Letter from John Greenleaf Whittier to the Women's Suffrage Association, March 4, 1888

Letter from John Greenleaf Whittier to the Women's Suffrage Association, March 4, 1888

Abolitionist poet (and subject of this overarching collection) John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) writes to the Women’s Suffrage Association expressing his regret at being unable to attend their 40th anniversary, congratulating them on their work thus far and encouraging their future endeavors. Whittier was an advocate for women’s rights, and he supported women writers throughout his life, though he didn't fight for the cause as actively as he did abolition in his earlier years.

John Greenleaf Whittier

March 4, 1888

Oak Knoll

Danvers, Mass.

3^rd Mo 4. 1888

To the Women’s Suffrage Association.

My dear friends,

It could afford me much satisfaction to be able to attend the 40^th anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Association. But as that does not seem possible, I can only reiterate my hearty sympathy with the object of the association. Looking back to the time of its organization how much it has accomplished! What a great change it has wrought in the popular feeling! How everywhere it is making converts of the best and wisest men and women! The barriers of prejudice and custom which seemed impregnable are, slowly perhaps but surely, being undermined, and their fall is certain.

There is no easy royal road to a reform of this kind; every step will be contested. But, if, our progress has been slow, there has been no step backward. The cause still demands patience, perseverance, a firm but dignified and self-respecting protest against the great injustice, unimbittered by temporary checks, or insulting criticism. A serene consciousness of right on your side should make you­­ make you good-natured. We are told in Scripture that the Archangel Michael in his controversy with Satan himself did not bring a “railing accusation” against him. A careful adaptation of means to ends is no yielding of principle. Of course, care should be taken to avoid all such methods as have disgraced our masculine political and religious parties. Continue to make it manifest that all which is pure and lovely and of good repute in womanhood is entirely compatible with the exercise of the rights of citizenship and the performance of the duties which we all owe to our homes and our country. With full confidence in your continuance in well-doing, and with no doubts nor misgivings as to your success I am faithfully with you.

Your friend

John G. Whittier