In reply to your inquiries in regard to debates that preceded the
action of 1848, I must say I know of none, and I am quite sure
that in our long discussions no allusion was made to anything of
the kind. Great measures often occupy the thoughts of men and
women, long before they take substantial form and become things
of life, and I shall not dispute any one who says that this
reform had been thought of before 1848. But I do insist the
record shows that Judge Fine is the author of the law which
opened the way to clothe woman with full rights, in regard to
holding, using, and enjoying in every way her own property,
independently of any husband.

I add the following extracts taken from the journals of the
Senate and Assembly of 1848, viz:

Senate journal for 1848, p. 35. January 7th. "Mr. Fine gave
notice that he would, at an early day, ask leave to introduce a
bill for the more effectual protection of the property of married
women."

Jan. 8th, p. 47. "Mr. Fine introduced 'the bill,' and it was
referred to the Judiciary Committee," which consisted of Mr.
Wilkin, Mr. Fine, and Mr. Cole.

Feb. 7th, p. 157. Mr. Wilkin reported the bill favorably, and it
was sent to the Committee of the Whole.

Feb. 23d. Mr. Geddes presented the petition of three hundred
citizens of Syracuse praying for the passage of a law to protect
the rights of married women.

March 1st, p. 242. "The Senate spent some time in Committee of
the Whole" on the bill, and reported progress, and had leave to
sit again.

March 3d, p. 250. The Senate again in Committee of the Whole on
this bill.

March 15th, p. 314. The Senate again in Committee of the Whole on
this bill.

March 21st, p. 352. Mr. Lawrence, from Committee of the Whole,
reported the bill with some amendments. "Thereupon ordered that
said bill be referred to a Select Committee consisting of Mr.
Fine, Mr. Geddes, and Mr. Hawley to report complete."

March 21st, p. 354. "Mr. Geddes, from the Select Committee,
reported complete, with amendments, the bill entitled 'An Act for
the more effectual protection of the property of married women,'
which report was laid on the table."

March 28th, p. 420. "On motion of Mr. Geddes, the Senate then
proceeded to the consideration of the report of