Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1850-06-22
Letter from Lucy Stone.

The following letter has been kindly handed
us for publication. We deeply regret that the
writer has declined the invitation extended TO
her by friends in Ohio, and think she attaches
altogether too much importance to the fact of
her residence in another State, when she urges
it as prominent reason for such declination.-.
Ed. Bugic.
WEST BRooKFTELD, June 4, 1850.
SALIIE d. Cow AND OTHERS:
Dear Friends-Your letter of May 18th, di-
rccted to Boston, did not reach me in good time,
as was at West Brookfcld so, at this late
hour, find myself ready to reply.
Previous to the reception of your letter, 1 had
seen by the papers that Lucreta Mott and my
self had been appointed Committee to go to
Columbus TO tho State Convention. At New
York saw Lucrctia, and had a brief conference
with her on the subject. We were both then,
as am still, of the opinion, that the object
which we all so much desire to have accomplish
cd, will be effected better by Committee from
your oicn State Tho men who meet to form
your State Constitution arc probably such as do
hOe lAiNN W feyfttI AlhiA Nnc COUiItON tHbl-
mate, and while they might hear arguments
from you, who arc personally affected by the
character of your Constitution, they would re-
gard it as positiro Interference if women from
other States should appear before them in your
behalf. Would they noti "who would be
free, Themselves must strike the blow"
Our opinion, 1 know, is only that of t,oo per-
sons, while there arc many of you; still know
that you wish us to follow our own Judgment.
have no doubt that there are women among
you who have given sufficient attention to the
subject to be able to accomplish all that could
be done by any others, and 1 think that you,
upon reflection, will be convinced that the cause
will be served better by delegates from your
own State. say this with perfect Difference to
your present opinion. 1 can enter into your
feelings, and know the deep interest you have
in the right settlement of the question and
your anxiety to procure those as your advocates
who you supposed had investigated the subject
most fully, led you to your present conclusion.
In reality, the question is not bounded by State
lines. Still, it is so regarded by those who arc
of the race is affected by it, and ciH be benefited
1t is a glorious movement, and from my
heart of hearts" l thank those who have so
wisely and benovolently taken this occasion, in
the midst of reproaches, TO make themselves the
lasting bencfactors of the human family, and
you will have your reward. AHour rights may
not noio be gained, but they ,oiH one day be re-
stored and the effort you are now making is an
important instrumentality to hasten that good
time. Now is the time, while the old Constitu-
strike Cor equal rights. 1t is an important mo-
ment. None more favorable can ever occur. 1
need not tell you that am ,oih you heart and
soul. If were Of you, would serve you to
the best of my ability. AS it is, while grateful
for the confidence you have given me, must
decline going to Ohio.
If there are no women who can go, would it
not be well for some of your men to goi 1
thank you for the kind offer of hearts and homes,
and hope sometime to feel the genial warmth Of
the one, and to share the generous shelter of the
other. l wish could tell you how gladly some
of us in New England hailed your Woman's
Rights Convention, and how much we rejoiced
when we read its proceedings. The effect of that
Convention will not be lost upon the Convon-
ton to form Constitution.
We, too, are going to have Woman's Rights
Convention next October, and we want to see a
large delegation from Ohio. Wishing you sue
cess, and wisdom to direct,
am very truly yours,
LUCY STONE.