rief biographical sketches. To the few who, through
ill-timed humility, have refused to contribute any of their early
experiences we would suggest, that as each brick in a magnificent
structure might have had no special value alone on the road-side, yet,
in combination with many others, its size, position, quality, becomes
of vital consequence; so with the actors in any great reform, though
they may be of little value in themselves; as a part of a great
movement they may be worthy of mention--even important to the
completion of an historical record.

To be historians of a reform in which we have been among the chief
actors, has its points of embarrassment as well as advantage. Those
who fight the battle can best give what all readers like to know--the
impelling motives to action; the struggle in the face of opposition;
the vexation under ridicule; and the despair in success too long
deferred. Moreover, there is an interest in history written from a
subjective point of view, that may compensate the reader in this case
for any seeming egotism or partiality he may discover. As an
autobiography is more interesting than a sketch by another, so is a
history written by its actors, as in both cases we get nearer the soul
of the subject.

We have finished our task, and we hope the contribution we have made
may enable some other hand in the future to write a more complete
history of "the most momentous reform that has yet been launched on
the world--the first organized protest against the injustice which has
brooded over the character and destiny of one-half the human race."

CONTENTS.

PAGE

CHAPTER I.

PRECEDING CAUSES.

CHAPTER II.

WOMAN IN NEWSPAPERS.

CHAPTER III.

THE WORLD'S ANTI-SLAVERY CONVENTION, LONDON, JUNE 13, 1840.

Individualism rather than Authority--Personal appearance of
Abolitionists--Attempt to silence Woman--Doable battle against the
tyranny of sex and color--Bigoted Abolitionists--James G. Birney likes
freedom on a Southern plantation, but not at his own fireside--John
Bull never dreamt that Woman would answer his call--The venerable
Thomas Clarkson received by the Convention standing--Lengthy debate on
"Female" delegates--The "Females" rejected--William Lloyd Garrison
refusing to sit in the Convention 50

CHAPTER IV.

NEW YORK.

The First Wo