Jane Swisshelm Letters of an Abolitionist 1858 and 1865
“The lecture was “Woman and Politics” and it was received with a favor far beyond my highest hopes….” Jane Swisshelm, Minnesota 1860
St. Paul [February] 26th, 1860
Dear Will:1— Here I am snugly ensconsed in the Merchants
Hotel, looking out over the icy chains of the Mississippi. Mr. [George
A.] Nourse whose guest I was at first, lives too far up town for me to
attend to any business.2 I have had several kind invitation
to other private houses, but thought it better to come here; and find
that Mrs. [E. C.] Belotte [Belote] the proprietor’s wife, is a sister of
one of my pupils in the Butler Seminary.
So I am at home all at once, snug as a flea in a blanket. I do not
wonder your father likes to stop at the Merchants, for it is pleasant,
comfortable quarters. I lectured in the Hall of Representatives on
Tuesday [Thursday] evening the 23d. The House was so full that there
were seats in the aisles, and it appeared as if one third the audience
were standing. The lecture was “Woman and Politics” and it was received
with a favor far beyond my highest hopes. This fills my heart with so
much gratitude to our Father the Great Disposer, to think that I should
at last, have such an opportunity to speak unto the people that they go
forward! That the best and most honorable of our State should listen at
last with approval to the great cry which has been bursting my heart for
long, long years!–It is worth while to have lived and suffered, to
have labored and waited, long years for such an opportunity of pleading
for the Slave mothers of our land, before such an audience. Those who
wait upon the Lord will surely see his salvation!
On Tuesday
evening I lecture in the Atheneum, on “Slavery as I have seen it in a
slave State.” We chose the Atheneum because it is larger than any other
room in the city. It belongs to a German company who have given me the
use of it at half price. Mr. [Joseph] Louis [Lewis] who used to keep an
Intelligence office in Pittsburg, and was one of my subscribers there,
attended to securing it for me. He is Gov. Ramsey’s business man, or as
Judge [Aaron] Goodrich5 express it, “The Governor’s Legal
Representative!” He has shown me much kindness. Gov. Ramsey and his lady
with other people who combine real merit, with social and political
distinction, have extended to me a cordial recognition. They thus lend
me moral power, which I pray God I may pay back with interest, upon the
altar of His glory, and the redemption of our race.
Col. [Daniel A.] Robertson, who is Mayor of the City, called upon me by
my request. I had learned that my first impression of proposing me as
Surveyor General, is the correct one.6 He is a jolly man, and it was
simply a jest. He was one of my readers years ago, and a good friend,
would be the last man to insult any body; but he pronounces himself to
have been so much in earnest as to be quite ready to support me for any
office I may desire. His lady came with him. She is a lovely woman, and
they are to send their carriage to take me to tea with them on Tuesday
evening; and the only question on which the Col. and I are at variance
is Slavery…..
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