them to use with zeal and earnestness their only
political right under the Constitution: the right of petition.
During the past year the petitions for freedom have been quietly
circulating in the most remote school districts of all the free
States and Territories, in the Army, the Navy, and some have
found their way to the far South. And now they are coming back by
the thousands, with the signatures of men and women, black and
white, soldiers and civilians, from every point of the compass,
to be presented in mammoth rolls again in the coming Congress. I
urge every one present to help spread the glad tidings of liberty
to all, by signing and circulating these petitions, remembering
that while man may use the bullet and the ballot to enforce his
will, this is woman's only weapon of defence to-day in this
Republic. The Convention is now adjourned.

The debates throughout these Conventions show how well the leaders of
the Loyal League understood the principles of republican government,
and the fatal policy of some of those in power. They understood the
situation, and clearly made known their sentiments. The character of
the discussions and resolutions in their Conventions was entirely
changed during the war; broader ideas of constitutional law; the
limits of national power and State rights formed the basis of the new
arguments. They viewed the questions involved in the great conflict
from the point of view of statesmen, rather than that of an ostracised
class. Reviewing the varied efforts of the representative women[46]
referred to in this chapter in the political, military, philanthropic,
and sanitary departments of the Government, and the army of faithful
assistants, behind them, all alike self-sacrificing and patriotic;
with a keen insight into the policy of the Government and the
legitimate results of the war; the question naturally suggests itself,
how was it possible that when peace was restored they received no
individual rewards nor general recognition for their services, which,
though acknowledged in private, have been concealed from the people
and ignored by the Government.[47]

Gen. Grant has the credit for the success of plans which were the
outgrowth of the military genius of a woman; Gen. Howard received a
liberal salary as the head of the Freedman's Bureau, while the woman
who inspired and organized that department and carried its burdens on