Under date of April 4, Mary A. Livermore wrote Miss Anthony, asking if she could secure a pass for her over the Erie road, and saying:  “I have written to the New England friends to let bygones be bygones and come to the May meeting.  It seems to me personal feelings should be laid aside and women should all pull together.”  After telling of the excellent prospects of her own suffrage paper, the Agitator, just started in Chicago, she continues:  “It seems as if everybody who does not like The Revolution is bound to take the Agitator, which is very well, since they are detachments of the same corps.  We must keep up a good understanding and work together.  If you want to let people know there is no rivalry between us, you can announce that I am to send your paper fortnightly letters from the West detailing the progress of affairs here.”

A cheery letter from Anna Dickinson says:  “Work has run in easy grooves this winter—­not that the travel has not often been exhausting and the roads wearisome; but that every one in this western world is ablaze with the grand question.  Thank God, and hurrah!  I feel in both moods.  I hope you and that adorable cherub, E.C.S., are well, and that everything is flourishing as it should flourish with two such saints.  As for me, the finger of care touches lightly; furthermore I am in a doubly delectable condition by reason of having my face set towards home, and beyond home is a vista of my Susan’s countenance.  Please, my dear, can’t you meet this sinner at Cortlandt street, and then the sinner and the saint will have all the afternoon together somewhere, and that seems almost too good to be true?”

This was the beginning of a correspondence with Gail Hamilton, who wrote:  “I regret to say that I can neither honor nor shame your anniversary with my presence.  I have been out on a sixteen-months’ cruise, fighting single handed for equal rights, and am now hauled up in dock for repairs.  But you, I am sure, will be glad to know that, though much battered and tempest-tossed, I came into port with all sail set and every rag of bunting waving victory.  This is a private note to you, and as you are but a landsman yourself, you will never know if my ropes are not knotted sailor-fashion.”

[Autograph: 

  Very respectfully
  Gail Hamilton]

The third aniversary of the Equal Rights Association opened at Steinway Hall, May 12, 1869, Mrs. Stanton presiding, and proved to be the most stormy and unsatisfactory meeting ever held.  The usual brilliant galaxy of speakers was present, besides a number of prominent men and women who were just beginning to be heard on the woman suffrage platform.  Among these were Olive Logan, Phoebe Couzins, Madam D’Hericourt, a French physician and writer, Rev. Phoebe A. Hanaford, Rev. O.B.  Frothingham, Hon. Henry Wilson, Rev. Gilbert Haven and others.  There were also more delegates from the West, headed by Mrs. Livermore, than had been present at any previous meeting.  The usual number of fine addresses were made and all promised fair, but Stephen S. Foster soon disturbed the harmony by suggesting that it was time for Miss Anthony and Mrs. Stanton to withdraw from the association, as they had repudiated its principles and the Massachusetts society could no longer co-operate with them.  This called forth indignant speeches from all parts of the house, and he was soon silenced.[49]