From many prominent men and women came the same cry, and so she did gird on her armor and go forth.  The latter part of February she took up her abode with Mrs. Stanton in New York.  Herculean efforts were being made at this time by the Republicans, under the leadership of Charles Sumner, to secure congressional action in regard to emancipation.  A widespread fear existed that the President’s proclamation might not prove sufficient, that some way of overriding it might be found, and there was much anxiety to secure such an expression of public sentiment as would justify Congress in submitting an amendment to the United States Constitution which should forever abolish slavery.  This could best be done through petitions, and here Miss Anthony recognized her work.  An eloquent appeal was sent out, enclosing the following: 

    CALL FOR A MEETING OF THE LOYAL WOMEN OF THE NATION.

In this crisis it is the duty of every citizen to consider the peculiar blessings of a republican form of government, and decide what sacrifices of wealth and life are demanded for its defense and preservation....  No mere party or sectional cry, no technicalities of constitutional or military law, no methods of craft or policy, can touch the heart of a nation in the midst of revolution.  A grand idea of freedom or justice is needful to kindle and sustain the fires of a high enthusiasm.

At this hour the best word and work of every man and woman are imperatively demanded.  To man, by common consent, are assigned the forum, camp and field.  What is woman’s legitimate work and how she may best accomplish it is worthy our earnest counsel one with another....  Woman is equally interested and responsible with man in the final settlement of this problem of self-government; therefore let none stand idle spectators now.  When every hour is big with destiny and each delay but complicates our difficulties, it is high time for the daughters of the Revolution in solemn council to unseal the last will and testament of the fathers, lay hold of their birthright of freedom and keep it a sacred trust for all coming generations.

To this end we ask the loyal women of the nation to meet in the Church of the Puritans, New York, on Thursday, the 14th of May next.  Let the women of every State be largely represented both in person and by letter.

    On behalf of the Woman’s Central Committee,

    ELIZABETH CADY STANTON, SUSAN B. ANTHONY.

An immense audience, mostly women, assembled in Dr. Cheever’s famous church.  Miss Anthony called the convention to order and nominated Lucy Stone for president.  Stirring addresses were made by Mrs. Stanton and the veteran anti-slavery speaker, Angelina Grimke Weld, while the Hutchinson family with their songs added inspiration to the occasion.  Miss Anthony presented a series of patriotic resolutions with the following spirited address: