BOSTON, November 18, 1871.

DEAR MR. BLACKWELL--Lest some persons might be disappointed
at my non-attendance, I regretted to see myself positively
announced among the speakers at the annual meeting of the
American Woman Suffrage Association, to be held at
Philadelphia next week. I certainly desired and hoped to be
present, even to the last moment; but circumstances oblige
me to remain at home, and I can do no more (and assuredly no
less) than to send a word of cheer by letter. Though I was
careful not to commit myself as to my personal presence at
the meeting, I am willing to be everywhere known as
committed to the cause of Woman Suffrage, with all my
understanding, heart, and soul. I regard its claims to be as
reasonable, just, and valid as any ever presented in behalf
of any portion of the human race, suffering from the
exercise of usurped powers. Until it can be shown that women
have not, by nature and destiny, the same common rights and
interests as men--have not as much at stake in all matters
pertaining to an impartial administration of government as
men--are not held to the same allegiance as men--and are not
made amenable to the same penal laws, even to the extent of
being hanged, as men--their right to the ballot, and to an
equal participation in all municipal, judicial, and
legislative proceedings can not be sensibly denied. The mere
statement of the case is its strongest argument, furnishing
as it does a self-evident proposition. It is a disgrace to
our democratic professions that there is yet a portion--ay,
one half of our population, legally discrowned and outraged
on account of a natural and necessary distinction of sex,
which alters nothing in regard to moral obligations and
duties, or to political rights and privileges, in the courts
of justice and common sense.

It is amazing to see what insulting flings are made, what
ridiculous things are uttered, in derogation of the claim of
women to an equal voice in making and administering the laws
of the land, in quarters where we had a right to look for
perfect courtesy, fair treatment, and a