This Clements Chronicles blog entry is the second of a series of periodic posts, each of which contains a complete transcription of a letter, document, or other manuscript, but is provided with only minimal notes about its context. We hope that they will inspire curiosity, serve research, invite analysis and conversation, and expand awareness of the types of materials held by the Clements Library.
Sarah Grimké Weld was 25 years old when she wrote the following letter to William Hamilton. She, along with her mother Angelina Weld and aunt Sarah M. Grimké marched with around 50 other women to vote in local elections at Hyde Park on March 7, 1870. In this letter to her friend and future husband, she explained the significance and purpose of the vote, commented on her dentist’s affection for her (which she rejected), and updated him on her work at the Woman’s Journal.
Sarah Grimké Weld (1844-1899), carte-de-visite.
Curator of Manuscripts’ daughter standing beside the Weld-Grimké Family Papers at the William L. Clements Library, 2019.
This transcription is dedicated to my daughter Emby. – CJS
Letter from Sarah Grimké Weld to William Hamilton, March 13, 1870; Hyde Park, Massachusetts.
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(1)
Hyde Park, March 13, 1870
Dear Will,
At last I come to you. First sweep-
ing, dusting and watering the flowers on
Sunday morning, and then writing to you.
Well, we have voted. The occasion passed off
pleasantly. There was a driving snow-storm,
but we all went with our flowers and quietly
dropped our ballots with no molestation from
the mob which crammed the building. They
left a free passage for us and fell back in silence
as we entered the building Soon th our friends
cheered vociferously, and then a few hisses
were heard, but soon drowned out. No word
was spoken while we were in the building.
I am not surprised that it should seem
to you like play-voting, but it was far other-
wise. I see that this is getting to be a question
of importance, and here in the village people
are taking sides one way or the other.
In Vermont, where the question is
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soon to be submitted to the people it is just so
The Churches as in the old Anti-Slavery times
naturally wheeling into opposition. The
Democratic and Republican papers – about
as many Democratic as Republican are in
favor of us and about as many against.
I read the last artical article by “A look-
eron,” in the Nation and was delighted with
it. She takes the only true position, that of arm-
ed neutrality till her convictions are formed
and our people often err by trying to force
people to take sides, when they are not fit
to do it.
My little dentist! I think he
really had a liking for me and was sorry when
my th tl tl teeth were done. He said very sad-
ly when the last day that he had had
some very pleasant hours in those rooms
and I really do believe he would have offer-
ed himself to me if I hadn’t snubbed him
and changed the subject quick. I like him
well, he is a good boy, but what would the
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(2)
little fellow do with a Woman’s Righter?
He little thinks that I’m a voter.
Dear Will, You are
better, you are going along quietly, doing
just what is best from day to day. Don’t
study. Wait.
Lizzie and I are having
fine times. I think she will be with me
two weeks longer. We enjoy working together
so much. We are getting the accounts strait-
ened out nicely, but there is a good deal
to do yet. Mr Higginson and Mr San-
born were in the office yesterday. Lizzie
and I can hear all that is said as we
write away. Our small ears are open.
You must excuse me for writing
so much about our paper and our doings
in the office. “Woman’s Rights”, (a foolish
name) interests me much just now, and
I shall be so glad when you get strong
enough to talk it all out with me.
In the mean time take
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good care of yourself and I will get as
strong and well as possible.
Good bye, dear,