al- 
 lotted to her. It was with great regret, therefore, that I 
 listened a few days ago to a lecture upon this subject, 
 which, though replete with intellectual beauty, and con- 
 taining much that was true and excellent, was yet fraught 
 with sentiments calculated to retard the progress of woman 
 to the high elevation destined by her Creator. I regretted 
 
488 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 the more that these sentiments should be presented with 
 such attractiveness, because they would be likely to ensnare 
 the young. 
 
 The minds of young people generally are open to the 
 reception of more exalted views upon this subject. The 
 kind of homage that has been paid to woman, the flattering 
 appeals which have too long satisfied her — appeals to her 
 mere fancy and imagination — are giving place to a more 
 extended recognition of her rights, her important duties 
 and responsibilities in life. Woman is claiming for herself 
 stronger and more profitable food. Various are the indica- 
 tions leading to this conclusion. The increasing attention 
 to female education, the improvement in the literature of 
 the age, especially in what is called the “ Ladies’ Depart- 
 ment,” in the periodicals of the day, are among the proofs 
 of a higher estimate of woman in society at large. There- 
 fore we may hope that the intellectual and intelligent are 
 being prepared for the discussion of this question, in a 
 manner which shall tend to ennoble woman and dignify 
 man. 
 
 Free discussion upon this, as upon all other subjects, is 
 never to be feared ; nor will it be, except by such as prefer 
 darkness to light. “ Those only who are in the wrong 
 dread discussion. The light alarms those only who feel 
 the need of darkness.” It was sound philosophy uttered 
 by Jesus, “ He that doeth truth cometh to the light, that 
 his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in 
 God.” 
 
 I have not come here with a view of answering any par- 
 ticular parts of the lecture alluded to, in order to point out 
 the fallacy of its reasoning. The speaker, however, did 
 not profess to offer anything like argument on that occa- 
 sion, but rather a sentiment . I have no prepared address 
 to deliver to you, being unaccustomed to speak in that 
 way ; but I felt a wish to offer some views for your consid- 
 eration, though in a desultory manner, which may lead to 
 
APPENDIX. 489 
 
 such reflection and discussion as will present the subject in 
 a true light. 
 
 In the beginning, man and woman were created equal. 
 “ Male and female created he them, and blessed them, and 
 called their name Adam.” He gave dominion to both over 
 the lower animals, but not to one over the other. 
 
 “ Man o’er woman 
 
 He made not lord, such title to himself 
 Reserving, human left from human free.” 
 
 The cause of the subjection of woman to man was early 
 ascribed to disobedience to the command of God. This 
 would seem to show that she was then regarded as not oc- 
 cupying her true and rightful position in society. 
 
 The laws given on Mount Sinai for the government of 
 man and woman were equal, and the precepts of Jesus 
 make no distinction. Those who read the Scriptures, and 
 judge for themselves, not resting satisfied with the per- 
 verted application of the text, do not find the distinction 
 that theology and ecclesiastical authorities have made, in 
 the condition of the sexes. In the early ages, Miriam and 
 Deborah, conjointly with Aaron and Barak, enlisted them- 
 selves on the side which they regarded the right, unitedly 
 going up to their battles, and singing their songs of victory. 
 We regard these with veneration. Deborah judged Israel 
 many years — she went up with Barak against their ene- 
 mies w r ith an army of ten thousand, assuring him that the 
 honor of the battle should not be to him, but to a woman. 
 Revolting as were the circumstances of their success, the 
 acts of a semi-barbarous people, yet we read with reverence 
 the song of Deborah : “ Blessed above women shall Jael, 
 the wife of Heber, the Kenite, be ; blessed shall she be 
 above women in the tent. . . . She put her hand to the 
 nail, and her right hand to the workman’s hammer ; she 
 smote Sisera through his temples. At her feet he bowed, 
 he fell, he lay down dead.” This circumstance, at vari- 
 ance with Christianity, is recognized as an act befitting 
 
490 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 woman in that day. Deborah, Huldah, and other honora- 
 ble women, were looked up to and consulted in times of 
 exigency, and their counsel was received. In that eastern 
 country, with all the customs tending to degrade woman, 
 some were called to fill great and important stations in soci- 
 ety. There were also false prophetesses as well as true. 
 The denunciations of Ezekiel were upon those women who 
 would “ prophesy out of their own heart, and sew pillows 
 to all armholes,” etc. 
 
 Coming down to later times, we find Anna, a prophetess 
 of four-score years, in the temple day and night, speaking 
 of Christ to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusa- 
 lem. Numbers of women were the companions of Jesus 
 — one going to the men of the city, saying, “ Come, see a 
 man who told me all things that ever I did ; is not this the 
 Christ?” Another, “ Whatsoever he saith unto you, do 
 it.” Philip had four daughters who did prophesy. Try- 
 phena and Tryphosa were co-workers with. the apostles in 
 their mission, to whom they sent special messages of regard 
 and acknowledgment of their labors in the gospel. A 
 learned Jew, mighty in the Scriptures, was by Priscilla in- 
 structed in the way of the Lord more perfectly. Phebe is 
 mentioned as a servant of Christ, and commended as such 
 to the brethren. It is worthy of note that the word servant , 
 when applied to Tychicus, is rendered minister . Women 
 professing godliness, should be translated preaching . 
 
 The first announcement, on the day of Pentecost was 
 the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, that God’s spirit should 
 be poured out upon daughters as well as sons, and they 
 should prophesy. It is important that we be familiar with 
 these facts, because woman has been so long circumscribed 
 in her influence by the perverted application of the text, 
 rendering it improper for her to speak in the assemblies 
 of the people, u to edification, to exhortation, and to com- 
 fort.” 
 
 If these Scriptures were read intelligently, we should not 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 491 
 
 so learn Christ, as to exclude any from a position where 
 they might exert an influence for good to their fellow-be- 
 ings. The epistle to the Corinthian church, where the 
 supposed apostolic prohibition of woman’s preaching is 
 found, contains express directions how woman shall ap- 
 pear when she prayeth or prophesieth. Judge then whether 
 this admonition relative to speaking and asking questions, 
 in the excited state of that church, should be regarded as a 
 standing injunction on woman’s preaching , when that word 
 was not used by the apostle. Where is the Scripture au- 
 thority for the advice given to the early church, under 
 peculiar circumstances, being binding on the church of the 
 present day ? Ecclesiastical history informs us, that for 
 two or three hundred years, female ministers suffered mar- 
 tyrdom, in company with their brethren. 
 
 These things are too much lost sight of. They should be 
 known, in order that we may be prepared to meet the asser- 
 tion, so often made, that woman is stepping out of her ap- 
 propriate sphere when she shall attempt to instruct public 
 assemblies. The present time particularly demands such 
 investigation. It requires also, that “ of yourselves ye 
 should judge what is right,” that you should know the 
 ground whereon you stand. This age is notable for its 
 works of mercy and benevolence — for the efforts that are 
 made to reform the inebriate and the degraded, to relieve 
 the oppressed and suffering. Women as well as men are 
 interested in these works of justice and mercy. They are 
 efficient co-workers, their talents are called into profitable 
 exercise, their labors are effective in each department of 
 reform. The blessing to the merciful, to the peacemaker, 
 is equal to man and to woman. It is greatly to be deplored, 
 now that she is increasingly qualified for usefulness, that 
 any view should be presented calculated to retard her la- 
 bors of love. 
 
 Why should not woman seek to be a reformer ? If she 
 is to shrink from being such an iconoclast as shall “ break 
 
492 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 the image of man’s lower worship,” as so long held up to 
 view ; if she is to fear to exercise her reason and her no- 
 blest powers, lest she should be thought to “ attempt to act 
 the man,” and not “ acknowledge his supremacy ; ” if she 
 is to be satisfied with the narrow sphere assigned her by 
 man, nor aspire to a higher, lest she should transcend the 
 bounds of female delicacy, truly it is a mournful prospect 
 for woman. We would admit all the difference that our 
 great and beneficent Creator has made, in the relation of 
 man and woman, nor would we seek to disturb this rela- 
 tion ; but we deny that the present position of woman is 
 her true sphere of usefulness ; nor will she attain to this 
 sphere, until the disabilities and disadvantages, religious, 
 civil, and social, which impede her progress, are removed 
 out of her way. These restrictions have enervated her 
 mind and paralyzed her powers. While man assumes that 
 the present is the original state designed for woman, that 
 the existing “ differences are not arbitrary nor the re- 
 sult of accident,” but grounded in nature, she will not 
 make the necessary effort to obtain her just rights, lest it 
 should subject her to the kind of scorn and contemptuous 
 manner in which she has been spoken of. 
 
 So far from her “ ambition leading her to attempt to act 
 the man,” she needs all the encouragement she can receive, 
 by the removal of obstacles from her path, in order that she 
 may become a “ true woman.” As it is desirable that man 
 should act a manly and generous part, not “ mannish,” so 
 let woman be urged to exercise a dignified and womanly 
 bearing, not womanish. Let her cultivate all the graces 
 and proper accomplishments of her sex, but let not these de- 
 generate into a kind of effeminacy, in which she is satisfied 
 to be the mere plaything or toy of society, content with her 
 outward adornings, and with the tone of flattery and fulsome 
 adulation too often addressed to her. True, nature has 
 made a difference in her configuration, her physical strength, 
 her voice, — and we ask no change, we are satisfied with 
 
APPENDIX , 
 
 493 
 
 nature. But how has neglect and mismanagement in- 
 creased this difference ! It is our duty to develop these 
 natural powers by suitable exercise, so that they may be 
 strengthened “ by reason of use.” In the ruder state of 
 society, woman is made to bear heavy burdens, while her 
 “ lord and master ” walks idly by her side. In the civiliza- 
 tion to which we have attained, if cultivated and refined 
 woman would bring all her powers into use, she might en- 
 gage in pursuits which she now shrinks from as beneath her 
 proper vocation. The energies of men need not then be 
 wholly devoted to the counting-house and common business 
 of life, in order that women in fashionable society may be 
 supported in their daily promenades and nightly visits to 
 the theatre and ball-room. 
 
 The appeal of Catharine Beecher to woman, some years 
 ago, urging her to aim at higher pursuits, was greatly en- 
 couraging. It gave earnest of an improved condition of 
 woman. She says, “ The time is coming when woman 
 will be taught to understand the construction of the human 
 frame, the philosophical results from restricted exercise, un- 
 healthy modes of dress, improper diet, and other causes, 
 which are continually operating to destroy the health and 
 life of the young. . . . Woman has been but little aware 
 of the high incitements which should stimulate to the cul- 
 tivation of her noblest powers. The world is no longer to 
 be governed by physical force, but by the influence which 
 mind exerts over mind. . . . Woman has never wakened 
 to her highest destinies and holiest hopes. The time is 
 coming when educated females will not be satisfied with 
 the present objects of their low ambition. When a woman 
 now leaves the immediate business of her own education, 
 how often, how generally do we find her sinking down into 
 almost useless inactivity. To enjoy the social circle, to ac- 
 complish a little sewing, a little reading, a little domestic 
 duty, to while away her hours in self-indulgence, or to en- 
 joy the pleasures of domestic life, — these are the highest 
 
494 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 objects at which many a woman of elevated mind and ac- 
 complished education aims. And what does she find of 
 sufficient interest to call forth her cultivated energies and 
 warm affection ? But when the cultivation and develop- 
 ment of the immortal mind shall be presented to woman, 
 as her especial and delightful duty, and that too whatever 
 be her relations in life ; when, by example and experience, 
 she shall have learned her power over the intellect and the 
 affections, . . . then we shall not find woman returning 
 from the precincts of learning and wisdom to pass lightly 
 away the bright hours of her maturing youth. We shall 
 not so often see her seeking the light device to embroider 
 on muslin and lace (and I would add, the fashionable 
 crochet work of the present day) ; but we shall see her, 
 with the delighted glow of benevolence, seeking for im- 
 mortal minds whereon she may fasten durable and holy im- 
 pressions that shall never be effaced or wear away.” 
 
 A new generation of women is now upon the stage, im- 
 proving the increased opportunities furnished for the ac- 
 quirement of knowledge. Public education is coming to 
 be regarded the right of the children of a republic. The 
 hill of science is not so difficult of ascent as formerly rep- 
 resented by poets and painters ; but by fact and demon- 
 stration smoothed down, so as to be accessible to the as- 
 sumed weak capacity of woman. She is rising in the scale 
 of being through this, as well as other means, and finding 
 heightened pleasure and profit on the right hand and on 
 the left. The study of Physiology, now introduced into 
 our common schools, is engaging her attention, impressing 
 the necessity of the observance of the laws of health. 
 The intellectual Lyceum and instructive lecture-room are 
 becoming to many more attractive than the theatre and 
 the ball-room. The sickly and sentimental novel and per- 
 nicious romance are giving place to writings calculated to 
 call forth the benevolent affections and higher nature. It 
 is only by comparison that I would speak commendatorily 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 495 
 
 of these works of imagination. The frequent issue of 
 them from the press is to be regretted. Their exciting 
 contents, like stimulating drinks, when long indulged in, 
 enervate the mind, unfitting it for the sober duties of life. 
 
 These duties are not to be limited by man. Nor will 
 woman fulfil less her domestic relations, as the faithful 
 companion of her chosen husband and the fitting mother 
 of her children, because she has a right estimate of her 
 position and her responsibilities. Her self-respect will be 
 increased ; preserving the dignity of her being, she will 
 not suffer herself to be degraded into a mere dependent. 
 Nor will her feminine character be impaired. Instances 
 are not few, of woman throwing off the incumbrances 
 which bind her, and going forth in a manner worthy of 
 herself, her creation, and her dignified calling. Did Eliz- 
 abeth Fry lose any of her feminine qualities by the public 
 walk into which she was called ? Having performed the 
 duties of a mother to a large family, feeling that she owed 
 a labor of love to the poor prisoner, she was empowered 
 by Him who sent her forth, to go to kings and crowned 
 heads of the earth, and ask audience of these , and it was 
 granted her. Did she lose the delicacy of woman by her 
 acts ? No. Her retiring modesty was characteristic of her 
 to the latest period of her life. It was my privilege to 
 enjoy her society some years ago, and I found all that 
 belonged to the feminine in woman — to true nobility, in a 
 refined and purified moral nature. Is Dorothea Dix throw- 
 ing off her womanly nature and appearance in the course 
 she is pursuing? In finding duties abroad, has any “re- 
 fined man felt that something of beauty has gone forth 
 from her?” To use the contemptuous word applied in the 
 lecture alluded to, is she becoming “ mannish ? ” Is she 
 compromising her womanly dignity in going forth to seek 
 to better the condition of the insane and afflicted? Is not 
 a beautiful mind and a retiring modesty still conspicuous 
 in her? 
 
496 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Indeed, I would ask, if this modesty is not attractive 
 also, when manifested in the other sex ? It was strikingly 
 marked in Horace Mann, when presiding over the late Na- 
 tional Educational Convention in this city. The retiring 
 modesty of William Ellery Channing was beautiful, as well 
 as of many others, who have filled elevated stations in so- 
 ciety. These virtues, differing as they may in degree in 
 man and woman, are of the same nature, and call forth 
 our admiration wherever manifested. 
 
 The noble courage of Grace Darling is justly honored, 
 leading her to present herself on the coast of England, 
 during the raging storm, in order to rescue the poor, suffer- 
 ing, shipwrecked mariner. Woman was not wanting in 
 courage in the early ages. In war and bloodshed this trait 
 was often displayed. Grecian and Roman history have 
 lauded and honored her in this character. English history 
 records her courageous women too, for unhappily we have 
 little but the records of war handed down to us. The 
 courage of Joan of Arc was made the subject of a popular 
 lecture not long ago, by one of our intelligent citizens. 
 But more noble moral daring is marking the female char- 
 acter at the present time, and better worthy of imitation. 
 As these characteristics come to be appreciated in man too, 
 his warlike acts, with all the miseries and horrors of the 
 battle-ground, will sink into their merited oblivion, or be 
 remembered only to be condemned. The heroism displayed 
 in the tented field must yield to the moral and Christian 
 heroism which is shadowed in the signs of our times. 
 
 The lecturer regarded the announcement of woman’s 
 achievements, and the offering of appropriate praise through 
 the press, as a gross innovation upon the obscurity of fe- 
 male life — he complained that the exhibition of attain- 
 ments of girls in schools was now equal to that of the boys, 
 and the newspapers announce that “ Miss Brown received 
 the first prize for English grammar,” etc. If he objected 
 to so much excitement of emulation in schools, it would be 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 497 
 
 well ; for the most enlightened teachers discountenance 
 these appeals to love of approbation aod self - esteem. 
 While prizes continue to be awarded, can any good reason 
 be given why the name of the girl should not be published 
 as well as that of the boy? He spoke with scorn, that 
 “ we hear of Mrs. President so and so ; and committees 
 and secretaries of the same sex.” But if women can con- 
 duct their own business, by means of presidents and secre- 
 taries of their own sex, can he tell us why they should not? 
 They will never make much progress in any moral move- 
 ment while they depend upon men to act for them. Do 
 we shrink from reading the announcement that Mrs. Som- 
 erville is made an honorary member of a scientific associa- 
 tion ? That Miss Herschel has made some discoveries, and 
 is prepared to take her equal part in science ? Or that 
 Miss Mitchell, of Nantucket, has lately discovered a planet 
 long looked for ? I cannot conceive why “ honor to whom 
 honor is due ” should not be rendered to woman as well as 
 man ; nor will it necessarily exalt her, or foster feminine 
 pride. This propensity is found alike in male and female, 
 and it should not be ministered to improperly in either 
 sex. 
 
 In treating upon the affections, the lecturer held out the 
 idea that, as manifested in the sexes, they were opposite, 
 if not somewhat antagonistic, and required a union, as in 
 chemistry, to form a perfect whole. The simile appeared 
 to me far from a correct illustration of the true union. 
 Minds that can assimilate, spirits that are congenial, attract 
 one another. It is the union of similar, not of opposite 
 affections, which are necessary for the perfection of the 
 marriage bond. There seemed a want of proper delicacy 
 in his representing man as being bold in the demonstration 
 of the pure affection of love. In persons of refinement, 
 true love seeks concealment in man as well as in woman. 
 I will not enlarge upon the subject, although it formed so 
 great a part of his lecture. The contrast drawn seemed a 
 32 
 
498 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 fallacy, as has much, very much, that has been presented 
 in the sickly sentimental strains of the poet, from age to 
 age. 
 
 The question is often asked, u What does woman want 
 more than she enjoys ? What is she seeking to obtain ? 
 Of what rights is she deprived ? What privileges are 
 withheld from her ? ” I answer, she asks nothing as favor, 
 but as right ; she wants to be acknowledged a moral, re- 
 sponsible being. She is seeking not to be governed by 
 laws, in the making of which she has no voice. She is de- 
 prived of almost every right in civil society, and is a cipher 
 in the nation, except in the right of presenting a petition. 
 In religious society her disabilities, as already pointed out, 
 have greatly retarded her progress. Her exclusion from 
 the pulpit or ministry — her duties marked out for her by 
 her equal brother man, subject to creeds, rules, and disci- 
 plines made for her by him — this is unworthy her true 
 dignity. In marriage there is assumed superiority, on the 
 part of the husband, and admitted inferiority, with a prom- 
 ise of obedience, on the part of the wife. This subject 
 calls loudly for examination, in order that the wrong may 
 be redressed. Customs suited to darker ages in eastern 
 countries are not binding upon enlightened society. ‘ The 
 solemn covenant of marriage may be entered into without 
 these lordly assumptions and humiliating concessions and 
 promises. 
 
 There are large Christian denominations who do not 
 recognize such degrading relations of husband and wife. 
 They ask no aid from magistrate or clergyman to legalize 
 or sanctify this union. But acknowledging themselves in 
 the presence of the Highest, and invoking His assistance, 
 they come under reciprocal obligations of fidelity and af- 
 fection, before suitable witnesses. Experience and obser- 
 vation go to prove, that there may be as much harmony, 
 to say the least, in such a union, and as great purity and 
 permanence of affection, as can exist where the common 
 ceremony is observed. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 499 
 
 The distinctive relations of husband and wife, of father 
 and mother of a family, are sacredly preserved, without the 
 assumption of authority on the one part, or the promise of 
 obedience on the other. There is nothing in such a mar- 
 riage degrading to woman. She does not compromise her 
 dignity or self-respect ; but enters married life upon equal 
 ground, by the side of her husband. By proper education, 
 she understands her duties, physical, intellectual, and moral ; 
 and fulfilling these, she is a helpmeet in the true sense of 
 the word. 
 
 I tread upon delicate ground in alluding to the institu- 
 tions of religious associations ; but the subject is of so much 
 importance that all which relates to the position of woman 
 should be examined, apart from the undue veneration 
 which ancient usage receives. 
 
 “ Such dupes are men to custom, and so prone 
 To reverence what is ancient, and can plead 
 A course of long observance for its use, 
 
 That even servitude, the worst of ills, 
 
 Because delivered down from sire to son, 
 
 Is kept and guarded as a sacred thing.” 
 
 So with woman. She has so long been subject to the 
 disabilities and restrictions with which her progress has 
 been embarrassed, that she has become enervated, her 
 mind to some extent paralyzed ; and like those still more 
 degraded by personal bondage, she hugs her chains. Lib- 
 erty is often presented in its true light, but it is liberty for 
 man, and it is not less a blessing, because oppression has 
 so long darkened the mind that it cannot appreciate it. I 
 would, therefore, urge that woman be placed in such a 
 situation in society, by the recognition of her rights, and 
 have such opportunities for growth and development, as 
 shall raise her from this low, enervated, and paralyzed con- 
 dition, to a full appreciation of the blessing of entire free- 
 dom of mind. 
 
 It is with reluctance that I make the demand for the 
 
500 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 political rights of women, because this claim is so distaste- 
 ful to the age. Woman shrinks, in the present state of so- 
 ciety, from taking any interest in politics. The events of 
 the French Revolution and the claim for woman’s rights 
 are held up to her as a warning. But let us not look at 
 the excesses of women alone at that period; but remember 
 that the age was marked with extravagances and wicked- 
 ness in men as well as women. Indeed, political life 
 abounds with these excesses, and with shameful outrage. 
 Who knows, but that if woman acted her part in govern- 
 mental affairs, there might be an entire change in the tur- 
 moil of political life. It becomes man to speak modestly 
 of his ability to act without her. If woman’s judgment 
 were exercised, why might she not aid in making the laws 
 by which she is governed ? Lord Brougham remarked that 
 the works of Harriet Martineau upon Political Economy 
 were not excelled by those of any political writer of the 
 present time. The first few chapters of her “ Society in 
 America,” her views of a republic, and of government 
 generally, furnish evidence of woman’s capacity to embrace 
 subjects of universal interest. 
 
 Far be it from me to encourage women to vote, or to 
 take an active part in politics in the present state of our 
 government. Her right to the elective franchise, however, 
 is the same, and should be yielded to her, whether she 
 exercise that right or not. Would that man, too, would 
 have no participation in a government recognizing the life- 
 taking principle — retaliation and the sword. It is un- 
 worthy a Christian nation. But when, in the diffusion of 
 light and intelligence, a convention shall be called to make 
 regulations for self-government on Christian principles, I 
 can see no good reason why women should not participate 
 in such an assemblage, taking part equally with man. 
 
 Professor Walker, of Cincinnati, in his “ Introduction to 
 American Law,” says : “ With regard to political rights, 
 females form a positive exception to the general doctrine 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 501 
 
 of equality. They have no part or lot in the formation or 
 administration of government. They cannot vote or hold 
 office. We require them to contribute their share, in the 
 way of taxes, to the support of government, but allow 
 them no voice in its direction. We hold them amenable 
 to the laws when made, but allow them no share in mak- 
 ing them. This language, applied to males, would be the 
 exact definition of political slavery ; applied to females, 
 custom does not teach us so to regard it.” Woman, how- 
 ever, is beginning so to regard it. 
 
 He further says : “ The law of husband and wife, as you 
 gather it from the books, is a disgrace to any civilized na- 
 tion. The theory of the law degrades the wife almost to 
 the level of slaves. When a woman marries, we call her 
 condition coverture, and speak of her as a femme couverte . 
 The old writers call the husband baron, and sometimes, in 
 plain English, lord. . . . The merging of her name in that 
 of her husband is emblematic of the fate of all her legal 
 rights. The torch of Hymen serves but to light the pile 
 on which these rights are offered up. The legal theory is, 
 that marriage makes the husband and wife one person, and 
 that person is the husband . On this subject, reform is 
 loudly called for. There is no foundation in reason or ex- 
 pediency for the absolute and slavish subjection of the wife 
 to the husband, which forms the foundation of the present 
 legal relations. Were woman, in point of fact, the abject 
 thing which the law, in theory, considers her to be when 
 married, she would not be worthy the companionship of 
 man.” 
 
 I would ask if such a code of laws does not require 
 change? If such a condition of the wife in society does not 
 claim redress ? On no good ground can reform be delayed. 
 Blackstone says : “ The very being and legal existence of 
 woman is suspended during marriage — incorporated or 
 consolidated into that of her husband, under whose protec- 
 tion and cover she performs everything.” Hurlbut, in his 
 
502 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Essays upon Human Rights, says : “ The laws touching 
 the rights of woman are at variance with the laws of the 
 Creator. Rights are human rights, and pertain to human 
 beings, without distinction of sex. Laws should not be 
 made for man or for woman, but for mankind. Man was 
 not born to command, nor woman to obey. . . . The law 
 of France, Spain, and Holland, and one of our own States, 
 Louisiana, recognizes the wife’s right to property, more 
 than the common law of England. . . . The law depriv- 
 ing woman of the right of property is handed down to us 
 from dark and feudal times, and is not .consistent with the 
 wiser, better, purer spirit of the age. The wife is a mere 
 pensioner on the bounty of her husband. Her lost rights 
 are appropriated to himself. But justice and benevolence 
 are abroad in our land, awakening the spirit of inquiry and 
 innovation ; and the Gothic fabric of the British law will 
 fall before it, save where it is based upon the foundation of 
 truth and justice.” 
 
 May these statements lead you to reflect upon this sub- 
 ject, that you may know what woman’s condition is in soci- 
 ety — what her restrictions are, and seek to remove them. 
 In how many cases in our country the husband and wife 
 begin life together, and by equal industry and united effort 
 accumulate to themselves a comfortable home. In the 
 event of the death of the wife, the household remains un- 
 disturbed, his farm or his workshop is not broken up, or in 
 any way molested. But when the husband dies, he either 
 gives his wife a 'portion of their joint accumulation, or the 
 law apportions to her a share ; the homestead is broken 
 up, and she is dispossessed of that which she earned equally 
 with him ; for what she lacked in physical strength, she 
 made up in constancy of labor and toil, day and evening. 
 The sons then coming into possession of the property, as 
 has been the custom until of latter time, speak of having 
 to keep their mother, when she in reality is aiding to keep 
 them. Where is the justice of this state of things ? The 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 503 
 
 change in the law of this State and of New York, in rela- 
 tion to the property of the wife, goes to a limited extent 
 toward the redress of these wrongs, which are far more ex^ 
 tensive, and involve much more than I have time this even- 
 ing to point out. 
 
 On no good ground can the legal existence of the wife 
 be suspended during marriage, and her property surren- 
 dered to her husband. In the intelligent ranks of society, 
 the wife may not, in point of fact, be so degraded as the 
 law would degrade her ; because public sentiment is above 
 the law. Still, while the law stands, she is liable to the 
 disabilities which it composes. Among the ignorant classes 
 of society, woman is made to bear heavy burdens, and is 
 degraded almost to the level of the slave. 
 
 There are many instances now in our city, where the 
 wife suffers much from the power of the husband to claim 
 all that she can earn with her own hands. In my inter- 
 course with the poorer class of people, I have known cases 
 of extreme cruelty, from the hard earnings of the wife be- 
 ing thus robbed by the husband, and no redress at law. 
 
 An article in one of the daily papers lately presented 
 the condition of needle-women in England. There might 
 be a presentation of this class in our own country which 
 would make the heart bleed. Public attention should be 
 turned to this subject, in order that avenues of more profit- 
 able employment may be opened to women. There are 
 many kinds of business which women, equally with men, 
 may follow with respectability and success. Their talents 
 and energies should be called forth, and their powers 
 brought into the highest exercise. The efforts of women 
 in France are sometimes pointed to in ridicule and sarcasm, 
 but depend upon it, the opening of profitable employment 
 to women in that country is doing much for the enfran- 
 chisement of the sex. In England and America it is not 
 an uncommon thing for a wife to take up the business of 
 her deceased husband and carry it on with success. 
 
504 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Our respected British Consul stated to me a circum- 
 stance which occurred some years ago, of an editor of a 
 political paper having died in England ; it was proposed to 
 his wife, an able writer, to take the editorial chair. She 
 accepted. The patronage of the paper was greatly in- 
 creased, and she a short time since retired from her labors 
 with a handsome fortune. In that country, however, the op- 
 portunities are by no means general for woman’s elevation. 
 
 In visiting the public schools in London, a few years 
 since, I noticed that the boys were employed in linear 
 drawing, and instructed upon the blackboard in the higher 
 branches of arithmetic and mathematics ; while the girls, 
 after a short exercise in the mere elements of arithmetic, 
 were seated, during the bright hours of the morning, stitch- 
 ing wristbands. I asked why there should be this differ- 
 ence made ; why they too should not have the blackboard ? 
 The answer was, that they would not probably fill any sta- 
 tion in society requiring such knowledge. 
 
 The demand for a more extended education will not cease 
 until boys and girls have equal instruction, in all the de- 
 partments of useful knowledge. We have as yet no high 
 school in this state. The normal school may be a prepara- 
 tion for such an establishment. In the late convention for 
 general education, it was cheering to hear the testimony 
 borne to woman’s capabilities for head teachers of the pub- 
 lic schools. A resolution there offered for equal salaries 
 to male and female teachers, when equally qualified, as 
 practiced in Louisiana, I regret to say was checked in its 
 passage by Bishop Potter ; by him who has done so much 
 for the encouragement of education, and who gave his coun- 
 tenance and influence to that convention. Still, the fact that 
 such a resolution was offered, augurs a time coming for 
 woman which she may well hail. At the last examination 
 of the public schools in this city, one of the alumni de- 
 livered an address on Woman, not, as is too common, in 
 eulogistic strains, but directing the attention to the injus- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 505 
 
 tice done to woman in her position in society, in a variety 
 of ways — the unequal wages she receives for her constant 
 toil, etc. — presenting facts calculated to arouse attention 
 to the subject. 
 
 Women's property has been taxed, equally with that of 
 men, to sustaiu colleges endowed by the States ; but they 
 have not been permitted to enter those high seminaries of 
 learning. Within a few years, however, some colleges have 
 been instituted where young women are admitted, upon 
 nearly equal terms with young men ; and numbers are 
 availing themselves of their long denied rights. This is 
 among the signs of the times, indicative of an advance for 
 women. The book of knowledge is not opened to her in 
 vain. Already is she aiming to occupy important posts of 
 honor and profit in our country. We have three female 
 editors in our State, and some in other States of the Union. 
 Numbers are entering the medical profession — one received 
 a diploma last year ; others are preparing for a like result. 
 
 Let woman then go on — not asking favors, but claiming 
 as a right the removal of all hindrances to her elevation 
 in the scale of being — let her receive encouragement for 
 the proper cultivation of all her powers, so that she may 
 enter profitably into the active business of life ; employing 
 her own hands in ministering to her necessities, strength- 
 ening her physical being by proper exercise and observ- 
 ance of the laws of health. Let her not be ambitious to 
 display a fair hand, and to promenade the fashionable 
 streets of our city, but rather, coveting earnestly the best 
 gifts, let her strive to occupy such walks in society as will 
 befit her true dignity in all the relations of life. No fear 
 that she will then transcend the proper limits of female 
 delicacy. True modesty will be as fully preserved, in act- 
 ing out those important vocations, as in the nursery or at 
 the fireside ministering to man’s self-indulgence. Then in 
 the marriage union, the independence of the husband and 
 wife will be equal, their dependence mutual, and their obli- 
 gations reciprocal. 
 
506 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 In conclusion, let me say, “ Credit not the old-fashioned 
 absurdity, that woman’s is a secondary lot, ministering to 
 the necessities of her lord and master ! It is a higher des- 
 tiny I would award you. If your immortality is as com- 
 plete, and your gift of mind as capable as ours of increase 
 and elevation, I would put no wisdom of mine against 
 God’s evident allotment. I would charge you to water the 
 undying bud, and give it healthy culture, and open its 
 beauty to the sun — and then you may hope that, when 
 your life is bound up with another, you will go on equally, 
 and in a fellowship that shall pervade every earthly in- 
 terest.” 
 
 [The following sermons, as will be seen from their dates, were deliv- 
 ered at different times and places, and have no connection with each 
 other. The speaker did not know that they were being reported, and 
 never revised them. It is hardly necessary to say that they were extem- 
 poraneous.] 
 
 A SERMON, 
 
 Delivered at Yardleyville y Bucks Co. f Pa. y Ninth Mo. 26 ih, 1858. 
 
 “ The kingdom of God is within us, and Christianity 
 will not have performed its office in the earth until its pro- 
 fessors have learned to respect the rights and privileges of 
 conscience, by a toleration without limit, a faith without 
 contention.” This is the testimony of one of the modern 
 writers. And have we not evidence, both from our own 
 religious records, and those of all the worshipers of all 
 ages, that there has been this divine teaching acknowledged, 
 in some way or another — that there is a religious instinct 
 in the constitution of man, and that, according to the cir- 
 cumstances of his birth, of his education, of his exercise 
 of his free agency, this religious essence has grown, and 
 brought forth similar fruits, in every age of the world, 
 among all peoples ? This has been likened, by various fig- 
 ures, emblems, parables, to things without us and around 
 us. It has been variously interpreted, variously explained ; 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 507 
 
 for no nation has a spiritual language, exclusively such. 
 We must therefore speak of our spiritual experiences in 
 language having reference to spiritual things. And we 
 find this has been the case, especially in the records of the 
 Jews, the Scriptures of Israel, and what are called “ Chris- 
 tian Scriptures.’’ They abound in emblems and parables. 
 
 This divine illumination is called “ the spirit.” It is said 
 that “ God breathed into man, life,” a spirit, his “ own im- 
 age,” which is spiritual, and he became a living soul. The 
 after writers acknowledge this diviue spirit — “ Thou gav- 
 est also thy good spirit to instruct us.” 
 
 An idea has prevailed that the immortality of this spirit 
 was not understood till about eighteen hundred years ago ; 
 but if we read the old Scriptures intelligently, we shall 
 find the acknowledgment of its eternity, as well as its di- 
 vine nature. “ Then shall the dust return to the earth as 
 it was, and the spirit shall return to God who gave it.” 
 And these same writers, even though they were very much 
 clouded, and the clearness of their views obscured by tra- 
 ditions, so that, when Jesus came among them, he said, 
 u they made the word of God of none effect by their tradi- 
 tions ; ” yet, the far-seeing among them acknowledged that 
 these obscurities must pass away, and that the time should 
 come when the divine light should be more clearly under- 
 stood, “ when thou shalt hear a voice behind thee saying, 
 This is the way, walk ye in it.” And it is spoken of some- 
 times as the “ still small voice.” It is spoken of again as a 
 new covenant that should be made : “ I will write my law 
 in their hearts,” the law of justice, mercy, forgiveness, that 
 they should have no more need of the old proverb, “ The 
 fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are 
 set on edge.” “ But if a man be just, and do that which is 
 lawful and right,” “ in his righteousness that he hath done 
 he shall live.” On the other hand, “ when the righteous 
 turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth in- 
 iquity, in the wickedness that he doeth shall he die.” 
 
508 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 So we see that the teachings of this divine spirit have 
 been the same in all ages. It has led to truth, to goodness, 
 to justice, to love. Love was as much held up among 
 these old writers, these old religious teachers, and as clearly 
 set forth, as in the later days. Their testimony fell upon 
 ears that heard not, upon eyes that saw not, because they 
 had closed their eyes, shut their ears, and hardened their 
 hearts. They had substituted something else for this di- 
 vine light ; this word, which, in a still earlier day, Moses 
 declared to his people was “ nigh unto them, in the mouth, 
 and in the heart.” The truths of inspiration are the way 
 of life, and he that walketh in the right shall grow stronger 
 and stronger. These were the teachings of the light — to 
 walk uprightly; to act righteously; to be just; to be faith- 
 ful. “ With the merciful, thou wilt show thyself merciful ; 
 with an upright man, thou wilt show thyself upright ; with 
 the pure, thou wilt show thyself pure.” Believe not, then, 
 that all these great principles were only known in the day 
 of the advent of the Messiah to the Jews — these beautiful 
 effects of doing right. 
 
 We should come to understand the divinity of this spirit, 
 and its teachings to us now. I believe there is a growing 
 understanding of it. It has been likened unto leaven, 
 which was hid in the meal, “ till the whole was leavened ; ” 
 and also to the little seed that was sowed in the field, which 
 became “ the greatest among herbs.” The word of God is 
 life-giving, fruitful ; and as it is received, it produces its 
 own generation, sometimes called re-generation. Another 
 beautiful figure is sometimes employed, the change in the 
 physical being. We have first the little child ; then the 
 young man ; then the strong man in the Lord. All these 
 things we must read and accept intelligently, rationally. 
 Too long has the religious element been upheld to the ven- 
 eration of man through some mystery whereby he could 
 understand the growth of his own divine nature. Why, it 
 needs no miracles. They belong to darker times than ours. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 509 
 
 It is when we are wide awake, and capable of reading, re- 
 flecting, and receiving this ingrafted word, that we come to 
 know the anointing that teacheth all things. And we shall 
 not need that any man teach us. We shall come away 
 from these false dependencies. We shall come to the 
 source — the immediate access which we have to the 
 source of all truth, to the source of all good. I know this 
 is merely regarded as the Quaker doctrine, the ignis fatuas 
 of the Quakers, and it is everywhere spoken against. We 
 know how it was treated in the early days of the Quakers. 
 We know how the Son of God was received when he 
 preached ; and it was because his teachings led him to non- 
 conformity with the rituals of the day, that he was led to 
 bear his testimony against the doctrines of the Scribes and 
 Pharisees of his time. 
 
 All ecclesiastical history goes to assure us, that when 
 there has been a sectarian standard raised, and a mere ver- 
 bal theology and ceremonial performance instituted, good 
 works have invariably been lowered. We all know how 
 bitter the sectarian spirit has become — how hatred and 
 antipathy have grown up among the people, and among 
 people making the highest profession of the name of Jesus, 
 who become horrified, shocked, if any shall deny what they 
 are pleased to consider his divinity ; and yet, if any speak 
 of the fruits of obedience to the law of justice and of good- 
 ness in the soul, they brand it as mere morality, mere 
 human benevolence, and not the religion by which salva- 
 tion is wrought. This is the tendency of sects, and it need- 
 eth a prophet to come forth declaring your circumcisions, 
 your false lights, to be of no avail. This has been the uni- 
 form condition of acceptance, the working of righteousness, 
 — doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly before 
 God, — and not in oblations and sacrifices. 
 
 And so, down to the present time, we see the same ten- 
 dency and the same results. We need prophets among us, 
 bold non-conformists, to come forth and say, “ Yerily, your 
 
510 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 baptisms are not the right tests ; your communions are not 
 the proper evidence of your intimate union with the Fa- 
 ther and with the Son. What are your Sabbath-day ob- 
 servances but conventional rites ? Verily, your silent meet- 
 ings, your plain attire, your peculiar language, — are they 
 the rightful tests of your sound faith, your pure worship ? 
 No more than those of any other denomination. We may 
 take every denomination, and where we find them setting 
 up their forms as an evidence of worship above the pure acts 
 of devotion to God, manifested by love to the people, - — to 
 the common children of God, the world over, — wherever 
 this is to be found, there is need of the right testimony to 
 be borne ; there is need that we should say, he is not a 
 true Christian who is one outwardly. We need higher 
 evidences, therefore, than now exist. Christianity will not 
 have performed its work in the earth, until its followers 
 have learned to respect the rights and privileges of con- 
 science, by a toleration without limit, a faith without con- 
 tention. 
 
 What have we to do with granting to another a point, a 
 belief, a doctrine ? It is assumption. It leads to despot- 
 ism. It has led to crucifixion ; and it leads in the same di- 
 rection now, as far as the customs of the times will admit. 
 The name is cast out now, just as much as ever. And why 
 is it ? Because there is a verbal creed set up. Because 
 there are doctrines fixed upon as being the essential re- 
 quirements of believers. They assume that the Scriptures 
 are the word of God, instead of taking them and ascertain- 
 ing the uniform testimonies to righteousness and truth, as 
 found in the various pages, and discriminating between 
 these and the practices of those ancients, many of whom 
 were semi-civilized, many of whom regarded their God as 
 the God of war. The Scriptures should be read intelli- 
 gently, so that we should not be going back to the example 
 of those ancients as our authority for the present day. 
 They do not justify that. I would not shock the religious 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 511 
 
 feelings of any, but I would ask them to read their Scrip- 
 tures again, and see if they can find any authority for sus- 
 taining their actions, and especially such as have done in- 
 jury to their fellow-beings and themselves. Especially are 
 they appealed to for sanctioning the use of wines and 
 strong drinks, as our authority for the far-extending influ- 
 ence of these for evil among the children of men. So has 
 it been the practice to cite the example of olden times in 
 approval of the abomination of American slavery, as being 
 a patriarchal institution. It is time that we should no 
 longer err. We do err, not knowing the Scriptures or the 
 power of God, when we resort to this Bible to find author- 
 ity for anything that is wrong. We have a divine teaching 
 to which we should adhere. The great principles of jus- 
 tice, love, and truth are divinely implanted in the hearts of 
 men. If we pay proper heed unto these, we shall have no 
 occasion to go to the ancient practices to find authority for 
 our actions in the present day. 
 
 We cannot help our opinions in these matters ; this is 
 impossible. They grow up with us, and depend on circum- 
 stances, on our education and immediate influences. We 
 are justified in our skepticisms. It is our religious duty to 
 be skeptical of the plans of salvation. The veneration of 
 believers has been strengthened by their not being allowed 
 to think. They have been afraid to exercise the test of 
 enlightened reason which God has given them, lest they 
 should be called infidels — should be branded with infidel- 
 ity. It is time the theology of the day had passed away. 
 And it has, to a great extent. It is modified. As an in- 
 stance, we might refer to the New School Presbyterians, 
 arraying themselves against the old Calvinistic doctrines. 
 Others might be enumerated. The people now are ceasing 
 to believe what their verbal creed teaches them. If there 
 was a freedom and independence among them, such as the 
 truth would give, they would be less trammeled. u If the 
 truth shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” How 
 
512 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 few are made free by the truth ! They are hampered by 
 their undue adherence to the gloomy appendages of the 
 church. I would not set a high opinion on the Catholic 
 Church, the Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Methodist, Quaker, 
 or any other. They all have their elements of goodness, 
 and they all have their elements of bondage ; and if we 
 yield obedience to them, we become subject to them, and 
 are brought under bondage. If we acknowledge this truth, 
 and bow to it, we shall dare to show our dissent. We will 
 let them alone, treating them with a toleration without limit, 
 a faith without contention, with regard to their opinions. 
 
 The doctrines of Christianity are perverted in order to 
 sustain the doctrine of total depravity. We take not to 
 ourselves that which belongs to ourselves. The proper 
 sense of the divine nature of man, in all its relations, first 
 the animal, next the intellectual, and then the spiritual, is 
 not properly understood. This is a beautiful trinity in the 
 human being. We shall find “ the glory of the natural to 
 be one, and the glory of the spiritual, another.” While the 
 general faith of Christians is to denounce the animal, and 
 to build up a kind of new birth on this degradation, we err 
 in not acknowledging the divinity of all man’s instincts as 
 we ought ; and lienee it is I deem .it necessary to speak 
 forth, and be branded with heresy. And believing this, 
 and asserting it before the people, I cannot feel that I am 
 advocating a mere Quaker dogma. In this latter day, we 
 find it is regarded more and more by every sect, and also 
 by those who attach themselves to no religious denomi- 
 nation. 
 
 When we appeal to the teachings of the divine spirit, 
 we find it to exist in every human breast. This is the re- 
 vealed religion, and it is time that it was claimed as such. 
 It is time that that which is regarded as mere morality 
 should be preached as the everlasting, divine truth of 
 God ; and when it shines in the hearts and minds of the 
 children of men, and they come to receive.it, they will be- 
 
APPENDIX . 
 
 513 
 
 hold its glory, and it will be the glory of the only spirit- 
 ually begotten of the Father, dwelling in them as full of 
 grace and of truth. They overlook it because of its sim- 
 plicity. 
 
 There is an acknowledgment of the regenerating power 
 of the eternal, so far as we may call it regeneration, by ap- 
 plication to natural things, without basing it on the assump- 
 tion that the first birth is evil. Jesus said, u Except a man 
 be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” But 
 he spoke to those dark Jews, who did, no doubt, need to 
 be born again, to die out of their old forms and ceremo- 
 nies. Well did he answer Nicodemus, who thought this 
 such a miracle, “ That which is born of the flesh is flesh ; 
 and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Marvel not 
 that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.” 
 
 We may all admit, that if we receive the divine spirit in 
 its operations in our soul, there will be no mistake ; it will 
 be found a reprover of evil ; and if we obey it, it will be 
 regenerating in its nature. It will make us understand 
 that which is spiritual, and discriminate between that which 
 is spiritual and that which is natural, without underrating 
 the natural. If we suffer the propensities to have the mas- 
 tery over us, we must reap the consequences. Look at slav- 
 ery in our country ; look at war. Whence come wars ? 
 “ Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your 
 members ? ” If we attempt to govern ourselves and our 
 feelings by these low principles, they, of course, will lead 
 to evil, to wrong, to wickedness. The apostle says, “ The 
 natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God ; 
 neither can he know them, because they are spiritually dis- 
 cerned.” The natural man hath natural powers and abili- 
 ties ; the intellectual man hath powers differing from these ; 
 and the spiritual man knoweth not the propensities of the 
 natural. 
 
 We are not to be regarded as denying the Scriptures, 
 because we have not so read them, and so learned Chris- 
 
514 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 tianity, as have many of the authors of the theological 
 opinions of the day. Men are too much wedded to these 
 opinions. Women in particular have pinned their faith to 
 ministers , sleeves. They dare not rely on their own God- 
 given powers of discernment. It is time that ye had looked 
 to these Scriptures, and studied them rationally for your- 
 selves, rather than follow the teaching which interprets them 
 in support of the wrong, instead of the right. Women in 
 the earliest days associated with men in carrying forward 
 the great principles of truth. A Deborah arose, and Hul- 
 dah, a prophetess. It was a woman who announced to the 
 people of Samaria the advent of Christ : “ Come see a 
 man which told me all things whatsoever I did.” And 
 this induced the men to go forth “ out of the city, unto 
 him.” And they said unto the woman, now “ we have 
 heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the 
 Christ.” And the very first act on the day of Pentecost 
 was to declare, that the time would come when the spirit 
 should be poured out upon women. Phebe was a minis- 
 ter of Christ. Priestcraft has rendered the word minister 
 so as to apply only to man. 
 
 People should judge more intelligently than to take the 
 practices of former times, and make them a test for prac- 
 tical Christianity of this day. “ The kingdom of God is 
 within us ; ” the “ word is nigh, in the heart, and in the 
 mouth.” If any are so faithless as still to need outward 
 corroborative testimony, they will find it in all ages, and 
 from the earliest times, as recorded in the Bible. And 
 this is the value of the Scriptures among us. We have no 
 right to go to them now to establish a creed or form. We 
 cannot control our opinions ; we cannot believe as we will ; 
 therefore belief is no virtue. We have not the power to 
 control our being ; it is by the circumstances around us, by 
 our power of receiving, that we come to see, and to know, 
 and believe ; therefore we must make a different use of the 
 Bible, in order to make it to us a book that is invaluable. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 515 
 
 Goodness has been goodness in all ages of the world, 
 justice, justice, and uprightness, uprightness. “I will make 
 all my goodness pass before thee.” This was a beautiful 
 answer to Moses. This is the way that God manifests 
 himself to his children. It has been so in every age. It 
 is emphatically tbe case in the present day, which is marked 
 by the advances that have been made in this generation. 
 It is this which should be held up as an evidence that 
 Christianity is being better understood ; that the veneration 
 of the people is being drawn away from undue observances 
 of Sabbath days, of the worship of churches ; that they 
 are coming to judge in themselves what is right, when they 
 are disposed to do this. How plentifully are the testi- 
 monies of the Scriptures found to be in favor of the right, 
 in all ages ! 
 
 The fast, then, that God has chosen, is easily recognized : 
 “ To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy 
 burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break 
 every yoke.” Jesus did not say, Blessed is the believer in 
 the trinity ; blessed is the believer in the popular scheme 
 of salvation ; blessed the believer in a mysterious divinity 
 attached to himself. He said nothing of the kind. He 
 called them to judge of himself by his works : 44 If I do 
 the right works, believe me, and the Father also, for I 
 come from the Father.” “ Blessed,” he said, “ are the 
 merciful; blessed the pure in heart; blessed the meek,” — 
 not the “ meek ” that bow before sect. We must know a 
 meekness that will make us “as bold as a lion,” that we 
 may proclaim righteousness, and reclaim this generation 
 from its sins, and denounce this meekness before sect. 
 Jesus declares this by his life of goodness, of active right- 
 eousness, of pure morality, of sympathy for the poor. It 
 is for the love of his principles that we should place him 
 on the high pedestal given him by those who delight to 
 worship him ceremonially. 
 
 It is not strange that there should be atheism in the 
 
516 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 world, while such false ideas of God are inculcated in the 
 minds of the people. We cannot in any way come to 
 the worship of God, by any of these fancied attributes, 
 without humanizing Him. Therefore, we must come to 
 know Him by our merciful acts, our pure, our upright con- 
 duct, our every-day righteousness, our goodness. We must 
 come to be with Him by declaring 44 wo unto the transgres- 
 sor.” We must not make compromises with injustice. If 
 the mission of Jesus was so emphatically to bring 44 peace 
 on earth and good will to men,” we must endeavor to carry 
 it out, and not place it away in the distance, in the “ mil- 
 lennium.” Why, the millennium is here ; the kingdom of 
 God has come. This is what we should preach. Oh, that 
 the fruits of this divine spirit should appear, which are 
 love, peace, joy, goodness, truth ! the spirit that is first 
 gentle, pure, full of mercy, full of good fruits. Here is no 
 disparagement of good works. 
 
 We forget the practical parts of the Bible, in our zeal 
 for preaching up a religion that is to do nothing. And so 
 we must let war go on 44 until the millennium comes.” In 
 the olden time, they knew that war was wrong, and hence 
 the far-seeing proclaimed the day when 44 they shall beat 
 their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into prun- 
 ing hooks ; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, 
 neither shall they learn war any more.” They looked for- 
 ward and prophetically proclaimed the day when the 44 King 
 cometh, who is just, and having salvation.” 44 And I will 
 cut oft the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jeru- 
 salem, and the battle-bow shall be cut oft ; and he shall 
 speak peace unto the heathen ; and his dominion shall be 
 from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends 
 of the earth.” If we are believers in this, and believe in 
 the Messiah that came with such a beautiful announcement, 
 it is time that we should love the name of Christ ; should 
 part with war, and leave nations to settle their disputes in 
 some way that will put an end to the barbarism of war. 
 
APPENDIX. 517 
 
 It is abominable that we should retain it — that we should 
 still have recourse to arms. 
 
 But the efforts for the dominion of peace are greater 
 now than ever before. The very first message transmitted 
 to us across the Atlantic, by means of that mightiest in- 
 strument wrought in our day, the offspring of the divine, 
 intellectual intelligence of men, was a prophetic view of 
 greater peace on earth. There is something so beautiful 
 in this universal instinct of men for the right, that I am 
 pained to know that people of intelligence, professing 
 Christianity, should vouchsafe their assent to the duration 
 of any of the relics of the dark ages. Let us do away 
 wdth these things. We need the faith that works by love, 
 and purifies the heart. And sorrowful is it that the hearts 
 of men should be turned from the right by the temp- 
 tations that so easily beset them, and lead them to do in- 
 justice to their fellow-man, binding him down to slavery. 
 Ah ! the chains of human bondage ! They should make 
 every one to blush and hang his head. Mournful is it that 
 they should countenance the Sabbath day, and then, to- 
 morrow, recognize a system by which their fellow-men are 
 sold at the auction-block to the highest bidder. We should 
 bear our testimony against the nefarious claim of the right 
 to property in man ; and the worst of this is, that we 
 should hear this institution claimed as sanctioned by the 
 Bible. It is the grossest perversion of the Bible, and 
 yet many ministers have thus turned over its pages un- 
 worthily, to find testimonies in favor of slavery. “Wo 
 unto him that useth his neighbor’s service without wages, 
 and giveth him not for his work.” This is what we should 
 quote. And we are all guilty of the blood of our brother. 
 The crime is national. We are all involved in it ; and 
 how can we go forth and profess to believe the faith of 
 the Son of God, with all these great wrongs and evils 
 clinging to us, and we upholding them ? Have we noth- 
 ing to do with it ? Every one has a responsibility in it. 
 
518 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 We are called to bear our testimony against sin, of what- 
 ever form, in whatever way presented. And how are we 
 doing it ? By partaking of the fruits of the slave’s toil. 
 Our garments are all stained with the blood of the slave. 
 Let us, then, be clean-handed. Seek to be so ; and if we 
 find the monstrous evil so interwoven with what we have 
 to do, politically, commercially, by manufacturing inter- 
 ests, by our domestic relations, then so much the more 
 need is there for our laboring. Every church in the earth 
 should be roused ; every people, every profession and in- 
 terest. We find democratic, republican America clinging 
 to slavery ; and it will be found the last stronghold of sin 
 in the civilized world. “ He that doeth truth cometh to 
 the light; ” but we have rejected the light of Christ. We 
 are told that the Lord, in his own time, is going to put an 
 end to this thing. “ Break ye the bands of wickedness ; ” 
 “ Proclaim liberty throughout all the land, unto all the in- 
 habitants thereof.” And because ye have not done so, ye 
 shall fall victims to the plagues that are around you. Here 
 is where we need faith, to know that we must reap the re- 
 ward of our doings. 
 
 I have nothing to do with preaching to you about what 
 we shall be hereafter. We even now, by our obedience, 
 come unto that kingdom which is righteousness, peace, and 
 joy in the Holy Spirit. We know something of an inher- 
 itance into that higher life where there is that communion 
 with the Father, so that we can understand, as far as is 
 given us to understand, that we may elevate ourselves above 
 that which is mortal to that which is immortal. 
 
 We need, therefore, this faith, which will make us believe 
 and know that if we do the wrong, we must pay the pen- 
 alty for the wrong that we are doing ; for there is no re- 
 spect of persons with God. He “ rewardeth every man 
 according to his works,” and according to the fruits of his 
 doings. God’s laws are eternal, and I wish there were 
 more conscientious believers in the immutable laws of God 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 519 
 
 When such a man as George Combe comes forth, teaching 
 the everlasting laws of truth to the children of men, he is 
 called a mere materialist. I would not exchange the true 
 test for all the theology that ever existed. All the theolog- 
 ical assemblies and gatherings united could not give such 
 benefit to the world as the truths and writings of George 
 Combe, and others who have a profound veneration for the 
 laws of God. 
 
 It is impossible to hold any nation in slavery when their 
 minds shall be enlightened sufficiently to appreciate the 
 blessings of liberty. When the sacred principles of truth 
 come to be evolved to the understandings of the children of 
 men, how will all your false theologies sink before them ! 
 The rightful test, then, of the Christian character will be 
 peace, and love, and justice, and a claim of greater equal- 
 ity among men. There will no longer be the lordly heel 
 of a government trampling upon the children of men — no 
 longer a high-bred aristocracy, exercising their exclusive- 
 ness — no longer an aspiring priesthood, bringing all under 
 its spiritual domination. It is time these things were un- 
 derstood ; time that we should show how simple the relig- 
 ion of Jesus is. This was the highest theology uttered by 
 Jesus : “ By their fruits ye shall know them.” The good 
 man, out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth 
 that which is good ; and the evil bringeth forth that which 
 is evil. The soil must be good, and the seed received must 
 be cared for, so that it may produce its own. And what 
 will it produce ? Ah, what will it not produce, my young 
 friends ? Overlook not the truth of God. There is noth- 
 ing that requires that ye should underrate your natural 
 powers. Let them grow with your growth and become 
 strengthened, and you will be made advocates of the right. 
 
 This is really a notable age, and we have to hail it that 
 we have not to wait for a far-distant day for the kingdom 
 of God to come. There is an advancement, and its influ- 
 ence is felt so much that the minister begins to be ashamed 
 
520 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 to turn over the leaves of the Bible to prove the wrong, 
 rather than to find therein advocacy of the right. The 
 young people ever hear truth gladly ; in their hearts there 
 is an instinctive revolting from wrong. Did not the love 
 of power abide to such an extent among us, there would 
 be an instinctive revolt against slavery and wrong doing. 
 Do justice to the colored man. Do away with your in- 
 fernal prejudices; they are infernal. This impure spirit, 
 this wrong that ye indulge in, is not from above ; it is 
 earthly, sensual, devilish. A grave charge rests upon you 
 who countenance the wickedness of American slavery. 
 
 Public sentiment is changing. What though the polit- 
 ical horizon may lower, believe me, the time is near, — the 
 kingdom of God, of justice and mercy, is entering, that 
 will be for the salvation of the slave. Believe me, that the 
 labors of Beecher, Chapin, Furness, Garrison, and many 
 other advocates of the right and true of our day, preceded 
 by those of Hicks, Clarkson, Wilberforce, and their con- 
 federates of former days, have not been in vain. God 
 ever blesses the rightful laborer. “ In the morning sow 
 thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand ; for 
 thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or 
 that, or whether they shall both be alike good.” So, hav- 
 ing thus gone forth, we see now how it is renovating, how 
 it is purifying the Church from its corruptions. 
 
 The temperance movement is likewise prospering. It 
 has given evidence of great advancement in this day. War, 
 too, is falling from its original foothold in the earth. There 
 is greater delight manifested in right doing. The power 
 of moral-suasion is becoming better understood. These are 
 good indications, and, with many others, they point to a 
 happier and better state of things, the fruits of the ush- 
 ering in of the great and glorious gospel, that which, is 
 to level distinctions, cause the highways to be strength- 
 ened, and institute equality among men. The day is com* 
 \ng ; “ the kingdom of God is at hand.” 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 521 
 
 The people flock more to hear moral discourses than to 
 hear the preaching from the pulpit. This would not be the 
 case were the preaching of the pulpit like that of Jesus. 
 There is a quick understanding in the fear of the Lord 
 among the people, and I will trust the people. I have con- 
 fidence in their intuitive sense of the right, of the good. 
 It is this great heart of the people we are to preach unto, 
 to proclaim liberty and truth, justice and right unto ; and 
 let it be done. 
 
 The immediate teaching of God’s holy spirit, inspiring 
 love for the brethren, inspiring a desire for the promotion 
 of good, is your mission. Oh, it is your heavenly call ; 
 obey it, and look not for anything marvelous. Obey it, my 
 young friends ! Come ye unto the harvest, and labor truly. 
 There is need to labor in a world lying in evil. There is 
 need of preachers against the excesses of the age. There 
 is need of preachers against the existing monopolies and 
 banking institutions, by which the rich are made richer, and 
 the poor poorer. Thou, O man of God, flee these things, 
 and follow that which is right ! It is contrary to the spirit 
 of this Republic that any should be so rich. Let this blessed 
 Christian equality prevail. Let us have a Republic that 
 shall be marked by Christian principles ; and by Christian , 
 I mean universally right principles. These are eternal ; 
 divine in their origin, and eternal in their nature. Let us 
 have faith in these, and believe that the “ kingdom of God 
 is within us.” Christianity will not have performed its 
 office in the earth, until the believers have learned to re- 
 spect rights and privileges, by a toleration without limit, 
 a faith without contention. That faith will fill the heart 
 with holy joy. Thanksgiving will come up from such a 
 heart, and there will be an entering into the joy of the 
 Lord, acknowledging that He is good; that His mercy 
 is everlasting ; and that His truth endureth through all 
 ages. 
 
522 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 SERMON, 
 
 Delivered at Bristol , Pa., 6 th Mo. 6th, 1860. 
 
 “ Righteousness exaltetli a nation, but sin is a reproach 
 to any people.” 
 
 It appears to have been a great comfort to one of old, 
 that he could say, “ I have preached righteousness in the 
 great congregation ; lo, I have not refrained my lips, O 
 Lord, thou knowest ; ” and it is interesting to learn among 
 these declarations of the ancient prophets, that there 
 seemed to be but one standard of goodness and truth. 
 The Scriptures derive advantage from the fact that we find 
 therein so uniform a testimony to the right ; that is, among 
 those who are not bound by sect, or devoted to forms and 
 ceremonies. “ Your new moons and appointed feasts, your 
 Sabbaths, even the solemn meeting,” were classed as abom- 
 inations, and for the reason that they executed not judg- 
 ment and justice and mercy in the land. The injunction 
 was “ Learn to do well ; seek judgment, relieve the op- 
 pressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” If 
 they put away their iniquities, and did that which was 
 right, then they should find acceptance. This is the testi- 
 mony from age to age, as we find it recorded ; and it is 
 time we should discriminate between those scriptures that 
 conflict with righteous principles, and such as emanate 
 from a spiritual understanding of the requirements of truth. 
 These requisitions of the holy spirit in the mind of man 
 have been the same in all ages, and it needs no learned 
 disquisitions to lead men to understand them. The people 
 know the truth. The time has come when it is not needed 
 that man should teach his brother, saying, “ Know the 
 Lord.” It is this assurance that all men understand the 
 truth and the right, — justice, mercy, love, which inspire 
 confidence that we may speak so as to meet a response in 
 the hearts of the hearers ; and the more we appeal to the 
 inner consciousness and perception of truth as received by 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 523 
 
 intuition, by divine instinct in the soul, and not through 
 forms, ceremonies, and dogmas, the more will there be 
 amendment in the conduct of life. Our appeals would be 
 more effectual, were religion stripped of the dark theolo- 
 gies that encumber it, and its operations will prove more 
 availing when presented to the hearers and to the thinkers 
 free from the gloomy dogmas of sects. 
 
 The true gospel is not identical with any scheme or theo- 
 logical plan of salvation, however plausibly such a scheme 
 may be drawn from isolated passages of Scripture, ingen- 
 iously woven ; it is through the intelligence of the age, the 
 progress of civilization, and individual thinking, that the 
 right of judgment has been so far attained, that there is 
 great daring of thought, of belief and expression, and much 
 shortening of the creeds. A great deal that was demoral- 
 izing in its tendency has been separated from them. Still, 
 what remains is so tenaciously held as the only touchstone 
 of religious character, that there is a proportionate lessen- 
 ing of the effect of sound morals, and a lowering of the 
 true standard. While we should feel a largeness of heart 
 towards all religious denominations, at the same time, if we 
 are true to God and the divine principle of his blessed Son, 
 we must ever hold up the blessing to the merciful, the pure, 
 the upright ; regarding honesty, goodness, every-day works 
 of usefulness and love, as paramount to all the peace and 
 enjoyment that would follow an adherence to any of the 
 abstract propositions of faith, that are held as the touch- 
 stone of sound Christianity. We must be as Jesus was, a 
 non-conformist. That peace which “ passeth understand- 
 ing ” comes from obedience to truth, not to sect, for great 
 hardness of heart often proceeds from this ; it leads not to 
 love, but to persecution and bitterness. Unless the faith 
 of the sectarian is worked by a love, not of its own sect 
 merely, but such as can go out beyond its own inclosure, 
 to gather in the outcast and the oppressed, it is not efficient 
 conversion. The apostle Paul believed he was acting in 
 
524 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 good conscience when he was a great persecutor, and no 
 doubt many of the persecutors that perform their vile acts 
 towards men, believe they are doing God’s service ; but 
 their acts are wicked nevertheless. Many go so far as to 
 say that if a man does what he believes to be right, he is 
 exempt from guilt. This is a mistake. We have far too 
 much charity for any wrong-doer. What is wrong in itself, 
 is wrong for any one to do. The truth must be spoken, 
 and the dark conscience enlightened. 
 
 Many persons have become so inured to slavery as not 
 to discern its sinfulness. It has been said that “ no one in 
 his inmost heart ever believed slavery to be right.” We 
 know there is this instinct in man, else it would never have 
 been proclaimed that all men are born equal, and endowed 
 by their Creator with the inalienable right to life, liberty, 
 and the pursuit of happiness. Many have so seared their 
 minds that the light of the glorious gospel, which is the 
 image of God, does not and cannot shine in upon them. 
 Hence it is that in this day there should be an earnestness 
 in advocating right doing. The people should be so en- 
 lightened as to distinguish between mere creeds and forms, 
 and practical goodness. 
 
 It is irrational to deny the sinfulness of slavery. “Wo 
 unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and 
 his chambers by wrong ; that useth his neighbor’s service 
 without wages, and giveth him not for his work.” “ Wo 
 unto those who are partakers of other men’s sins.” Wo 
 unto them that will not “cry aloud, spare not, lift up the 
 voice like a trumpet, and show the people their transgres- 
 sions.” These old sayings show that the requirements of 
 truth are the same in all ages, — to do right, to give free- 
 dom to the oppressed, the wronged, and the suffering. 
 Those who have appealed in behalf of these, have not ap- 
 pealed in vain. Progress attends the work; but nothing 
 can be effected by sitting still, and keeping aloof from the 
 arena of activity ; it is by labor, by many crosses, many 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 525 
 
 sacrifices, — brother giving up brother unto death, and 
 even submitting to martyrdom, — that beneficent results are 
 accomplished. And what do we ask now ? That slavery 
 shall be held up in every congregation, and before all sects, 
 as a greater sin than erroneous thinking ; a greater sin 
 than Sabbath breaking. If any of you are seen on Sab- 
 bath day with your thimble on, performing some piece of 
 needlework, the feelings of your neighbors are shocked 
 on beholding the sight ; and yet these very people may be 
 indifferent to great sins, regarding them with comparative 
 unconcern, and even complacency. This is what I mean 
 in saying that the standard of religious observances is 
 placed higher than the standard of goodness, of upright- 
 ness, and of human freedom. To some, the sin of slave- 
 holding is not so horrifying as certain deviations from es- 
 tablished observances. While the sticklers for these gather 
 together and exhibit great marks of piety, in some instances 
 they are guilty of small acts of unkindness, of meanness 
 and oppression towards their neighbors. It is not enough 
 to be generous, and give alms ; the enlarged soul, the true 
 philanthropist, is compelled by Christian principle to look 
 beyond bestowing the scanty pittance to the mere beggar 
 of the day, to the duty of considering the causes and 
 sources of poverty. We must consider how much we have 
 done towards causing it. 
 
 The feeling of opposition to war, that has been growing 
 in the minds of men, is not confined to the Society of 
 Friends ; people of various denominations have examined 
 this subject, and presented it in its true light. Faith in 
 the efficacy of moral influences has increased, and the pos- 
 sibility of settling disputes without recourse to arms is be- 
 ing regarded more and more favorably. Still, the spirit 
 of war exists, and it is surprising that those who look up to 
 the Son and adore his sacred name should forget that the 
 anthem of his advent upon the earth was “ Peace on earth, 
 and good will to men.” Is this reformation going on ? We 
 
526 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 should see how far we are attending to the practices by 
 which nations become demoralized. In looking abroad we 
 discover a revival of the brutal spirit of barbarous ages, to 
 determine what may be done by single combat ; and in our 
 own laud we find repetitions of these wicked experiments. 
 Are those who disapprove of these things careful to use 
 their influence in the family circle with their children, that 
 they may not be carried away by this brutal spirit ? Mind 
 acting upon mind is of much greater power than brute 
 force contending against brute force. We have been in the 
 dark long enough. The likeness we bear to Jesus is more 
 essential than our notions of him. 
 
 The temperance reformation has accomplished almost 
 a revolution in our age, but the movement seems now to 
 be somewhat retarded by running too much into political 
 and masonic channels. Much may be effected by the 
 young men and the young women. How commendable 
 that benevolence which lifts the poor victim from the 
 gutter of degradation, to place him on the rock of temper- 
 ance, and put a song of total-abstinence in his mouth. 
 This oft-times leads to something higher. I desire that all 
 may be first pure, then actively engaged ; that all, in their 
 various religious denominations, and those not belonging to 
 any, may see what their duty is, and neither shun nor dis- 
 regard it. Let not those be forgotten that are beyond the 
 reach of religious inclosures, for they, the lowly and the 
 outcast, need our aid. Especial attention should ever be 
 paid to that which will exalt the condition of those that are 
 downcast. If we perform our whole duty, we shall give 
 heed to these things, in the spirit of a broad, all-embracing 
 philanthropy, the tendency of which is to equalize society. 
 We should act the part of true philosophers. Some* are 
 afraid to hear the word “ philosophy ” in connection with 
 Christianity. But there is a divine philosophy which it 
 should be our aim to reach, and when we have attained to 
 this, we shall see a beautiful equality around us. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 527 
 
 The efforts that are making for the elevation of woman, 
 the enlargement of her mind, the cultivation of her reason- 
 ing powers, and various ameliorating influences are prepar- 
 ing her to occupy a higher position than she has hitherto 
 filled. She must come to judge within herself what is 
 right, and absolve herself from that sectarian rule which 
 sets a limit to the divinity within her. Whatever is a 
 barrier to the development of her inherent, God -given 
 powers, and to the improvement of her standing and char- 
 acter, whether it be ecclesiastical law or civil law, must be 
 met and opposed. It is of more moment that she should 
 be true and faithful to herself than to her sect. 
 
 The more we are disposed to enter this reforming theatre 
 of the world, the greater will be the promise of improve- 
 ment in the social system, and the nearer the approach to 
 the true end of human existence. There is much to be 
 done. If we have entire faith in the efficiency of right 
 doing, we shall find strength for it. What is needed is 
 confidence in the possibility of coming into the kingdom 
 now. A great deal of time and effort has been spent in 
 the sphere of poetic fancy, picturing the glory and joy of a 
 kingdom hereafter ; but what is chiefly required of us is to 
 come into the divine government now — and to be pure 
 even as God is pure. 
 
 So far from preaching up human depravity, my practice 
 is to advocate native goodness. It was a beautiful emblem 
 that Jesus held up as an appropriate illustration of the 
 heavenly condition — the little child. Had we faith in 
 little children, treating them aright, giving them a guarded 
 education, we might see in the next generation far greater 
 purity than is found at present. 
 
 It is essential that we have faith in uprightness, in jus- 
 tice, love, and truth, for these are among the highest evi- 
 dences of true Christianity. I care not for charges of 
 verbal infidelity ; the infidelity I should dread, is to be 
 faithless to the right, to moral principle, to the divine 
 
528 
 
 APPENDIX, 
 
 impulses of the soul, to a confidence in the possible reali- 
 zation of the millennium now. We know what we are at 
 present; if we are doing right, acting in accordance with 
 sacred principles, we all know how peaceful and happy we 
 are. And we know how we are brought into torment by 
 violating the right. We should have assurance that if we 
 resolve to do right, we can do it. 
 
 All we can do, one for another, is to bring each to 
 know the light of truth in the soul. It is pure, holy, un- 
 mistakable, and no ignis fatuus . Feeling and believing 
 this, I would call you all to it. And we should come to 
 recognize the great principles of justice, humanity, and 
 kindness, holiness in all its parts, in the full belief that the 
 establishing of the dominion of these in the earth is the 
 divine purpose of the Eternal, in sending this essence, or, 
 as some term it, in sending His Son into the world. What 
 I mean by the “ Son of God ” is that divine word which 
 is quick and powerful, which is a discerner of the thoughts 
 and intents of the heart ; and if any shall speak of it as the 
 “ Christ of God,” let them so speak, and lay no stumbling- 
 block in a brother’s way ; but have faith in it, never fear- 
 ing ; it will be sufficient for its own work. So believing, 
 I can commend you, my friends, to God, and to the word 
 of His grace, as sufficient to give an inheritance to those 
 that are sanctified ; and when we have finished our works 
 here on earth, and are about to be removed from before the 
 eyes of men, I doubt not but there will be a blessed earnest 
 of that which shall appear hereafter, whatever it may be — 
 that there will be an entrance into that which is glorious 
 and eternal. 
 
 “ To the Christ that was never crucified ; to the Christ 
 that was never slain ; to the Christ that cannot die, I com 
 mend you with my own soul.” 1 
 
 1 Quoted from Elias Hicks. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 529 
 
 DISCOURSE AT FRIENDS’ MEETING, FIFTEENTH STREET, 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 Delivered Eleventh Month 1 Ith, 1866 . 
 
 “ The Lord is in His holy temple, let all the earth keep 
 silence before Him.” Those who can thus, in silence, feel 
 after and find Him who is not far from every one of us, — 
 for, as saith the apostle, “ in Him we live, and move, and 
 have our being,” — those need not make the harmony of 
 sweet sounds to attune the heart to praise, melody, and 
 thanksgiving ; but, in this nearness of approach unto Him, 
 they can feel with the Psalmist, that they love His law, and 
 it is their meditation both day and night. Now, this is a 
 reality : it is no fancied mount of transfiguration, but it is 
 an experience in which the desire is often felt : “ Lord, 
 evermore give us this bread.” The worship in spirit and 
 in truth is the worship that is called for at our hands. It 
 is a great privilege we have, it is true, to enter His courts 
 with thanksgiving, and into His gates with praise, to ac- 
 knowledge that the Lord is good, His mercy everlasting, 
 and His truth enduring to all generations. But the wor- 
 ship which is required of us is the active use of all our 
 God-given powers, all our faculties, our intellectual as well 
 as our nobler spiritual gifts. All these consecrated to God, 
 to truth, to righteousness, to humanity, and acts in accord- 
 ance with such consecration, constitute the worship which 
 is needed, and very different from mere Sunday worship 
 paid in oral prayer, in sacred song, or in silent bowing of 
 the head. We are too apt to confound these means to an 
 end, legitimate, acceptable, noble as they are, with the end 
 itself. We are too apt to mistake Sabbath observances 
 and Sunday worship for that which the Father is seeking 
 from us all — for that obedience which is called for. 
 
 We have just heard the inquiry made (by a preceding 
 speaker) as to what must be the state of mind “ in the 
 trying hour.” I asked myself, What is that trying hour ? 
 
 34 
 
530 
 
 APPENDIX, 
 
 Many put it off, supposing it to be when the head is laid 
 upon the pillow of death, perhaps, or to a fancied day of 
 judgment. But we need to understand “ the trying hour” 
 to be every hour when our consciences are awakened to a 
 sense of our situation — a sense of our unworthiness, it 
 may be, needing repentance of sins, or with present duties 
 imposed upon us, when the trying hour is the struggle 
 whether we shall do our duty. Some men’s sins, the apos- 
 tle says, go before-hand to judgment, and some they follow 
 after. Many understand this as going before death and 
 after death, but it seems to me that it is before they are 
 committed ; when we are tempted, we are brought to judg- 
 ment, to consideration, to reflection, as to how far we shall 
 yield or give up, or come to a right decision as to our 
 course of life. 
 
 We need to bring our experience, our religious faith, 
 duties, and worship more down (or up , I would say) to our 
 every-day life, more to our real existence. We need to 
 pray for strength ; for, the great efficacy of prayer is not 
 to pray for partial favors, which would be, perhaps, in vio- 
 lation of the very laws we have transgressed, and which 
 bring upon us their proper penalty ; not to pray for special 
 favors which we have no right to ask, but to pray that 
 strength may be given us to do what is required of us, to 
 stand fast, to have a conscience void of offense toward God 
 and toward man. We may not have sins to repent of when 
 brought together, if we are every day desirous to be found 
 thus doing our duty, and invoking the Divine Power to aid 
 us in this great desire of our hearts. We know we are 
 human, we feel our weaknesses, and we feel the spirit of 
 thanksgiving and praise for all His mercies, which are new 
 every morning. When we are thus brought together, and 
 can sit down, and can feel one with another, and enter into 
 our own hearts' communion, and know His divine presence, 
 notwithstanding our infirmities, our human weaknesses, — 
 these are profitable considerations for us individually. But 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 531 
 
 I often feel that we have need to press on the considera- 
 tion of the people the great duties of life, which belong 
 to them, collectively , and which, as individuals, we are bound 
 to exert ourselves to promote, in order that the kingdom 
 of God may be, in reality, near at hand, nigh even at the 
 doors. There is great instruction in the records of the 
 past in finding how the great seers, the anointed of God, 
 in every age, were always looking for a higher and better 
 state of things, a kind of millennium, and often prophesying 
 that this state should come, when peace should reign, when 
 the government of the Divine and the Eternal should be 
 extended from sea to sea, and from the rivers unto the ends 
 of the earth ; and this we find described in the Scriptures 
 in various ways ; and each writer in his turn has called 
 upon the people around to do their part to bring in this 
 kingdom — to hasten the time when, in the figurative lan- 
 guage of Scripture, the lion and the lamb shall lie down 
 together, when all violence shall cease, all wars, all injuries 
 one of another, when there shall be regard one for another 
 in every way, when loving our neighbor as ourselves shall 
 be more prevalent in the earth. And this millennium was 
 not completed at the advent of the Messiah to the Jews: 
 it seemed barely begun in the darkness in which he found 
 them, borne down by unmeaning ceremonies, useless forms 
 and sacrifices, which were never called for from on high, 
 but which were only suited or adapted by Moses and others 
 to the weakness and low condition of the people with 
 whom they dwelt and labored. In this dark state the 
 great truths uttered by Jesus often seemed to fall to the 
 ground ; and he lamented over them : 44 Are ye yet with- 
 out understanding ? ” 44 Shall the Son of Man, when he 
 
 cometh, find faith in the earth ? ” Some of these mourn- 
 ful interrogatories show how he deplored the condition of 
 things which he found among his own people ; and yet 
 he was ever hopeful of a better state of things, as was his 
 forerunner : <4 He that cometh after me, is mightier than 
 
532 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 I ; he shall baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” 
 And so Jesus, using terms figurative of the truth, in his 
 language, said, “ The bread that I give you, cometh down 
 from Heaven ; if ye eat my flesh (that is, take the truth 
 which I proclaim to you, receive the word which is thus 
 spoken to you) ye shall have everlasting life ; for, my flesh 
 and my blood are meat and drink indeed.” He found that 
 they were very outward in their reception, their under- 
 standing of it, accustomed as they were to symbols, figu- 
 rative language: “Are ye yet without understanding?” 
 “ Know ye not that the flesh profiteth nothing ? ” “ The 
 
 words which I speak unto you, they are spirit and life. 
 Let him that is athirst come unto me and drink.” What 
 did it mean ? I know that theology makes this all out- 
 ward, all suited to an outward atonement, to a vicarious 
 sacrifice, to the general orthodoxical idea of salvation by 
 Christ. 
 
 I think, however, the spiritually-minded, the clear, in- 
 telligent reader and thinker, may understand this in a far 
 wider sense, and it is time that this theological gospel of 
 despair had passed away. Even the disciples, outward and 
 ignorant as they were, said : “ Thus spake he of the spirit 
 which they who believe in him shall receive.” And so 
 with the apostles : Jesus called them continually to the 
 freedom which the truth would give — the liberty which 
 was of God, and which was to be bestowed by obedience, 
 by doing right, by doing the will of the Father ; and in 
 this way, his gospel was indeed “ glad tidings of great joy 
 unto all people.” Gloomy theology makes it not so. The 
 bigoted, the intolerant converts to this theology, make it 
 any other than “ glad tidings of great joy unto all people.” 
 
 The gloomy ascetic, whether Quaker or Catholic, makes 
 it revolting and repulsive to the young. Therefore, if 
 we attempt to preach the religion of Jesus, salvation by 
 Christ, we have need to understand it better, or we shall 
 never know what these “ glad tidings of great joy ” really 
 
APPENDIX. 533 
 
 mean. We must learn to exhibit by our very counte- 
 nances that we have attained to this state. 
 
 True religion makes not men gloomy. Penances, asceti- 
 cism, sacrifices, “ daily crosses ” — all belong to a more 
 gloomy religion than that of the benign and beautiful spirit 
 of Jesus. (The term “ daily cross ” occurs only once in 
 the New Testament — in the Bible, I believe.) We know 
 well that there are sacrifices to make in our life, in the 
 pursuit of our duty, the attempt to uplift the lowly, to 
 spread the gospel of glad tidings. We know that the right 
 hand and the right eye (to use again a figure of speech) 
 have to be parted with at times ; but always we feel the 
 conviction that we enter into life thereby and its rich expe- 
 riences. 
 
 It was no new doctrine that Jesus preached. When 
 asked what it was he preached, he declared that it was not 
 new. “ The peace that passeth understanding ” had long 
 before been spoken of. Even the disposition to return 
 good for evil had been recommended long before his day. 
 We make a great mistake when we date the commence- 
 ment of true religion eighteen hundred years ago. There 
 have been evidences of it in every age ; and even now in 
 all the nations under the sun, in a form more gross or re- 
 fined, according to the circumstances of the times, of the 
 age, of the nations, we find recognitions of the Divine and 
 the Eternal, the Creator of us all, and in some form, cere- 
 mony or worship offered unto Him. The native Indians 
 of our forests have their worship ; and having witnessed 
 some of their strawberry festivals and dances, and relig- 
 ious operations, I have thought that there was, perhaps, 
 as much reasonableness and rational worship therein as in 
 passing around the little bread and wine ; or, I might name, 
 perhaps, some of the peculiarities of our own people, for all 
 sects, all denominations have their tendency to worship in 
 the letter rather than in the spirit — seeking an outward 
 rather than an inward salvation. 
 
534 
 
 APPENDIX . 
 
 The apostolic in every age, the sent-of- the- Father, are 
 ever calling for a higher righteousness, a better develop- 
 ment of the human race, a more earnest effort to equalize 
 the condition of men. And now, when the call is, “ Be- 
 hold the kingdom of God is at hand,” the present unequal 
 condition in Christendom, these vast distinctions that exist 
 in Europe, even in England, between the rich and the 
 poor, are a disgrace to our profession of Christianity. The 
 lordly aristocracy, the kingly government, the aspiring 
 priesthood there, and our own tenement houses here — all 
 these things go to show how little we have really ad- 
 vanced ; and yet, with other views of the subject, how 
 much, how great is the progress. I more frequently have 
 cause to rejoice in the evidences of the progress of real 
 Christianity, real truth, righteousness, and goodness, than 
 to be pained by evidences of anything like a retrograde 
 movement. I never look back to the past as the Golden 
 Age, but always forward to it, as coming ; and I really be- 
 lieve it to be nigh, even at the door, though not perhaps 
 by man’s calculation. And, indeed, one (may I say apos- 
 tle ?) of our own day, our great and good Elias Hicks, 
 dared not leave much record of his own experience and 
 religious views, because he saw that generations to come 
 must be in advance of him, must go on unto perfection, 
 must see and act further than he had done — that difficul- 
 ties would be overcome, that the trammels of superstition 
 and tradition would be removed ; but not entirely, he said, 
 for wars would never cease among men until the profes- 
 sors of Christianity had learned to read the Bible more 
 intelligently, more as they would other books, and come 
 to a right judgment as regards the acts there required. 
 Something on this wise he has left ; and I am glad he has ; 
 because there is a tendency, having begun well, and run 
 well for a time, to suffer ourselves to be hindered from 
 obeying the truth, and to go back again to the weak and 
 beggarly elements of theology. Hence I am glad that 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 535 
 
 there is enough left for some of us, the older ones, to recur 
 to as being the faith for which we struggled thirty years 
 ago, and by which we conquered, as I believe. I want that 
 we should hold fast to this inward guidance, this inward 
 teaching, without wavering. 
 
 Another of the seers of our age (and I like sometimes 
 to quote those not of our own household), an anointed one, 
 declared : “ Mighty powers are at work in the world, and 
 who shall stay them ? God’s word has gone forth, and it 
 shall not return unto him void. A new comprehension of 
 the Christian spirit, a new reverence for humanity, a new 
 feeling of brotherhood, and of all men’s relation to the 
 common Father. This is among the signs of our times.” 
 This was declared before the late struggle, and the late 
 events for the removal of the bonds of slavery from mil- 
 lions of our fellow-beings. We see that this reverence 
 for humanity has done its work in so far, and we can be- 
 lieve that it is going on if we are faithful ; if we can un- 
 derstand the Christian spirit and act it out, we shall be 
 instrumental in hastening the day when the kingdoms of 
 this world shall become the kingdom of our Lord and his 
 Christ. The day may be hastened ; it is man’s instrumen- 
 tality that is needed. We acknowledge a mighty power 
 far above all human effort, and indeed independent, as I 
 regard it, of the battle-field, that has brought about the 
 marvelous work and wonder of our day ; but it was not 
 without many having to make sacrifices, to suffer their 
 names to be cast out as evil, and having to go forth as with 
 their staff in their hands through this Jordan, before they 
 could reach the promised land. How should one have 
 faced a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, had 
 not the Lord been on the side of justice, mercy, and truth ? 
 This has been manifested, and in so many ways that I now 
 have great hope that the time will not be long before the 
 great barbarism of war will be placed in its true light be- 
 fore the people, and they will easily learn that where the 
 
536 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 disposition exists to resort to means for the redress of 
 grievances (either national or individual), other than phys- 
 ical force, the way will be found. The prayer we need 
 is for strength to our feeble, human efforts ; and it is 
 granted, blessed be His name : “ Whatsoever ye ask be- 
 lieving, ye shall receive.” Have faith, then. If we could 
 only receive this idea aright, not applying it to outward 
 events, but to inward confidence in the sufficiency of the 
 mighty power of God, the sufficiency of the attributes 
 with which we are furnished ; if we will only carry them 
 to Him and do His work, and not look to man for praise, 
 for help ; if we will come out of our sectarian inclosure, 
 and bind not ourselves to any theories or speculations, but 
 go on in fullness of faith, — the desired end will be truly 
 attained. 
 
 The great historian, probably the greatest historian in 
 our day, Buckle, has very erroneously, it seems to me, at- 
 tributed the advancement of the world so far in civilization 
 more to the intellectual development of man than to his 
 spiritual and moral growth and advancement. It seems to 
 me that he mistook the mere sectarian effort of days past 
 (which, he said, died out in a generation and produced no 
 great effect upon the world,) for the moral effort at human 
 progress. Let us see what has really been the progress 
 since the great law of love, of right, of regard to man, was 
 proclaimed clearly and extensively by Jesus of Nazareth. 
 Let us see what has been the progress since that time, de- 
 spite the checks given by the organization of the sects ; 
 that is, by erroneous theories held by those sects. Not- 
 withstanding all these, there has been such progress in 
 human society, that the writers of the present day may 
 well claim that there is a better understanding of God 
 dwelling with man, the Holy Spirit being with us, and of 
 man’s regard to his fellow-being. The efforts that are 
 made for education, for improvement, morality, and the 
 great numbers in all parts of Christendom, in various parts 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 537 
 
 of the world, enlisted in behalf of improving the condition 
 of society — all go to disprove the idea, which I fear, when 
 put forth by such a historian, would have an undue influ- 
 ence, and warp the judgment of many of his readers, and 
 lead to a lighter estimate of moral effort than really be- 
 longs to it. He asked, what new law since the days of 
 Jesus of Nazareth ? We might as well ask, what new law 
 in science. There is no new law in truth : we want no new 
 law. It is no new doctrine which I preach, said Jesus. 
 But we want a better carrying out of the law, a better life, 
 a better recognition of the Divine, and of the great duties 
 of life springing from the right worship of the Divine and 
 the Eternal. I allude to this, because I know that when a 
 writer becomes popular we are apt to receive his say-so 
 without much criticism or instruction ; and I believe we 
 have intelligence, judgment, and capacity to read and un- 
 derstand. I would not disparage — far be it from me — 
 any intellectual advancement. We are as responsible for 
 our intellectual as for the highest gifts of God’s holy spirit 
 to the soul : u First that which is natural, afterwards that 
 which is spiritual.” It is theology, not the Scriptures, that 
 has degraded the natural : the intelligent reading of the 
 Scriptures will not disparage man. A gloomy theology 
 does this ; it has lowered the estimate of good works, and 
 dethroned reason so far that it is almost dangerous to 
 hold up reason to its rightful place, lest atheism should be 
 charged. But, my friends, we are responsible for our rea- 
 son and its right cultivation ; and I am glad to perceive 
 that the people are not afraid to think, and that skepticism 
 ’ has become a religious duty — skepticism as to the schemes 
 of salvation, the plans of redemption, that are abounding in 
 the religious world ; that this kind of doubt and unbelief 
 are coming to bea real belief ; and that a better theology 
 will follow — has followed. The old Calvinistic scheme is 
 ^ very much given up. The Thirty-nine Articles are called 
 in question by their own subscribers, and the formulas of 
 
538 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 religion are changing : less and less value is set on ceremo- 
 liies. We find that which, generations ago, was the holy 
 eucharist, is now the simple memorial bread and wine : a 
 very simple thing it has become. Even with this idea, 
 many, I believe, if they were faithful, would find that they 
 go to the table unworthily, and would feel bound to with- 
 draw from it. The fear of man proves a snare to many ; 
 and we do not make as much progress as we should by rea- 
 son of this fear of sect, of man, of non-conformity. We 
 need non-conformity in our age, and I believe it will come ; 
 as heterodoxy has come, as heresy has come, so I believe 
 there will be non-conformity enough to set a right estimate, 
 and no more than a just estimate, upon days, and times, 
 and places of worship. 
 
 These subjects occupied my mind in the few moments 
 that we were sitting together this morning, and I felt too, 
 that we were gathered, as our brother expressed it, with an 
 idea and feeling of worship which would perhaps supersede 
 all discourse of common things of life, and would raise the 
 mind to an elevation where we might be brought together 
 in spirit, and the prayer in spirit individually reach the 
 Father of spirits, who would be found to be very near 
 us — not a God far off, but a God near at hand ; and that 
 his holy attributes of love, justice, right, and truth would 
 be manifested in us, so that we should be drawn together 
 as heart to heart, and, with the heart, the language of 
 praise and thanksgiving might ascend. I trust even now 
 it will be found that these every-day duties of life pre- 
 sented to us, and this great worship of obedience in com- 
 mon things, in regard to the poor and the lowly, and in all 
 the relations of society, will not make us less prayerful ; 
 and that there will be such obedience and faithfulness even 
 among the young that they also will coma into this King- 
 dom, in their very youth, and find it all beautiful within. 
 My young friends, if you live in simplicity and lowliness, 
 and are faithful in the little duties presented to you, ye 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 539 
 
 shall see greater things than these ; great will be your 
 blessing ; great will be your peace ; and when that peace 
 which passeth understanding shall be yours, then will the 
 language of praise ascend ; and you will be made to re- 
 joice evermore, and, in all things, to give thanks. 
 
 SERMON ON THE RELIGIOUS ASPECT OF THE AGE. 
 
 Delivered at Friends' Meeting , Race Street , Philadelphia , First Month 
 3rd, 1869, on her 76 th Birthday . 
 
 I read a few days ago, in an article by some radical 
 writer, the belief that Christendom had not yet begun to 
 understand the force of the declaration, that God should 
 teach his people himself, that it would be no longer nec- 
 essary for man to teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, 
 “ Know the Lord, for they shall all know me from the 
 least of them unto the greatest of them.” 
 
 It impressed me that there was great truth in the re- 
 mark. 
 
 When we look over Christendom and see the position 
 of the priesthood, not to say priestcraft ; when we see in 
 the more enlightened parts of Christendom the dependence 
 upon pastors or teachers, upon authorities ; how few there 
 are who are prepared to take truth for authority, rather 
 than authority for truth ; we can but feel the force of this 
 sentiment in the slow movement of Christendom. We say 
 Christendom, because we have a right to look for more en- 
 lightened advancement in those who make the high profes- 
 sion of Christianity. 
 
 It is a high profession as compared with the religions of 
 the preceding ages. And yet how little have we advanced ! 
 How slow are we to believe that we have this great inward 
 teacher — this Divine Monitor within ! How much is it 
 entangled with an educated conscience ! How little is the 
 distinction made between the conscience of sect and the 
 
540 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 conscience which is created by the Divine power operat- 
 ing in the soul of the recipient of these inward teachings ! 
 How little do we understand that it was expedient that 
 Jesus should pass away so that the Spirit of truth might 
 more fully come unto men ! He stated this clearly, and in 
 after times the apostles saw and felt that though they had 
 known Christ Jesus after the flesh, yet now henceforth 
 should they know him no more but by his inward pres- 
 ence, by the life of God in the soul, by the Spirit of truth 
 which Jesus declared unto them “ should teach them all 
 things, and show them things to come.” 
 
 We have had, it is true, seers and prophets from that 
 time to the present, but these Messiahs of their generation 
 have been few and far between. 
 
 When the disciples went forth and inquired of their fel- 
 low-believers, have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye 
 believed, their answer was, we have not so much as heard 
 whether there be any Holy Ghost, — so it has been down 
 to the present day. It becomes a controverted question 
 when the sufficiency of “ the light ” is dwelt upon, — when 
 the teachings of the Divine Spirit are held up as being all 
 sufficient for us, — as to what are these teachings ? How 
 are we to distinguish them ? How are we to decide what 
 they are ? It is easy enough ; if we look at the authori- 
 ties to see whence these differences of creeds and opin- 
 ions arise, we may readily understand why these differ so 
 much. . . . But we shall find that despite these, there is 
 no difference of opinion among men when it comes to great 
 principles, — the attributes of God, by which He reveals 
 himself to his children. There is not found any contro- 
 versy as to what constitutes justice and love, mercy and 
 charity, and all those great Divine gifts to man which 
 constitute him God - like, or of Divine creation, — the 
 breath of Divine life which was breathed into his soul. So 
 when we come to the tender affections of his nature, we do 
 not find any dispute as to what pity is, what sympathy one 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 541 
 
 for another in their weakness is, or what charity is, which 
 is pouring out of its abundance and riches in giving to the 
 poor and the needy. 
 
 There is no difference of opinion in regard to all these ; 
 they have been found to be the same in all ages. How 
 beautiful it has been ! How tender the sentiment poured 
 into the breast of the mourner ! That He ever will com- 
 fort them that mourn, that He ever will be with them that 
 are sorrowful, — the true-hearted. He will not suffer the 
 waves of affliction nor the floods to overflow them. We 
 find these sentiments to be universal. 
 
 He causeth His sun to shine on the just and the unjust. 
 His judgments are not as erring man’s ; we see how abun- 
 dantly His favors are bestowed upon all. 
 
 When affliction does come, when any great accident oc- 
 curs, when fatality is among the people, when there are 
 mourners abundant upon the earth, as have been peculiarly 
 so of latter years, it is not needful to assume them to be 
 the just judgments of an angry God ; we need not view 
 them in that light, for they are as much the natural results 
 of causes as anything in outward nature, as all the great 
 movements of the universe are in accordance with Divine 
 laws. 
 
 They are coming to be referred to the operation of these 
 laws rather than to the assumption of special and partial 
 Providences. “ I do assert eternal Providence and justify 
 the ways of God to man.” This saying of the poet im- 
 pressed me when I was very young, and I have no doubt 
 there are many now who have ceased to pray, or put uj 
 petitions, for special favors in relation to outward gifts, or 
 outward things. 
 
 I remember many years ago reciting the lines of Cowper, 
 a poet whom the world has not appreciated : — 
 
 *■ Perhaps she (the world) owes her sunshine and her rain, 
 
 Her blooming spring and plenteous harvest, 
 
 To the prayer he (the good man) makes,” etc. 
 
542 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 I was stopped by Edward Stabler , 1 who said, a No, I 
 would not repeat it, for I do not like the blooming spring 
 and plenteous harvest to be attributed to the prayers of the 
 good man. We must look to natural causes for natural 
 effects.” 
 
 I was young then, but it impressed me so that I have 
 never forgotten it. 
 
 The more we seek truth — the more we look at this sub- 
 ject with an eye and heart to “ God teaching his people 
 himself,” the more we shall discover that we owe much of 
 our present belief to our traditions. We need to be shocked ; 
 Christendom needs to be shocked. While there are those 
 who still adhere to the doctrine of human depravity, and 
 all the speculations concerning rewards and punishments 
 hereafter, it needs that we be shocked, as some of the past 
 generation were shocked by the utterances of Elias Hicks. 
 Well was it for that generation that they had a John Wool- 
 man, and many others. Well was it for the age in which 
 George Fox and his contemporaries lived — those sons of 
 thunder. Well was it that they roused the people of their 
 day on the subjects of unconditional election and reproba- 
 tion, predestination, the trinitarian idea, and many other 
 dogmas of the sects, which were regarded as saered. Well 
 was it for the people that they had those teachers who could 
 go before them and utter the truth. They did their work, 
 and great has been the result of that work. We are profit- 
 ing by it to-day, even though we, as a body, may be small, 
 compared with other denominations. Although the more 
 liberal sects may be small, compared with those who retain 
 more of their old forms, their old traditions and creeds, 
 yet such is the power of truth over error that it modifies 
 and regulates it, and it cannot be resisted. It was said of 
 
 1 Edward Stabler, who is mentioned in this discourse, was a man of re- 
 fined and elevated taste, and of scientific and scholastic attainments. As 
 a ready, persuasive, and eloquent preacher, he had scarcely an equal in 
 the Society of Friends. He resided in Alexandria, Virginia, and died 
 early in the year 1831, aged about sixty years. 
 
APPENDIX. 543 
 
 those who opposed the believers formerly, that they could 
 not withstand the power of truth. 
 
 The Thirty-nine Articles may remain, and the Pope may 
 be in power, yet after all there is a new philosophy in the 
 world ; they do not admit what would seem to be the mean- 
 ing of their verbal creed, they laugh at us if we suppose 
 they believe so. They do not so read it and interpret it. 
 
 My friends, among ourselves there are some clauses in 
 our Discipline which we have outgrown, which are gradu- 
 ally becoming a dead letter ; so every denomination and 
 every age has its growth. 
 
 I have been impressed with a prophecy of the past gen- 
 eration : “ Mighty powers are at work in the world, and 
 who shall stay them ? God’s word has gone forth and it 
 shall not return unto Him void ; a new comprehension of 
 the Christian spirit, a new reverence for humanity, a new 
 feeling of brotherhood, and of all man’s relations to a com- 
 mon Father, these are among the signs of our times.” Do 
 you not like, my friends, to hear these prophetic utter- 
 ances and to perceive that in a generation’s time there is a 
 recognition of their fulfillment ? Certainly there are evi- 
 dences that there is a new feeling of the brotherhood of 
 man in this generation. There is a more enlarged toler- 
 ation ; (shall I use that “ proud, self-sufficient word ” ?) 
 there is a more enlarged recognition of the right to wor- 
 ship and believe as circumstances may lead the believer 
 and worshiper. 
 
 There is a better understanding of these things, and it 
 has been brought about, in a great measure, by a union for 
 great and good purposes. People have learned that their 
 neighbors are better than they thought them, that their dis- 
 senting friends were better than they had been taught to 
 believe. With all the adoration for the name of Jesus and 
 the fear of a denial of his divinity, many seem to forget 
 that men should be judged by their fruits — by their works, 
 by their love one unto another. They seem not to under- 
 
544 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 stand that he said, “ An evil tree cannot bring forth good 
 fruit,” therefore “ by their fruits ye shall know them.” 
 But, after all, men do judge one another more by their 
 fruits, by their every-day life, than by their professions. A 
 life of righteousness and true holiness, goodness, is ever 
 held in high estimation, not mere sectarian piety. This 
 speaks well for the general judgment of the children of 
 men, aye of the children of God, for I recognize all as chil- 
 dren of God — of one common Father. As people learn 
 that “ He is teaching his people Himself,” there will be 
 richer fruits. We see it now in the great benevolent acts 
 of the age ; we may call this mere charity, but let us not 
 disparage this disposition to give before death, rather than 
 leave to be distributed after death. 
 
 Thousands upon thousands are now devoted to the build- 
 ing of better tenements for the poor, for education and the 
 bettering of the condition of society. All this goes to show 
 that there is a new comprehension of the Christian spirit, a 
 new reverence for humanity, a new feeling of brotherhood 
 and of all men’s relations to a common Father. 
 
 We Quakers — Friends, as we love better to call our- 
 selves — if we had adhered strictly to our simple faith, if 
 we had not been so desirous to please men as to have aban- 
 doned our simple creed so as to embody some of the ortho- 
 dox faith of the age, we should have done still more in 
 spreading a knowledge of our great doctrine of the inward 
 light. Depend upon it, it is not an ignis fatuus, it is no 
 vain chimera. It was declared when our forefathers came 
 forth, aye, long before — when Jesus gave forth the decla- 
 ration — the kingdom, the government of God, is within 
 you. 
 
 When he compared it to “ a little leaven that was hid 
 in the three measures of meal,” to “a grain of mustard 
 seed ; ” when he repeated those beautiful parables by which 
 he illustrated it to his blind hearers — long before George 
 Fox, who declared the same doctrine, — yet how little was 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 545 
 
 it received ! How he mourned over their darkness, “ ye 
 are slow of understanding,” “ ye fools and blind.” He was 
 asked, “Is this a new doctrine whereof thou speakest?” 
 He assured them it was “ that which was from the begin- 
 ning, it was with God and it was God.” This was his idea, 
 if not his words. We find among the prophets of olden 
 time there was a recognition of the same Divine teachings, 
 else would not the prophet have been prepared to say the 
 time will come when man “ shall no more need to teach 
 his neighbor or his brother, saying, know the Lord, for all 
 shall know him from the least unto the greatest.” They 
 would not have known how to speak so beautifully of this 
 “ inward divine light,” declaring that “ the law of the Lord 
 is perfect, converting the soul.” 
 
 The law on tables of stone was not perfect, as was de- 
 clared : “ I gave them laws which were not good, and com- 
 mandments by which they could not live, but the time shall 
 come when I will write my law in their hearts.” “ The 
 statutes of the Lord are righteous,” “ the commandments 
 of the Lord are pure,” “ the testimonies of the Lord are 
 sure.” “ The reproofs of instruction are the way of Life.” 
 “ Thou gave us also thy good spirit to instruct us.” Job, 
 who is considered still older, said, “ There is a spirit in 
 man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them un- 
 derstanding,” 
 
 I know the veneration there is for the Scriptures. Taken 
 as a whole, it is far too high. Many are shocked at the 
 idea of not believing in the plenary inspiration of the book 
 from beginning to end. 
 
 But, my friends, we must learn to read this as we should 
 all books, with discrimination and care, and place that 
 which belongs to the history of a more barbarous age 
 where it belongs, and never take the wars of the ancients 
 as any authority for war in this enlightened age. It has 
 good and evil in it, and because men take it as authority, 
 is one reason that truth has made such slow progress. 
 
546 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Mark how it has been used to uphold the great crime of 
 human slavery. Mark how the cause of temperance has 
 been retarded by quotations from this book on the subject 
 of wine. Friends have had to suffer because they dared 
 assert that war was wrong in every age of the world. 
 Many thought war conflicted with some of the testimonies 
 of the Bible. But we are learning to read the Bible with 
 more profit, because we read it with more discriminating 
 minds. We are learning to understand that which is in- 
 spiration and that which is only historical, for the right- 
 eous judgment that comes of the right spirit dares judge all 
 things, — “Ye shall judge angels,” how much more the 
 records of the ancients. It is time that we should learn 
 to take truth for authority and not authority for truth, and 
 these pages, from the beginning of Genesis to the end of 
 Revelation, contain truths. “ If thou doest well, shalt thou 
 not be accepted ; if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the 
 door.” This is an evidence that Cain knew what “ well ” 
 was. From that time through all the ages of the past down 
 to the present, not in the records of the Bible alone, but 
 in the researches of those capable of understanding the 
 languages of other nations, even the most ignorant and 
 barbarous of these, there are many references to the same 
 inward and divine teachings. I heard George Thompson, 
 after residing in British India, speak of an organization 
 found there, the members of which did not believe in war, 
 and would have nothing to do with warlike actions. These 
 evidences in all parts of the world are the fullest testimony 
 to the teachings of the divine Spirit, independent of man’s 
 teachings, showing that the same divine principles of good- 
 ness and love are to be found wherever man is found, in 
 whatever age, or nation, or country. We grant that a 
 great deal depends upon the proper cultivation of the men- 
 tal powers. That where there is ignorance there is bar- 
 barism and superstition. But all through the ages there 
 are striking instances of righteousness, goodness, and truth, 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 547 
 
 showing that God hath not left himself without a witness, 
 and these to a far greater extent than biblical history fur- 
 nishes, If we read the researches and examinations of 
 those who dare think for themselves, who dare publish to 
 the world their thoughts, we shall find that truth has been 
 the same in all ages of the world, that it has ever been 
 given out, as far as the people have been prepared to re- 
 ceive the idea, that “ God is the teacher of His people 
 Himself.” We do not need to depend on ministers, Bibles, 
 pulpits, or teachers of any kind ; we can go directly to 
 the fountain head, and certainly it is time that we should 
 be more enlightened than to look to public preaching, to 
 authority ; time that we should do more of our own think- 
 ing, and that when we do speak one to another, it should 
 be for edification, for comfort, and in recognition of this 
 inward teaching. We need not direct how, or in what par- 
 ticular path, one or another shall be led. The course will 
 be a very different one as regards special individual duties, 
 as we may be prepared by our different talents, tastes, or 
 education, but all must know these by faithful obedience to 
 the inward monitor. Some are called upon to bear public 
 testimonies to the truth. Many are particularly led to the 
 sick and suffering ; their lives are greatly devoted to min- 
 istering to the wants of these ; they give of their abun- 
 dance whatsoever they may have. All are called to some 
 labor ; none are excused, though their labors may be di- 
 rected in different channels. This is an age in which there 
 is very much done in all these directions, and especially in 
 these Christmas and New Year’s times, when it is so much 
 the custom to give, to be blessed by giving and by receiving. 
 It is well that we hail this also as a sign of the times which 
 indicates progress. There is progress amongst us in every 
 direction, and in nothing is it more manifested than in the 
 religious assemblies of the people, in that they can bear 
 one another’s burdens, and will hear that which they may 
 not entirely approve ; many have been taught not to consider 
 
548 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 reasoning wicked, when applied in the right way. We are 
 to use our reason in the examination of everything ; it is 
 our duty to do this ; even in the matter of faith and of wor- 
 ship, we are to look at and reason on these things properly. 
 It was the complaint formerly : “ My people do not con- 
 sider,” and they were said to be worse than the stupid ox : 
 “ The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib, 
 but Israel doth not know, my people do not consider.” We 
 need to reason and to consider, and to have all our faculties 
 called into action, and not to take upon trust that which we 
 hear, even from the pulpits or galleries. That which is 
 the production of one generation, and adapted to their 
 wants, may not be needed or suited to another. We must 
 look for truth and love it, for it is from the eternal source 
 of light ; let truth ever be our guide, and let us remember 
 that “ God is ever the teacher of his people Himself.” 
 
 Let us ever be willing to treat one another kindly, 
 though we may differ from each other ; and though we 
 may not be prepared to receive some ideas which may be 
 presented, let us always endeavor to strengthen one an- 
 other to do that which is regarded as right. The ability is 
 often far beyond ourselves. Surely that which has been 
 effected in our country in regard to slavery has been so 
 much higher than the most ardent abolitionist has hoped 
 for, that there is enough to encourage all those who went 
 forth weeping, scattering the seeds of truth, justice, and 
 mercy before the people. When there is a proper rev- 
 erence for truth, we shall see that there is enough to in- 
 spire a spirit of praise and gratitude, even though it may 
 not be on the bended knee in the assemblies of the people, 
 but in the closet, as Jesus wisely recommended in his day. 
 As there is less belief in special Providences, there will 
 be more gratitude and praise to our heavenly Father, for 
 the bounteous gifts and marvelous works which are in the 
 world. The Apostle said to some in his day, “ Ye ask and 
 receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 549 
 
 on your lusts.” See how many there are who find that 
 their prayers are not answered. Then, let us see that our 
 faith, our prayers, and our praise are all intelligent from 
 the soul, and for that which it is proper and right for us to 
 have ; then shall we understand that “ justice and judg- 
 ment are the habitations of His throne.” When we look 
 to judgment as punishment only, we do not see the whole ; 
 this is the means by which we are brought back from the 
 path of error. We know the result of evil and wrong-do- 
 ing, and surely there is enough of it in the world ; yet, in- 
 stead of speaking to the wicked of the suffering and danger 
 of punishment hereafter, we should do as George Fox did : 
 endeavor to call the people away from the evil that is in 
 themselves now, and bring them to a heaven there, for the 
 kingdom of heaven is within each one. In searching the 
 Scriptures we shall find it is not so much a judgment in 
 the future, as it is a judgment now, that we must look to. 
 There may be a looking forward to the conditions of the 
 hereafter, as well as a hope of a blessed reunion in the 
 heaven into which we are to enter. Still, there will be that 
 understanding which will lead us not to speculate so much, 
 or make our preaching so much in reference to what will 
 be hereafter, as to enable us to come into heaven now, and 
 if we do this we need have no fear of the hereafter. The 
 wrong-doer will thus be brought to see the result of his 
 actions, and thus we may speak of that which we do know 
 of the results of disobedience ; then can we speak intelli- 
 gently, and bring them to the heaven within themselves 
 and away from the evil that may be there. Let us under- 
 stand this and look at it properly. I well remember the 
 words of our worthy Dr. Parrish, — we reverence his mem- 
 ory, — that “although justice and judgment are the habi- 
 tations of God’s throne, yet thanks be unto Him, for his 
 mercy endureth forever.” 
 
550 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS OF LUCRETIA MOTT’S AD- 
 DRESSES AT THE ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE FREE 
 
 RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATION, IN BOSTON. 
 
 [May 26th, 1870.] 
 
 “ I wish to congratulate the Free Religious Association 
 on the advance it has made, and the work it has done since 
 its formation, three years ago, when I was also present. 
 I am especially glad to find it taking up such important 
 practical subjects as that under consideration at this ses- 
 sion . 1 The Association can accomplish great good in these 
 directions of practical reform and progress. Something has 
 been said by some of the speakers of the danger of a con- 
 flict of arms in this country on religious questions, and 
 that the conflict may come on this question which the 
 Convention is now considering ; but I can hardly believe 
 there is such a danger. If there be, let us all try to avert 
 it. We must trust to free discussion like this, and seek 
 to inculcate right principles. Begin in time, and the truth 
 will prevail without war, to the pulling down of all strong- 
 holds of injustice and wrong. As to the Bible, I would 
 make a discrimination there, as in other writings, between 
 truth and error. I cannot accept its inspiration as a whole, 
 and cannot see why it should be read as a book of worship 
 in the schools or in the churches. Ministers should dare 
 take their texts from other books, modern or ancient, as 
 well as from the Hebrew or Christian Scriptures. Let us 
 recognize revelation and truth wherever we find it. If the 
 question were, to what doctrine does the Bible give au- 
 thority, I should say the Bible would overturn nearly all 
 the theology in the various churches of the land. But let 
 the motto ever be, Truth for Authority, and not Authority 
 for Truth.” 
 
 1 “ The Relation of Religion to the Public Schools of this Country. 1 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 551 
 
 '[June 2nd , 1871 .] 
 
 " I have no doubt that great good is resulting from the 
 free discussion of the character of Jesus, and other relig- 
 ious topics. Natural religion is revealed religion, inspired, 
 as I think, in the same way as were the great utterances of 
 Christianity. Men are too superstitious, too prone to be- 
 lieve what is presented to them by their church and creed ; 
 they ought to follow Jesus more in his non-conformity. 
 Those who most delight to honor the name of Jesus, have 
 yet to learn the nobleness of the character which led him 
 to live up to and act out his highest convictions, though so 
 opposed to the traditions of his time. The observance of 
 the Sabbath springs more from a superstitious than a ra- 
 tional motive, and certainly does not rest on the command 
 or example of Jesus. He claimed very little for himself, 
 but was ever ready to bring in the name of the truth, say- 
 ing that it was the truth that made men free. I hold that 
 skepticism is a religious duty ; men should question their 
 theology, and doubt more, in order that they might believe 
 more. I would ask those who are so satisfied to rest in the 
 name of Jesus, why they put so much faith in the name, 
 without following him in his works, and even in the 
 greater works which he predicted ? Paul, I admit, was too 
 much of a theologian for me ; but I know of no warrant 
 that requires me to take him as an authority. I think, 
 however, there has been of late great advance in liberality 
 even among the strictest sects.” 
 
 Her remarks were closed by an earnest appeal for more 
 practical simplicity and sincerity in the daily conduct of 
 life. She protested especially against the prevailing ex- 
 travagance in dress and housekeeping, and mourned for 
 the future of the marriage institution and of society, unless 
 plainer and less costly habits of living could be adopted. 
 
552 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 \_May 31 st, 1872 .] 
 
 “ I want first to defend the apostle Paul a little. I do 
 not think there was any prohibition of woman’s preaching 
 in his words. So far from it, he gave express directions how 
 woman should appear when she preached or prophesied, and 
 spoke of her repeatedly in his Epistles as a helper with 
 him, a ‘minister’ in the gospel, although the translators 
 had changed the word ‘ minister ’ to ‘ servant,’ in speaking 
 of woman. Then, when he says, ‘ I suffer no woman to 
 speak,’ it is plain to see that he was speaking to the Corin- 
 thian Church of their quarrels, their difficulties, and their 
 disagreements, and he recommended that women should 
 not mingle in the controversy ; but he had not the least 
 reference to their preaching. As regarded the relation 
 of husband and wife, I think the Apostle was not perhaps 
 so well qualified to speak on the subject as some others, 
 from the fact that he was a bachelor, glorying in his celi- 
 bacy, and preferring that all should be such as he was. 
 Still, reading the writings of Paul rationally, not as in- 
 fallible authority, but as the record of earnest religious 
 thought and life, I feel there is great help and strength to 
 be derived from them. . . . 
 
 “ The kingdom of God is always nigh at hand. It was 
 nigh at hand when Jesus declared it eighteen hundred years 
 ago, and it has been entered many and many a time since 
 then. I believe that it is very near us ; that it is with us, 
 — although some have an idea that we are not to look for 
 the entrance until after death, and pulpits mostly declare 
 what shall be hereafter , forgetting what the Apostle says, 
 that ‘ now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet ap- 
 pear what we shall be.’ It is wrong to represent religion 
 as a gloomy experience, opposed to true pleasure in this 
 life. I want to say to those who have much to say about 
 following Jesus, that they should remember to follow him 
 in his non-conformity, in his obedience to the right, how- 
 ever much it might conflict with the popular beliefs and 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 553 
 
 ceremonies of the day. I desire the full use of the intel- 
 lectual and reasoning powers, while remembering that there 
 are other faculties of human nature to be considered. True 
 religion and freedom of thought seem to me so inseparable, 
 that I cannot make the comparison that it is better to be 
 free than to be religious. Religion and freedom must go 
 together. If the truth were obeyed, then should we be 
 free indeed.” 
 
 During the evening session of the same meeting, she 
 referred to the pleasure with which she had listened to 
 the essays and addresses made at the meetings year after 
 year, and then spoke 44 of the great importance of carry- 
 ing out in every-day life the principles of the true Natural 
 Religion of Humanity, and of believing that the way of 
 salvation does not lie through mystery or miracle, but 
 through character and life. I believe there is a distinctive, 
 intuitive sense of right in every breast, and that this is 
 being recognized by both philosophy and science. The 
 Religion of Humanity is uniting all denominations ; it is 
 making them attach less value to their creeds, and is induc- 
 ing them to make cheerful, practical schools for the chil- 
 dren, rather than the dry, gloomy piety which was taught 
 in the early days of the Sunday-schools. These are very 
 encouraging signs ; and to me it seems that sectarian big- 
 otry and intolerance are fast dying away, and we are com- 
 ing to speak one language and one voice, and hastening the 
 time when the kingdoms of this world shall become the 
 kingdoms of our God and of his truth.” 
 
 [May 30th, 1873 .] 
 
 44 As this is probably the last opportunity that I shall have 
 of meeting with this Association, which has endeared itself 
 to me from its beginning, I feel, late as the hour is, that I 
 want to express the great delight and satisfaction that I 
 have had in this session, and in the meetings of these two 
 days, in the evidence they have afforded that the prayers of 
 
554 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 many for this Association have been heard, that their faith 
 shall not fail them, and that they shall give evidence of a 
 deep sense of religion which will put an end to all the vaii 
 and false theologies and useless forms in Christendom and 
 in Heathendom. 
 
 “ I have not many words to utter, but it is a great satis- 
 faction to me to know that instead of the science of theol- 
 ogy being made a study, that it will come to be, as has 
 been expressed to-day, the science of religion in liberty and 
 truth, and of liberty and truth in religion ; the science, — as 
 was expressed in our first meeting by our beloved friends, 
 John Weiss and Francis Abbot, — the science of the in- 
 spiration of the human mind ; the science of truth, as man- 
 ifested in the inmost soul. This must come to be the only 
 science of theology which it shall be necessary to study, or 
 necessary to be taught. And, as regards the subject upon 
 which so much has been written of late, the importance of 
 faith in a personal God, we shall be content to let our lim- 
 ited knowledge remain where it is, while we have all that 
 science can reveal, both that which is self-evident, which is 
 natural, which is spiritual, and that which belongs to out- 
 ward nature, — which it needs not that I enlarge upon, ig- 
 norant as I am, after all that has been said. But I think 
 that this will be found to suffice, and, as has just been ex- 
 pressed, that it will pervade the universe of God, and bring 
 us into the kingdom, wffiich is nigh even at the doors ; and 
 that we need not enter into any speculations as regards the 
 future, as regards immortality, but that we all shall learn 
 to rest content with the limited knowledge we have, and be 
 confident, by fullness of faith, that that which is best for 
 us shall and will be ours, while we do not endeavor by our 
 speculations to make out or build up a heaven. I remem- 
 ber when Dr. Channing, years ago, at our house, attempted 
 to advocate his views, and to show what everlasting prog- 
 ress there would be in the hereafter, I told him it was as 
 interesting to me as any speculation on the subject to which 
 
APPENDIX . 
 
 555 
 
 I had ever listened, but he must allow me to say, that it 
 was speculation still. I want we should tread under foot 
 our speculations, and everything that will mingle aught 
 that is uncertain with the religion which we have heard 
 presented to us to-day, — which is certain, which is sure ; 
 for that which is self-evident needs no argument. And so 
 we come near to the beautiful truths and testimonies that 
 rise out of this pure religion and undefiled, that need no 
 scholastic learning, that need no pulpit explanations. They 
 are clear truth, justice, love, — the highest, noblest, finest 
 instincts of the human heart and mind, which we are to ap- 
 ply to all that we can imagine of the unseen and unknown. 
 That divine power will be ours, if we seek it ; and when 
 these principles are stated they are self-evident, they need 
 no learned oratory, and it is not employed in regard to 
 them. You do not hear, in any of the pulpits, a definition 
 of what love, and justice, and mercy, and right are. You 
 know, and all know, that they are innate, self - defined. 
 Therefore, I say, preach your truth ; let it go forth, and 
 you will find, without any notable miracle, as of old, that 
 every man will speak in his own tongue in which he was 
 born. And I will say, that if these pure principles have 
 their place in us, and are brought forth by faithfulness, by 
 obedience, into practice, the difficulties and doubts that we 
 may have to surmount will be easily conquered. There 
 will be a power higher than these. Let it be called the 
 Great Spirit of the Indian, the Quaker “ inward light ” of 
 George Fox, the “ Blessed Mary, mother of Jesus,” of the 
 Catholics, or Brahma, the Hindoo’s God, — they will all 
 be one, and there will come to be such faith and such lib- 
 erty as shall redeem the world.” 
 
 [May 2 8th, 1875.] 
 
 “ It seems to me very kind in an audience to be willing 
 to stay and listen to the humble words of an old Quaker 
 woman, after feeling how forcible are ripe words, as we have 
 
556 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 heard them expressed this morning. When the beautiful 
 bouquet was brought in, I thought perhaps it was meant to 
 be a symbol of the words fitly spoken, to which we have lis- 
 tened, which in the old Scripture were compared to 4 apples 
 of gold in pictures of silver/ I have listened with the 
 greatest interest to the essay that has been read, and to all 
 your proceedings. Indeed, since my first attendance at this 
 Free Religious meeting, I have been a constant reader of 
 the productions of those interested in the promotion of its 
 objects, and very often have entirely responded to what 
 has there been presented/’ 
 
 After relating many interesting personal reminiscences, 
 she continued, with reference to the power of superstition 
 even in enlightened circles : — 
 
 44 When in England, in 1840, 1 saw one of the Egyptian 
 idols in the British Museum. Some one of our company 
 said, 4 Well, they don’t admit that they worship such ugly 
 images as this ; they look through and beyond this to one 
 great Supreme Power.’ 4 They were scarcely more idola- 
 trous,’ I answered, 4 than our Quaker friends when they 
 read their Bible with such reverence last evening/ They 
 brought it out with great solemnity, and laid it on the lap 
 of the one who was to read it, and he bowed before it, and 
 then opened it and read it in what we Friends call the 
 preaching tone. The passages read were those that had 
 no particular bearing upon the lives and conduct of those 
 then present, nor upon the special occasion which had 
 brought us together ; but it was 4 the Bible ’ and 44 Scrip- 
 ture,’ and a chapter of it must be read in order, and in a 
 solemn tone. I said to the friend who was pointing out 
 this idol to me in the Museum, that the worship of that 
 image was like the worship of the Bible as we had ob- 
 served it the evening before. To me that was the worship 
 of an idol. 
 
 44 So, too, in regard to many of the prayers that have been 
 offered in many of the meetings I have attended, since I 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 55T 
 
 dared go without the limited inclosure of the Friends to at- 
 tend reformatory meetings. They have been so supersti- 
 tious and childish, and so at variance with the idea that 
 Jesus inculcated with regard to prayer, that I have re- 
 joiced since these meetings of yours were organized, that 
 there has not been felt the necessity of calling on any one 
 to offer prayer. It is years since I have felt free to rise 
 in time of prayer, — as is the custom in our meetings, 
 — so entirely have I concurred with the recommendation 
 of Jesus, who said, 4 When thou prayest, enter into thy 
 closet, and shut the door, and there pray to thy Father in 
 secret ; and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward 
 thee openly.’ This kind of prayer is as natural to man as 
 the air he breathes, — the aspiration for divine aid, for 
 strength to do right, the inward desire after truth and 
 holiness, the yearning to be led to the rock that is higher 
 than he. But when it comes to praying for rain in dry 
 weather, or for the removal of evils that have been brought 
 upon us by our own violations of the laws of health and 
 nature, then it is most absurd and superstitious.” 
 
 She closed by quoting some passages from Dr. Channing, 
 on the grandeur of the inward principle of duty, and on 
 the growing power of human love, adding : — 
 
 “ These are sayings that commend themselves to the in- 
 most heart of every reader and of every hearer. And we 
 may so speak of the operation of this principle in the mind, 
 if we divest ourselves of the influence of the traditions we 
 have received from the superstition and ignorance of the 
 past, and from the prejudices of our education, that as nota- 
 ble a miracle as that wrought in the days of old shall occur, 
 and 6 every man shall hear in his own tongue wherein he 
 was born,’ and all shall understand alike.” 
 

 
INDEX 
 
 CHIEFLY OF NAMES AND PLACES. 
 
 Abbot, F. E., 426, 554. 
 
 Abbotsford, 174. 
 
 Abbott, , 168. 
 
 Abington, 366, 428. 
 
 Abolitionists, 128, 135, 137, 174, 180, 186, 
 205, 208, 228, 229, 299, 303, 382, 
 399, 406, 413, 451. 
 in Philadelphia, 119, 127, 239, 330, 
 336, 387, 389, 392. 
 in London, 149, 164. 
 in England, 159,199, 243, v. Eman- 
 cipation and Anti - Slavery 
 among Friends. 
 
 Abolition Society, 1775, 49, 451. 
 
 Acrostic, 32. 
 
 Adam, Professor W., 150, 151, 153, 158, 
 166. 
 
 Adams, 155. 
 
 Adams, J. Q., 228, 238. 
 
 Adshead, J., 194. 
 
 Alexander, Czar of Russia, 13. 
 
 Alexander, G., 150. 
 
 Alexandria, Va., 236. 
 
 Allen, A., 169, 305. 
 
 M. P., 459. 
 
 R., 155, 169, 277, 305, 322. 
 
 W., 161. 
 
 Amberley, Lord and Lady, 430, 431, 432, 
 442. 
 
 Amicus, v. B. Ferris. 
 
 Ancestors of J. Mott, 1. 
 of L. Mott, 18. 
 
 Anthony, S. B., 383, 418, 419, 454. 
 
 Anti-Slavery, 199, 359, 382, 384 ; v. Con- 
 ventions, Fairs, Slavery, 
 among early Friends, 4, 13. 
 opposition to, among Friends, 
 122, 140, 141, 201, 216, 236, 272, 
 276. 
 
 opposition to, in Baltimore, 235. 
 opposition to, in New York, 204, 
 211, 212, 213, 215, 242. 
 opposition to, in Philadelphia, 
 237, 239, 247. 
 
 League, 282. 
 meetings, 353. 
 
 societies, 130, 133, 148, 185, 241, 
 243, 416, 418, 419, 472. 
 
 Society, American, 111, 112, 141, 
 216. 
 
 Anti-Slavery Society, Boston Female, 
 136. 
 
 Society, British and Foreign, 138, 
 150, 151, 152, 158, 159, 196 ; v. 
 World’s Convention. 
 
 Society of Lynn, 141. 
 
 Society, Massachusetts, 138, 151, 
 198 
 
 Society, National, 112, 212, 214. 
 Society, Pennsylvania, 138, 144, 
 419, 437. 
 
 Society, Philadelphia Female, 120, 
 126, 127, 192, 214, 355, 395 ; v. 
 New Organization. 
 
 “ Anti-Slavery Standard,” 212,226, 228, 
 232,241, 395, 419. 
 
 Argyle, Duchess of, 163. 
 
 Arnold, E., 451. 
 
 M. , 459. 
 
 Ashurst, E. A., 155, 156. 
 
 W., 152, 158, 166, 167, 198, 372, 
 474. 
 
 Atlee, E. P., 112. 
 
 Auburn, N. Y., 258,259, 262,299,358, 
 365, 375, 396, 405, 418. 
 
 Autographs, 342, 413, 448. 
 
 Backhouse, J., 150, 153, 161. 
 
 Ball, W., 150, 151, 161, 162, 165. 
 
 Ballou, A., 277. 
 
 Baltimore, 152, 235, 236, 238, 305, 386. 
 Baptists, 186, 321. 
 
 Barclay, R., 177. 
 
 Barker, A., 411. 
 
 R., 247. 
 
 Barnard, H., 164, 477, 478. 
 
 Barney, N., 244, 428, 442, 460. 
 
 N. and E., letters to, 206, 213, 214, 
 216, 219, 233, 235, 237, 247, 310. 
 
 Barrett, , 149. 
 
 Bassett, , 224. 
 
 Bates, E., 312. 
 
 Beattie, Dr., 164. 
 
 Beckford, , 149. 
 
 Beecher, C., 493. 
 
 II. W., 419. 
 
 Belfast, 169. 
 
 Bell, W., 169. 
 
 Bettle, S., 51. 
 
 Bible, 283, 290, 296, 297, 306, 307, 312, 
 
560 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 313, 314, 316, 318, 319, 323, 341, 353, 
 410, 415, 425, 459, 480, 481, 517, 534, 
 546, 550, 556; v. Scriptures. 
 
 Biddle, Cl., 438. 
 
 Biggs, A., 146. 
 
 Birmingham, 167, 168. 
 
 Birney, J. G., 149, 160, 163, 185, 189, 
 211 . 
 
 Blackwell, H B., 454. 
 
 Boston, 7, 131, 2()6, 219, 227, 287, 297, 
 396, 424, 430, 454, 479, 550. 
 early life in, 34, 35, 38, 39. 
 Boultbee, W., 151, 158, 159, 167, 168. 
 Bowring, Dr., 152, 159, 165, 166. 
 Bradburn, Geo., 146, 157, 158, 165, 166, 
 167 
 
 Bradley, M., 49. 
 
 Brewster, B. II , 391. 
 
 Bristol, Pa., 522. 
 
 British India, 156, 281, 556. 
 
 British Museum, 162, 186, 191, 556. 
 Brixton, Engl., 19. 
 
 Brooklyn, 433. 
 
 Brown, A., 94. 
 
 A. B., 383. 
 
 A. C., 410. 
 
 H. Box, 310, 311, 322. 
 
 John, 391. 
 
 M. , 102. 
 
 N. , 239. 
 
 Brunswick, Countess of, 161, 165. 
 Buckle, 385, 412, 536. 
 
 Bunker, R., 53, 54. 
 
 Burleigh, C. C., 181, 310. 
 
 Burritt, E., 276, 282, 283, 303, 324. 
 Butler, P., 410. 
 
 Buxton, T. F., 163, 189. 
 
 Byron, Lady, 156, 158, 162, 164, 165, 
 
 Cadwallader, Pr., 349. 
 
 Calhoun, J. C., 238. 
 
 Campbell, , 160. 
 
 Camp William Penn, 406, 407. 
 
 Canada, 304, 321. 
 
 Canandaigua, N. Y., 351. 
 
 Capital punishment, 264. 
 
 Carlyle, Thos., 165. 
 
 Carpenter’s Hall, 99. 
 
 Catholics, 167, 168, 169, 183, 321, 555. 
 Centreville, Ind., 316. 
 
 Chandler, J. R., 254. 
 
 Channing, W. E., 108, 117,132,165,186, 
 193, 220, 231, 234, 246, 284, 287, 
 307, 312, 319, 321, 470, 496, 554, 
 557. 
 
 W. H., 306, 307. 
 
 Chapman, H. C., 234. 
 
 M. W., 137, 214, 234, 239. 
 Charleston, S. C., 49. 
 
 Charlotte, Princess, 149. 
 
 Chester, Eng., 147. 
 
 Child, Dr. H. T., 454, 466. 
 
 J. and M., 370. 
 
 L. M., 135, 212. 
 
 Children of J. and L. Mott, in youth, 81, 
 88, 94, 95, 96, 97, 103, 104, 105, 
 123. 
 
 Children of J. and L. Mott, at maturity, 
 128, 255, 261, 263, 278, 304, 344, 
 409, 411, 442, 443. 
 
 Anna, 47, 50, 226, 254, 260, 368, 
 
 403, 421, 434, 449. 
 
 Eliz., 91, 278, 369, 409, 417, 418. 
 Maria, 58, 181, 255, 260, 326, 376, 
 415. 
 
 Martha, 91, 278, 326, 337,376,380, 
 
 404, 419, 421, 441. 
 
 Thos., 90, 12 J, 326. 
 
 Thos. C., 48, 54, 55, 278, 326. 
 Christ, 92, 102, 177, 179, 209, 227, 240, 
 280, 285, 286, 313, 314, 315, 319, 
 336, 359, 360, 456, 478, 481, 526, 
 527, 528, 531, 537, 540, 551, 552, 
 
 Divinity of, 81, 162, 312, 360, 479, 
 543. 
 
 Churches, 419. 
 
 Cincinnati, 282. 
 
 Clark, W., 149. 
 
 Clarke, J. F., 404. 
 
 Clarkson, T., 31, 87, 111, 149, 152, 154, 
 159, 164, 189. 
 
 Clay, C. M., 281, 282. 
 
 Cobbe, F. P., 409. 
 
 Cockburn, J., 147. 
 
 Coffin, Anna, 18, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 
 42, 46, 50, 93, 257, 259, 266, 278, 
 279. 
 
 Benj., 18. 
 
 Eliz., v. Yarnall. 
 
 Admiral Sir Isaac, 20. 
 
 James, 19, 20. 
 
 General John, 20. 
 
 Mary, v. Starbuck. 
 
 Ruth, 19. 
 
 Thos., Jr., 260, 262, 269. 
 
 Thos., Sr., 18, 25, 26, 32, 33, 34, 
 38, 39, 40, 43, 46, 50. 
 
 Coffyn, Tristram, 18, 19, 20, 373. 
 
 P. and J., 19. 
 
 Coggeshall, E., 31, 478. 
 
 Colenzo, Bishop, 403, 409. 
 
 Collyer, R., 384, 385, 443, 463. 
 
 Colored Home, 455, 458, 459. 
 
 Colver, N., 149, 156, 157, 159, 211, 228, 
 277. 
 
 Combe, A., 173, 174. 
 
 Geo., 1 6, 166, 173, 186, 209, 289, 
 305, 358, 380, 426. 
 
 Comfort, E., 81, 82. 
 
 Comly, J., 2&5, 240, 305, 479. 
 
 Congress, U. S., 237, 238, 249, 282, 386, 
 434, 462. 
 
 Conventions, 121, 131,136, 140,241, 258, 
 347, 394, 397, 398, 451. 
 Anti-Sabbath, 479, 483. 
 Anti-Slavery 111, 112, 193, 289, 
 295, 297, 417, 452, 454, 461. 
 Equal Rights, 419. 
 
 Non-resistance, 310, 416. 
 of American Women, 131, 134, 
 135, 233. 
 
 Woman’s Rights, 299, 300, 440, v. 
 World's Convention. 
 
 Cooper, G. M., 220, 275. 
 
INDEX . 
 
 561 
 
 Corkran, C., 169, 193, 210, 223. 
 
 Cornell, S., 12. 
 
 Cow Bay, 11, 12, 14. 
 
 Cowneck, 1, 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 37, 434. 
 Cowper's “ Task,” 37, 541. 
 
 Cox, , 173. 
 
 Jno., 77. 
 
 Crewdson, J., 147, 156. 
 
 W. A., 150, 151, 160. 
 
 Cromwell, R., 359. 
 
 Curtis, G. W., 393. 
 
 Cuyler, Th., 261. 
 
 Dana, R. H., 301. 
 
 Dancing, 187, 261. 
 
 Dangerfield, D., 387-391. 
 
 Darling, Grace, 496. 
 
 Davis, E. M., 130, 181, 193, 211, 219, 
 255, 288, 295, 324, 326, 376, 384, 385, 
 387, 403, 416, 455. 
 
 Dawes, W., 155, 169. 
 
 Delano, Capt., 182, 183. 
 
 Delaware, 132, 194, 197, 215, 282. 
 
 Diary of L. Mott, 146. 
 
 Dickens, Ch., 232, 304. 
 
 Discipline, Rules of, 37, 60, 76, 144, 203, 
 224, 227, 23<i, 241, 275, 348, 437, 
 438, 439, 543. 
 
 on marriage, 41, 78, 79, 104. 
 Discourse on Woman, 301, 487. 
 Disownment, 212, 230, 359. 
 
 Dix, D., 495. 
 
 Dodge, Grandmother, 2, 4, 5. 
 
 Dodge, Tr., 2, 4. 
 
 Donavan, T., 14. 
 
 DOrsey, 173. 
 
 Douglass, R., 130, 151. 
 
 Dress, 24, 66, 103, 104, 187, 190, 253, 278, 
 456. 
 
 Drummond, Dr., 169. 
 
 Dryburgh Abbey, 174. 
 
 Dublin, 167, 168, 169, 188, 191, 210, 229, 
 284. 
 
 Dugdale, J. A., 275. 
 
 J. and R., 310. 
 
 Dyer, , 166. 
 
 Earle, M., 307, 383. 
 
 Th., 279. 
 
 Edinboro’, 170, 173. 
 
 Elder, Dr., 279. 
 
 Elders, 60, 61, 81, 82, 91, 227, 264, 281, 
 291, 309, 347, 437, 438, 478. 
 
 Ellis, J. M.. 320. 
 
 Emancipation, 88, 111, 140, 150, 238, 
 244, 247, 413. 
 
 Glasgow, Society, 171, 173. 
 Emerson, R. W., 301, 385 
 Emigrants, 183. 
 
 England, 2, 4, 5, 7, 19, 131, 142, 194, 
 195, v- Friends in England. 
 
 Episcopal, 225. 
 
 Epistle, Phila. to London Meeting, 107, 
 108. 
 
 Epps, Dr., 158, 166. 
 
 Equal Rights Convention, 419. 
 
 Evans, J. , 230, 479. 
 
 Exeter Hall, London, 159. 
 
 36 
 
 Fairfax, Va., 236. 
 
 Fair Ilill, 434, 465. 
 
 Fair Meetings, 330. 
 
 Fairs, Anti-Slavery, 127, 243, 244, 245, 
 309, 330, 385, 392, 393, 397. 
 
 Family Letters, 8-13, 3i4, 351, 357, 393, 
 397, 401, 454. 
 
 Meetings, 270, 331. 
 
 Ferris, B., 117, 207, 230, 249. 
 
 Fisher, II., 74. 
 
 W. L., 117, 386, 397. 
 
 Florida, 94. 
 
 Folger, B. F., 22. 
 
 Capt. M., 33. 
 
 Family, 18, 21, 22, 25. 
 
 M , 47. 
 
 Peter, 18, 19, 21. 
 
 W. , 25, 148. 
 
 Follen, E. L.,303, 396. 
 
 Forbes, Sir Ch., 166. 
 
 Forster, J., 160, 160, 163, 196, 197, 198. 
 
 R. , 150, 161,166, 167. 
 
 W. E., 151, 152, 158, 163. 
 
 Forten, Jas., 119, 232. 
 
 M., 227. 
 
 Foster, A. K., 321. 
 
 S. S., 234, 275. 
 
 Fowler, , 403, 404. 
 
 Fox, Geo., 2, 5, 7, 98, 147, 177,200, 233, 
 244, 318, 424, 542, 544, 549, 555. 
 
 Fox, Mayor, 349, 350. 
 
 Foxton, F. J., 374, 398 , 403. 
 
 Franklin, Benj., 22. 
 
 Freedmen, 416, 418, 419, 454. 
 Freedmen's Association, 404, 411. 
 
 Free Labor, 13, 70, 86, 87, 88, 96, 106, 
 137, 151, 156, 157, 160, 190, 234, 277. 
 Free Religious Association, 424, 425, 426, 
 427, 441, 550; i\ “Index.” 
 
 Friends, v. Elders, Meetings, Minutes, 
 Separation. 
 
 and Slavery, 121, 122, 123, 201, v. 
 Anti- Slavery. 
 
 Freedmen’s Association, 419. 
 Hicksite, 99, 176, 177, 229, 308, 
 330, 474. 
 
 Indiana, 290, 293. 
 in England, 199, 200, 225, 478. 
 
 “ Intelligencer,” 281, 323, 442. 
 Nantucket, 218. 
 
 New York, 204, 211, 215, 226. 
 Ohio, 216, 289. 
 
 Orthodox, 99, 100, 145, 152, 160, 
 217, 226, 276, 277, 284, 293, 305, 
 308, 411. 
 
 Frothingham, O. B., 415, 425. 
 
 Fry, E., 155, 159, 161, 162, 163, 495. 
 Fugitive Slave Law, 332. 
 
 Fugitive Slaves, 310, 311, 327, 356, 357, 
 387. 
 
 Fuller, J. C., 154. 
 
 Furness, W. II., 119, 175, 180, 234, 235, 
 241, 285, 305, 306, 378, 385, 390, 398, 
 434, 435, 451, 452, 466. 
 
 Galusha, E., 149, 153. 
 
 Garrett, J., 216. 
 
 Th., 455. 
 
INDEX . 
 
 562 
 
 Garrison, W. L., 131, 139, 218, 224, 234, 
 264, 415, 421, 423, 430, 431, 436, 
 477. 
 
 and “ Liberator," 111, 137, 193. 
 in England, 155, 156, 158, 160, 162, 
 163, 164, 166, 167, 169, 189, 192, 
 194, 200, 231. 
 
 in Phila., 112, 117, 119, 219. 
 Georgia planter, 174. 
 
 Germantown, Pa., 365, 366, 378. 442. 
 Gibbons, Dr., 230. 
 
 J. S., 211, 212, 217, 226. 
 
 P. E., 478. 
 
 Giddings, J. R., 321, 434. 
 
 Gilbert, , 230. 
 
 Gillingham, C., 220. 
 
 Gilpin, , 392. 
 
 Glasgow, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 175, 
 176, 178, 192, 193. 
 
 “ Argus,-’ 175, 176. 
 
 Golden Wedding of J. and L. Mott, 400. 
 Greeley, H., 394, 419. 
 
 Green, B , 114. 
 
 Green Plain, 0., 275, 308. 
 
 Grew, H., 146, 151, 157. 
 
 M., 121, 127, 149, 192, 232, 279, 
 355, 387, 388, 392, 395, 412, 434, 
 435. 
 
 Griffing, , 419. 
 
 Guizot, 159. 
 
 Gurney, J. J. , 284. 
 
 S., 153, 162, 163. 
 
 Haddonfield, N. J., 234. 
 
 Hallock, N., 459, 460. 
 
 Hallo well, B. , 358. 
 
 M. L., 355, 390. 
 
 Harper, F. W., 421. 
 
 Harper’s Ferry, 69, 391. 
 
 Harris, G., 167, 168, 170, 171, 179. 
 Harrold, W. , 148. 
 
 Haughton, J., 164, 168, 169, 224, 277, 284, 
 303, 305, 321. 
 
 Hay dock, H., 419. 
 
 Hay don, B. R., 162, 165. 
 
 Heaton, J. & E., 341. 
 
 Hedge, Dr., 285. 
 
 Hempstead, N. Y., 8. 
 
 Herschel, C., 497. 
 
 Hewlet, J. , 3. 
 
 Heyrick, E., Ill, 150, 244. 
 
 Hicks, Ed., 235. 
 
 Elias, 5, 17, 65, 66, 76,92,102,209, 
 352, 373, 486, 528, 534, 542. 
 on Slavery, 5, 70, 86. 
 in Phila., 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 105. 
 
 R. , 217, 220, 239. 
 
 S. , 419. 
 
 Hirschfeld, Dr., 174. 
 
 Holland, 7. 
 
 Holland, F. W., 240. 
 
 Home-life in Phila., 90, 93, 94, 95, 126, 
 190, 252, 255, 258, 263, 265, 266, 
 270, 304, 309, 326, 328, 329, 331, 
 351, 353, 354, 361, 378, 394. 
 at Roadside. 372, 373, 374, 376, 414, 
 428, 455, 457. 
 
 Hopewell, Va., 69. 
 
 Hopper, E., 255, 332, 369, 391, 434, 460. 
 
 I. T., 211, 212, 213, 214, 217, 226, 
 275. 
 
 Horse-cars, 407, 408. 
 
 Hospital of the Twelve Brethren, 148. 
 Hovey, Ch., 396. 
 
 Howitt, W. and M., 158, 164, 474. 
 Hudson, N. Y., 478. 
 
 Hutchinson family, 241. 
 
 Hutton, Dr., 153, 164, 166, 167. 
 
 H., 167. 
 
 J. , 168, 169. 
 
 S., 158. 
 
 “ Index,” Free Religious, 452, 459. 
 Indiana, 276, 289, 290, 291, 293. 304, 315. 
 337. 
 
 Indians, 8, 20, 21, 218, 226, 234, 249, 304, 
 384, 533, 555. 
 
 Ingraham, , 387. 
 
 Inward light, 107, 109, 186, 210, 456, 
 
 535. 
 
 Ireland, 281. 
 
 Irwin, T., 169. 
 
 Jackson, J., 283, 290, 291. 
 
 Jamieson, Mrs., 165. 
 
 Jane Eyre, 304. 
 
 Janney, S., 239. 
 
 Jericho, 2, 97. 
 
 “ Jersies,” 4. 
 
 Jesus, v. Christ. 
 
 Johnson, J., 355, 356, 357. 
 
 O., 463. 
 
 Jones, A., 247. 
 
 Julian, G. W., 305, 316, 317. 
 
 Kane, Judge, 355, 356, 387, 389. 
 
 Kansas, 434. 
 
 Keep, J., 155. 
 
 Kelley, W. D., 356. 
 
 Kemble, F., 380, 381, 409. 
 
 Kenilworth, 8. 
 
 Engl., 148. 
 
 Kennett, 344, 352, 370, 442. 
 
 Kentucky, 281, 282, 337, 338. 
 
 Ketchum, J., 220. 
 
 Kieft, Gov., 8. 
 
 Kimber, A., 146, 170, 180, 181, 193, 229. 
 King, Starr, 385. 
 
 Knibb, W., 149. 
 
 Knight, A., 150, 154, 155, 161, 165, 227. 
 Kossuth, 333, 334, 336. 
 
 Large, J.. 52, 55, 56, 70. 
 
 Lester, C. E., 150, 158, 166. 
 
 Letters, v. Barney, Family, Webb, 
 Wright, etc. 
 
 Lewis, S. A., 114, 127. 
 
 “ Liberator,” 111, 137, 193, 211, 277, 295, 
 296, 304, 395, 412. 
 
 Liberia, 386. 
 
 Lincoln, A., 399, 416, 417. 
 
 Liverpool, 146, 175, 182. 
 
 Lloyd, M. S., 148. 
 
 London, 149, 175, 185, 188, 195, 282. 
 
 Anti-Slavery Soc’y., 150, 151, 162. 
 Borough Road School, 161. 
 
INDEX. 563 
 
 London, British Museum, 162, 186, 191, 
 556. 
 
 Carter Lane, 164, 166. 
 
 Chelsea, 165. 
 
 “ Christian Pioneer,” 171. 
 
 Crown and Anchor, 159. 
 
 Exeter Hall, 159. 
 
 Freemason’s Hall, 158, 188. 
 Friends, 150, 152, 153, 158, 160, 
 163. 
 
 Prison Society', 155, 159. 
 
 St. Paul’s, 150. 
 
 Tottenham, 161. 
 
 Westminster, 155. 
 
 Zoological Gardens, 187. 
 Longfellow, S. , 426, 469. 
 
 Long Island, 1, 2. 
 
 Longstreth, J. C., 388, 389. 
 
 Longwood, 370, 418. 
 
 Lord, G. W., 337, 376, 404, 421. 
 
 Loring, E. G., 396. 
 
 Lowell, J. R., 212, 246. 
 
 Lundy, B., Ill, 119. 
 
 Lynn, 141. 
 
 Macauly, Dr., 238. 
 
 Macy, Th., 18, 19. 
 
 Madden, , 164. 
 
 Mamaroneck, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 48. 
 Manchester, Engl., 147, 148, 156. 
 
 Mann, II., 321, 496. 
 
 Mario, J. W.,386. 
 
 Marriage, 40, 41, 42, 43, 79, 348, 349, 
 378, 394, 410, 498, 501. 
 out of meeting, 78, 79, 82, 104, 
 223. 
 
 Marriage, J., 155. 
 
 Marriott, Ch., 212, 217, 219, 226, 275. 
 
 S., 37. 
 
 Martin, J., 349. 
 
 W., 155. 
 
 Martineau, II., 131, 137, 154, 158, 160, 
 175, 179, 189, 320, 500. 
 
 J., 147, 318. 
 
 Maryland, 235, 239. 
 
 Massillon, 0.,46. 
 
 Matthew, Father, 155, 248. 
 
 Maxwell, J., 176. 
 
 May, S. J., 113, 309, 310, 339, 404. 
 Maysville, Ky , 338, 339, 340, 341. 
 McClintock, E., 300. 
 
 M. A., 299, 300. 
 
 McCrummel, J., 121. 
 
 McDonald, , 167. 
 
 McKim, J. M., Ill, 116, 120,193,212, 
 232, 261, 279, 288, 310, 373, 382, 
 394, 398, 414, 416. 
 
 S. A., 193, 223, 394. 
 
 Meetings, Anti-Slavery, 351, 386, 387 ; 
 v. Conventions. 
 
 Friends, 59, 60, 61, 63, 194, 215, 
 235, 262, 289, 304, 305, 364, 365, 
 413, 428, 440. 
 
 Abington, 366, 428. 
 
 Alexandria, Va., 236. 
 
 Baltimore, 235, 239, 305, 386. 
 Dublin, 168. 
 
 Fairfax, Va., 236 
 
 Meetings, Glasgow, 170, 171, 175, 178. 
 lladdonfield, N. J., 234. 
 
 Hopewell, Va., 69. 
 
 Hudson, N. Y., 478. 
 
 Indiana, 276, 289, 291, 293, 315. 
 Jericho, 97. 
 
 London, 150, 153, 158. 
 Manchester, Engl., 147. 
 
 Michigan, 218, 308. 
 
 Nantucket, 29. 
 
 New York, 15, 81, 204, 211, 212, 
 213, 217, 219, 308, 321, 359, 456, 
 529. 
 
 Ohio, 289, 290, 308. 
 
 Philadelphia, 55, 76, 81, 82, 83, 
 103, 176, 197, 198, 239, 366, 397, 
 411, 461, 539. 
 
 Philadelphia, Cherrv Street, 99, 
 144, 206, 211, 288,309, 352, 438, 
 439, 459, 468. 
 
 Philadelphia, Quarterly, 92, 97. 
 Philadelphia, Twelfth Street, 99, 
 100 . 
 
 Philadelphia, Yearly, 95, 96, 97, 
 107, 204, 211, 216, 230, 237, 247. 
 Rhode Island, 229, 276. 
 at sea, 146, 182, 183. 
 select, 63, 107, 203, 217, 218, 274, 
 290, 304, 437. 
 
 Southern Quarterly, 80, 81. 
 Washington, 386. 
 
 Waterloo, 299. 
 
 Westbury, 4. 
 
 West Chester, 370, 412. 
 
 Western Quarterly, 275, 290. 
 Merritt, W., 65. 
 
 Methodists, 283, 311, 312, 384, 411, 455. 
 Michigan, 218, 308. , 
 
 Middleton, Lady, 152. 
 
 Mifflin, W., 154. 
 
 Militia, 6, 7, 8. 
 
 Mill, J. S., 412, 458. 
 
 Miller, J. P., 158. 
 
 Minutes, 124, 144, 171, 413, 414. 
 Missouri Question, 238, 333. 
 
 Mitchell, M., 497. 
 
 M’Knaught, Dr., 146. 
 
 Mobs, 128, 250. 
 
 New York, 133. 
 
 Philadelphia, 128, 129, 130, 132, 
 327, 393. 
 
 Smyrna, Del., 132, 133, 197, 215. 
 Moore, Dr., 52, 83, 96, 104. 
 
 E., 114, 120, 127. 
 
 L. M., 12. 
 
 M. , 149, 151, 153. 
 
 R. M., 164. 
 
 Morgan, W., 150, 167, 168. 
 
 Morley, II., 146. 
 
 Morpeth, Lord, 163, 231. 
 
 Mott, Adam, 1620, 2. 
 
 Adam, Sr., 1734 to 1790, 1, 4, 5, 
 
 6 , 11 . 
 
 Adam, 1762 to 1839, 1, 6, 10, 11, 
 14. 
 
 Adam, “elder son,” 2. 
 
 Adam, “younger son,” 3. 
 
 Anne, 1, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 564 
 
 Mott, Anne, letters, 43, 70, 84. 
 
 Dr. V., 3. 
 
 Elizabeth, 5. 
 
 James, Sr., 6, 9, 13, 14, 16, 84, 
 b5, 478. 
 
 James, Sr., letters, 46, 51, 55, 
 57, 63, 65, 71, 74, 75, 79, 83. 
 Richard, 14, 90, 433, 434, 442. 
 Richard, Sr., 9, 48. 
 
 Richbell, 3, 6. 
 
 Robert, 9, 14. 
 
 Samuel, 9. 
 
 Sarah, 16, 17, 37, 103. 
 
 Stephen, 4, 5. 
 
 William, 3. v. Children 
 Mount Holly, N. J., 351, 353. 
 
 Murray, J ., 171, 478. 
 
 Music, 324. 
 
 Nantucket, 18-23, 26-29, 34, 123, 343, 
 373, 460, 478. 
 
 Neall, D., 132, 133, 197, 215, 239. 
 
 E. J., 146, 154, 228. 
 
 Needles, E., 128, 141, 236. 
 
 J., 236. 
 
 M., 127, 128. 
 
 Newall, M., 385. 
 
 New Amsterdam, 7. 
 
 Newcastle, 175. 
 
 New England, 123, 224. 
 
 New Jersey, 194, 215, 278. 
 
 Newman, , 403. 
 
 New Organization, 138, 139, 150, 211, 
 228, 242. 
 
 New Rochelle, 6, 9. 
 
 New York (State), 123, 337. 
 
 Governor's message, 238. 
 
 (city), 6, 9, 41, 52, 146, 182, 219, 
 227 ; v. Meetings. 
 
 Nichol, Dr., 150. 
 
 Nield, W., 148. 
 
 Nine Partners school, 15, 16, 35, 36, 38, 
 40, 53, 54, 57, 58, 65 
 
 Non-resistance, 206, 219, 227, 234 ; v. 
 
 Conventions 
 North Hempstead, 1, 2. 
 
 Norton, Professor, 287, 306, 403. 
 
 Oak Farm, 326, 351, 361, 432, 442. 
 O'Connell, D., 155, 189, 245, 303, 321, 
 471. 
 
 Ohio, 45, 47, 289, 290, 295, 296, 304,' ‘308, 
 321, 337, 347. 
 
 Opie, A., 156, 165. 
 
 Owen, R. D., 164, 166, 231, 233,357, 394. 
 Oxford, Engl., 148. 
 
 Parker Fraternitv, 430. 
 
 Parker, M. S., 131. 
 
 Th., 221, 224. 225, 277, 284, 306, 
 317, 320, 321, 351, 352, 396, 408. 
 Parkman, S., 287. 
 
 Parrish, D., 446. 
 
 Dr., 130, 549. 
 
 S., 411. 
 
 Parsons, Jas., 478. 
 
 Paul, v. Gilbert. 
 
 R., 78, 82. 
 
 Peace, 100, 165, 166, 172, 191, 277, 282, 
 283, 290, 324, 429, 453, 525. 
 meetings, 420, 424. 
 societies, 437, 440, 458, 461. 
 
 Peace, M., 5. 
 
 Pearsall, N., 8. 
 
 Peart, E. M., 290. 
 
 Pease, E., 150, 158, 161, 165, 166, 167, 
 181, 182, 196, 227, 231. 
 letters to, 194, 279. 
 
 J., 150, 158, 159, 182. 
 
 Peirce, C., 243. 
 
 J. L., 312. 
 
 Pelham, J., 338, 339. 
 
 M., 278, 326. 
 
 P., 94, 259. 
 
 Penn, W., 91, 92, 98, 177, 209, 227, 312, 
 406, 456. 
 
 Pennsylvania, 194, 215, 350. 
 
 “ Freeman S' 279. 
 
 Hall, 128, 130-132. 
 
 Pestalozzi, 166. 
 
 Phelps, , 211. 
 
 Philadelphia, 8, 39, 40, 263, 268, 326, 
 446 ; v. meetings. 
 
 Assembly buildings, 301, 309, 
 393 397 
 
 Business in, 48, 50-53, 55, 56, 
 58, 68, 70, 86, 87, 93, 96, 105, 
 106, 135, 326. 
 
 National Hall, 393. 
 
 Pennsylvania Hall, 128, 130. 
 Phillips, W., 151, 156, 158, 198, 321, 387, 
 412, 442. 
 
 Pierpont, Rev. J., 342. 
 
 Pilsbury , 1\, 321. 
 
 Pitcairn's Island, 33. 
 
 Pons, slave ship, 278. 
 
 Post, J., 151, 196. 
 
 Potter, W. J., 183, 425, 459. 
 
 Powell, A., 454. 
 
 Preaching, 55, 62, 63, 64, 100, 122, 183, 
 187, 190, 201, 248, 301, 320, 336, 506 ; 
 v. Public Speaking, Sermons. 
 Premium Point, 6, 9, 14. 
 
 Presbyterians, 116, 186, 193, 230, 261, 
 404. 
 
 Prescod, S., 149. 
 
 Price, I., 157, 292. 
 
 J. 290, 370. 
 
 R. , 207. 
 
 Priestly, 284. 
 
 Prison Society, 155, 159. 
 
 Progressive Friends, 344, 352, 370. 
 Pryor family, 8. 
 
 Public Speaking, 113, 116,284, 301, 302. 
 Pugh, S., 127, 132, 161, 193, 219, 223, 
 224, 228, 229, 284, 455, 461. 
 in England, 146, 152, 170, 180, 
 181. 
 
 Pulzsky, Madame, 334. 
 
 PurvisJ R., 232, 373, 397, 434. 
 
 Putnam, G., 240. 
 
 Quincy, E.,212. 
 
 Rammohun Roy, 314. 
 
 Rand, L., 165. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 565 
 
 Rathbone, W., 147, 288, 318. 
 
 Mrs., 288. 
 
 Rebellion v. Civil War. 
 
 Reid, E., 154, 155, 161, 164, 232. 
 Remond, C. L., 155, 156, 160, 164. 
 Revolutionary War, 4, 6, 9, 10, 26. 
 Richardson, 21. 
 
 Rich bell, E., 3. 
 
 Richmond, Ind., 289, 291, 292, 293. 
 
 Va., 310, 382. 
 
 Ripley, G., 240. 
 
 Roadside, 27, 37, 361, 363, 366, 371, 400, 
 4<>7, 411, 417, 420, 421, 431, 440, 442, 
 443, 454 ; v. Home-life. 
 
 Robbins, R., 165. 
 
 Robeson, E., 95. 
 
 Rochester, 12, 461. 
 
 Rodman, Dr., 104. 
 
 E. . 143. 
 
 Rogers, N. P., 155, 158, 164, 166, 169. 
 Rose, E. L., 357. 
 
 Roslyn, 9. 
 
 Sabbath, 66, 79, 295 , 297 , 313, 323, 352, 
 479, 483, 525, 529, 551. 
 
 Salem, O., 289, 290, 341. 
 
 Salisbury, Mass., 20. 
 
 Sams, J., 154. 
 
 Saxton, Mrs., 167. 
 
 Scales, W., 151, 159. 
 
 Schools, 161, 262, 282, 429, 430, 448 ; v. 
 
 Nine Partners. 
 
 Scobel, J., 158, 160, 167. 
 
 Scriptures, 66, 91, 117, 171, 200, 221, 225, 
 227, 233, 249, 307, 444, 478, 479, 490, 
 507, 513, 537, 545 ; v. Bible. 
 
 Seneca Falls, N. Y , 299. 
 
 Separation in Society of Friends, be- 
 ginning of controversy, 63, 92, 
 230. 
 
 allusions to, 106, 108, 224, 437, 
 438, 479. 
 
 in 1827, 93, 99, 100, 101, 110, 247. 
 in England, 175, 176, 177, 196, 
 197. 
 
 Sergeant, Hon. J., 332. 
 
 Sermons, 522, 529, 539 ; v. Preaching. 
 Severance, M., 20. 
 
 Seward, W. H., 394, 398, 399. 
 
 Sewing, 251, 457. 
 
 Shipley, S., 411. 
 
 Simpson, Bishop, 411. 
 
 Slave-holders, 174, 182, 236, 24S, 262, 
 341, 352, 355. 
 
 Slave Labor v. Free Labor. 
 
 Slavery, 13, 31, 70, 86, 88, 100, 110, 123, 
 146, 171, 172, 181, 187, 237, 238, 273, 
 277, 283, 309, 334, 338, 339, 352, 383, 
 386, 401, 404, 434, 455, 525, 548. v. 
 Anti-Slavery among Friends. 
 
 Slaves, held by Friends, 4, 5, 49. 
 
 fugitive, 310, 311, 327, 356, 357, 387. 
 Slave-ship Pons, 278. 
 
 Smeal, J., 176. 
 
 W., 150, 170. 176, 193. 
 
 Smith, G. 185. 
 
 H. L., 83. 
 
 J., 154, 155, 161. 
 
 Smyrna, Del., 132, 197, 215. 
 
 Somerville, M., 458, 497. 
 
 Southwick, A., 146. 
 
 Spencer, R., 347. 
 
 Spiritualists, 382. 
 
 Stabler, E., 542. 
 
 Stacey, G., 161, 162. 
 
 Stamm, Dr., 352. 
 
 Stanley, Dean, 374, 450, 451 , 470. 
 Stanton, E. C., 149,158, 185,211,212, 
 228, 298, 299, 300, 383, 418, 419, 
 452, 454. 
 
 II. B., 149, 158, 160, 163, 170, 185, 
 211, 228. 
 
 Starbuck, M., 21. 
 
 N., 21. 
 
 , 151, 166. 
 
 St. Clair, , 211. 
 
 Stevens, D., 20. 
 
 Still, W., 356 
 St. John, 11., 23. 
 
 Stone, L., 321, 338, 339, 357, 383, 419, 
 454. 
 
 Stowe, II. B., 396. 
 
 St. Paul, 286, 551, 552. 
 
 Stuart, Ch., 157. 
 
 Sturge, J., 149, 151, 152, 156, 157, 159, 
 189, 277. 
 
 Sumner, Ch., 453, 458. 
 
 Sunday-schools, 282. 
 
 Sussex, Duke of, 159. 
 
 Sutherland, Duchess of, 159, 162, 163. 
 Swarthmore College, 413, 437. 
 
 Tappan, L., 112, 114, 119. 
 
 Temperance, 100, 155, 163, 191, 228, 338, 
 359, 462, 526. 
 
 Theology, 425, 450. 
 
 Thom, J. S., 287, 318. 
 
 Thompson, G., 150, 151, 160, 166, 170, 
 173, 189, 265, 372, 423, 546. 
 
 Thompson, Miss., 152. 
 
 Thornton, A. C,,v. A. C. Brown. 
 
 “ Three Months in Great Britain,” 195, 
 227. 
 
 “ Three-thirty -eight,” 326, 329, 331, 
 361, 362, 396. 
 
 Tomlinson, R., 412. 
 
 Torrey, — -, 211. 
 
 Townsend, Ch., 130. 
 
 J., 147 
 
 Travers, N. 321. 
 
 Treadwell, S., 207. 
 
 Trinity, 226. 
 
 “ True American,” 281. 
 
 Truman, C., 220, 264. 
 
 G., 234, 239. 
 
 Turnbull, , 164. 
 
 Tyler, President, 238. 
 
 Tyne-Mouth, 175. 
 
 Tyng, Dr., 386. 
 
 “ Uncle Tom's Cabin,” 377. 
 Underground railroad, 390. 
 
 Underhill, Capt. J., 6, 7, 8. 
 
 J., Jr., 8. 
 
 M., 9, 80. 
 
 Unitarians, 165, 168, 170, 172, 176, 179, 
 
586 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 187, 209, 221, 224, 238, 277, 303, 
 306, 310, 312, 316, 319, 469. 
 convention, 284, 285, 288. 
 Updegraff, R., 96. 
 
 Valparaiso, 32, 33. 
 
 Vaughn, J. C., 281. 
 
 Vaux, R., 115. 
 
 Viiiiers, , 166. 
 
 Virginia, 68, 123, 235, 236, 238. 
 
 Voyage to England, 146. 
 return, 182, 192. 
 
 Wade, F., 167. 
 
 Walker, Eliz., 65. 
 
 Prof., 500. 
 
 Walton, T., 245. 
 
 War, 172, 277, 283, 296, 338, 402, 429, 
 453, v. Civil War, Peace, Revolution- 
 ary War. 
 
 Wardlaw, Dr., 171. 
 
 Warner, d., 144. 
 
 Warwick, 148. 
 
 Washington, 223, 237, 386, 446. 
 
 Wasson, D. A., 431. 
 
 Waterloo, N. Y., 299. 
 
 Webb, B., 230. 
 
 H., 155. 
 
 J., 169, 182. 
 
 R. D., 155, 169, 180, 224, 225, 288, 
 303, 325. 
 
 R. B., account of World’s Con- 
 vention, 188. 
 
 R. D., description of L. M., 189. 
 R. D., letters to, 192, 208, 223, 
 273, 281, 287, 302, 320, 322, 324, 
 453. 
 
 T. and M., 169, 229, 288. 
 
 W. 169. 
 
 Weiss, J., 426; 436, 554. 
 
 Weld, A. G., 131. 
 
 T. D., 228. 
 
 Wesley, 78, 84. 
 
 Westbury, 4, 5, 9. 
 
 Westchester Co., N. Y., 3, 10. 
 Westchester, Pa., 370, 412, 442. 
 Westminster, 155. 
 
 Marquis of, 163. 
 
 West-town School, 96, 97, 344. 
 Wetherill, E., 396. 
 
 Wharton, D., 411, 462, 466. 
 
 Wheeler, J. W., 355. 
 
 Whitall, J., 81. 
 
 White, E., 196. 
 
 G. F., 204, 206, 207, 208, 209, 211, 
 213, 215, 219, 234, 264, 275, 276. 
 J. Blanco, 284, 287, 288, 303, 307, 
 317, 320, 374, 402, 403. 
 
 L., 114, 127. 
 
 White, W., 176. 
 
 White well, F. A., 113. 
 
 Whitson, Th., 113. 
 
 Whittier, J. G., 114, 211, 228. 
 Wilberforce, 111, 152. 
 
 Wildman, J., 454. 
 
 Will, of A. Mott, 1649, 3. 
 
 Willets, P., 2, 4, v. Dodge, Grand- 
 mother. 
 
 R. and A., 2. 
 
 S. , 213. 
 
 Williamson, P., 355, 356. 
 
 T. , 355. 
 
 Willis, H., 220. 
 
 P. P., 213. 
 
 S. and M., 5. 
 
 Wilmington, 216, 230, 231, 455. 
 
 Wilmot, Sir E., 154. 
 
 Wilson, E., 147. 
 
 H., 451. 
 
 Wiltshire, 5. 
 
 Winchester, Va., 68, 69. 
 
 Windsor, 148, 195. 
 
 Winslow, I. and E., 146, 158. 
 
 Winthrop, J., 6, 7. 
 
 Wistar, Thomas, 115. 
 
 Withy, G., 76, 77. 
 
 Wollstonecraft, M., 186, 357. 
 
 Woman’s rights, 38, 73, 100, 138, 186, 
 191, 210, 228, 259, 285, 298, 301, 339, 
 382, 383, 398, 416, 449, 454, 461, 487, 
 500, 527. 
 
 Women delegates to London, 138, 150, 
 151, 152, 155, 156, 158, 159, 160, 176, 
 185, 189, 196, 198, 232, 471, 474. 
 Woodstock, England, 148. 
 
 Worcester, 284, 287. 
 
 World’s Convention, 138, 139, 141, 142, 
 148, 155-159, 162, 172, 176, 180, 185, 
 188, 189, 191, 192, 194, 196, 198, 277, 
 280, 282, 298, 322, 416, 471, 474. 
 Wright, D., 258. 
 
 F., 230, 357. 
 
 H C 323 
 
 M. C.’ 94,’ 258, 259, 299, 300, 337, 
 339, 345, 401, 4d6, 418, 430, 439, 
 442, 449. 
 
 M. C., letters to, 221, 259, 260, 
 261, 263, 309, 380, 402, 403, 405, 
 408, 411, 413, 415. 
 
 Yardleyville, 506. 
 
 Yarnall, B. H., 93. 
 
 Elizabeth, 36, 100, 344, 368, 398, 
 406, 420, 449, 468. 
 
 Ellis, 221. 
 
 T. C., 221, 225, 420. 
 
 Zane, S., 68, 69. 
 

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