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Introduction
The plea below for contributions to the Fifteenth National Fair highlights the rhetoric employed as early as 1848 by women to justify their activism in the public sphere of politics.
Questions to Consider
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What kind of language do the women use to describe their involvement in the abolitionist cause?
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How does the language below compare with that used by women in the 1830s [view Evidence 1, 3, and 5]? In what ways is it similar or different?
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How does the document below reinforce ideas about women's traditional roles? How does it challenge them?
Document
LEND US YOUR AID
Mr. Garrison:
I wish, through your paper, to say a few words respecting the approaching FAIR. As so many of the strong and valiant ones are away at the present time, a more imperious duty devolves upon us who are here, to redouble our efforts in this cause, and see to it, that when we assemble together, we have no cause to mourn, like the Priests and Levites in the days of Ezra, who remembered the first temple. I would particularly urge upon our COUNTRY ABOLITIONISTS, the need of their being, this year, as in former years, generous in their contributions. There are those, all over the State, whom we consider and depend upon, as having ENLISTED FOR THE WAR, whom we expect to see or hear from at our annual Fair. There are those, whose constant contributions, in years that are past, lead us confidently to anticipate similar ones the present year; such as barrels of spices, nice cheeses, cake, pies, and all kinds of confectionary, various kinds of meats, nuts, nicely parched corn, preserves, &c, &c. One who has never been to our Fair cannot know how much aid is needed in this way, and how much our success depends upon having liberal supplies. The larder of the provident house-wife in the country is full to overflowing at this season of the year: she can bestow much in a good cause and her table be none the leaner. Thanksgiving is over; the claims of family and friends have been attended to; now, may the friendless, and he who has no family [referring to slaves], be cared for. . . .
One of the Committee
Source:
The Liberator 18.50 (15 Dec 1848).
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