Letter from Elizur Wright, New York, to Amos Augustus Phelps, 1838 Aug[ust] 17

Item Information

Title:
Letter from Elizur Wright, New York, to Amos Augustus Phelps, 1838 Aug[ust] 17
Description:
Elizur Wright Jr. writes to Amos A. Phelps regarding his thoughts on the "Woman question." He writes, "I certainly hold it contrary to nature, propriety, & the gospel for women, as a general thing, to assume equality with men in the management of the said machinery. It is out of their sphere. Still I do not feel called upon to sit up for executioner of the laws of nature. I think the generality will take care of itself, and the exceptions too. I'll fight no battles on either side. Without opposition, I trust "the movement" will come to nothing-because it has no real grievances to complain of. I would not give it the semblance of any. I am not sure that I do understand the teachings of Parish in relation to the conduct of women in the church-but be it what it may, it will remain to be proved that it is applicable to voluntary, local, temporary societies which are not the church...At any rate, I must insist that by the terms of the Constitution of the Am. Anti Slavery Society membership, and consequently the rights of membership are not limited to sex...should a woman, or four hundred women members of the society, offer their votes on any question the Preident would have no right to refuse them. Nor would he have a right to put down a member, having in other respects a good right ot the floor in debate, for being female. I think we cannot plead that this was not the 'understanding' of the founders. The truth is women did speak if not vote at the foundation of the constitution, and one, Mrs. Mott, to good purpose."
Author:
Wright, Elizur, 1804-1885
Addressee:
Phelps, Amos A. (Amos Augustus), 1805-1847
Date:
August 17, 1838
Format:
Letters/Correspondence
Manuscripts
Location:
Boston Public Library
Rare Books Department
Collection (local):
Anti-Slavery Collection
Subjects:
Abolitionists--United States--19th century--Correspondence
Antislavery movements--Religious aspects--Christianity--United States--History--19th century
Women abolitionists--United States--History--19th century
Antislavery movements--United States--History--19th century
Abolitionists--United States--History--19th century
Antislavery movements--United States
Christianity
Women abolitionists--United States
Phelps, Amos A. (Amos Augustus), 1805-1847
Wright, Elizur, 1804-1885
Extent:
1 leaf (4 p.) ; 26 cm.
Permalink:
https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/2z10z0369
Terms of Use:
No known copyright restrictions.
No known restrictions on use.
Place of origin:
New York
Language:
English
Notes:
Holograph, signed.
Title devised by cataloger.
Identifier:
5111134
Call #:
MS A.21 v.8, p.75
Barcode:
39999085427712