"The 2nd topic under the head of Finance is an important one, & I find it very difficult to obtain light when this sexed question of finance, which yet has so much to do with the interests of women."

Autograph letter signed by Julia Ward Howe (1819-1910), to Mrs. M.L. Thomas. Newport, Rhode Island, 17 August 1875. 3 pages, 8vo. 

An excellent letter written by the American activist Julia Ward Howe (1819–1910) in advance of the 1875 Woman’s Congress in Syracuse. In it, Howe urges the recipient to take part in the proceedings, whether by attending, speaking, or submitting a paper, and makes the especially revealing observation that “Finance” was an important subject for women, one on which she was eager to secure informed presentations.

The letter reads in full:

“I write to express the hope that you will be able to attend the Women’s Congress in Syracuse, N.Y. and also to ask that you would look carefully over the enclosed list of topics, and ?? have your help to take some part in the action of this Congress, by either writing or speaking upon some one of the themes supported. We invite officers especially, if not engaged to furnish papers, to send letters if unable to attend, or, if likely to be present, to be ready to speak to some especial point of the discussions which should follow the reading of papers. The topic of Vicarious Beneficence has not been assigned to any body as yet. Would you like to treat of it? Or does some other theme appeal more nearly to your sympathy? The 2nd topic under the head of Finance is an important one, & I find it very difficult to obtain light when this sexed question of finance, which yet has so much to do with the interests of women. I shall hope to hear from you that you will do something for us, and to learn also under what head and in what form.”

The Woman’s Congress convened in Syracuse in October 1875 and drew what contemporary newspapers described as “an immense audience,” with “the utmost interest manifested in the proceedings.” Officers were elected and numerous papers were presented, including one by Howe herself on “Science in the Kitchen.”

An exceptional and revealing letter by Howe, notable not only for its association with one of the major women’s reform gatherings of the period, but also for the light it sheds on the range and seriousness of the Congress’s concerns, particularly the question of women and finance.

[Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs] [Women, Women’s History, Suffragettes, Women’s Movement, Suffrage]

Paper residue to verso.