e of woman. She belonged to no party, or clique, had no connection
with the Women's Rights Movement, but desired to see her sex better
educated, and in the enjoyment of the fullest mental development. To
that end she had travelled in many of the Western States, giving
lectures upon her favorite subject, and largely influencing the public
mind. In this employment her acquaintance had become very extensive.

At the time of the first breaking out of hostilities, Miss Baker was
residing in Chicago, Illinois, enjoying a respite from public labors,
and devoting herself to her family. But she soon saw that there was much
need of the efforts of woman--a great deal to be done by her in
preparing for the sudden emergency into which the nation had been
plunged. Government had not at hand all the appliances for sending its
newly raised forces into the field properly equipped, and women, who
could not wield the bayonet, were skillful in the use of another
implement as sharp and bright, and which just at that period could be as
usefully brought into action.

The devoted labors of the women of Chicago for the soldiers, have long
since become a part of the history of the war. In these Miss Baker had
her own, and a large share. She collected materials for garments,
exerted her influence among her extensive circle of acquaintances in
gathering up supplies, and providing for the yet small, but rapidly
increasing, demand for hospital comforts. She took several journeys to
St. Louis and Chicago, ministered in the hospitals, and induced others
to enter upon the same work. Perceiving, with a quick eye, what was most
needed in the hastily-arranged and half-furnished places to which the
sick and wounded were consigned, she journeyed backward and forward,
gathering up from the rich and well-disposed the needed articles, and
then conveying them herself to those points where they were most wanted.

Not in strong health, a few months of such indefatigable labors
exhausted her strength. She returned to Chicago, but her ardent spirit
chafed in inaction. After a time she resolved to commence a literary
enterprise in aid of the object she had so much at heart, and in the
spring of 1862 she announced the forthcoming publication of the
"National Banner," a monthly paper of sixteen pages, the profits of
which were to be devoted to the needs of the volunteer soldiery of the
United States.

After publishing in Chicago a few numbers of this very readable