was present to express, and happy of the opportunity to
express, his sincere interest in the cause, and regard for the
actors in this movement; but that on almost any other occasion he
could speak with less embarrassment than here, with such
advocates before him; and as he had not come prepared to address
the Convention, declined occupying its time longer.

In reading over the debates of these early Conventions, we find the
speakers dwelling much more on the wrongs in the Church and the Home,
than in the State. But few of the women saw clearly, and felt deeply
that the one cause of their social and religious degradation was their
disfranchisement, hence the discussions often turned on the
surface-wrongs of society.

[Illustration: FRANCES D. GAGE (with autograph).]

Many of the friends present thought the Convention should issue an
original Declaration of Rights, as nothing had been adopted as yet,
except the parody on the Fathers' of' 76. Although that, and the one
William Henry Channing prepared, were both before the Convention, it
adjourned without taking action on either.

As so many of these noble leaders in the anti-slavery ranks have
passed away, we give in this chapter large space to their brave words.
Also to the treatment of Miss Brown, in the World's Temperance
Convention, for its exceptional injustice and rudeness.

Miss Brown read a letter from William H. Channing, in which he
embodied his ideas of a Declaration. Lucy Stone also read a very able
letter from Thomas Wentworth Higginson. Both of these letters contain
valuable suggestions for the adoption of practical measures for
bringing the wrongs of woman to the notice of the world.

MR. CHANNING'S LETTER.

ROCHESTER, N. Y., _Oct. 3, 1853_.

_To the President and Members of the Woman's Rights Convention:_

As I am prevented, to my deep regret, from being present at the
Convention, let me suggest in writing what I should prefer to
speak. First, however, I would once again avow that I am with you
heart, mind, soul, and strength for the Equal Rights of Women.
This great reform will prove to be, I am well assured, the
salvation and glory of this Republic, and of all Christian and
civilized States:

"And if at once we may not
Declare the greatness of the work we plan,
Be sure at least that ever