view of Mount Shasta, but the summit was hidden by a dense fog, and I saw only one of its side-points called the crater; so all hope of seeing this lofty snow-peak is over, unless it should clear off and I see it by moonlight as I go out tonight.  This long stage route is a new and interesting experience to me, and I am so glad I returned this way.  The first day, in spite of the corduroy ruckabuck jouncing, I felt a sort of halo of joy hovering around me.  It was indescribable; it was like a benediction of “well done, decided right.”

From the diary: 

Snow storm today but a fine moonlight view of Mount Shasta at night.  Rode all night in the stage, splendid sunrise view of Castle Rock.  Today through Sacramento canyon, fine day and grand scenery.  Supped at 9 P.M. and then nine of us were packed into a short wagon and did not arrive at Red Bluff till 3 A.M....  No arrangements had been made for my lecture.  Sheriff refused to let me have the courthouse.  Secured the schoolhouse, but no fire and small audience after all my hard trip to get here.  Called at 2:30 A.M. to take the stage again....  Reached Chico at last.  Mr. Allen, agent of General Bidwell, met me, and such a good cup of coffee and cosy, comfortable time as his wife Emma gave me!  Good audience, although heavy storm....  At Marysville spoke in the theater to a small but select audience.  Expenses $20 over receipts.  The fates are opposed to my financial success, and the interest is piling up on my debts....  Mrs. Laura de Force Gordon and a dozen other ladies met me at Sacramento, and she and I went on to San Francisco where I found thirty letters awaiting me at the Grand Hotel.

The flurry of prejudice against Miss Anthony had died out and she accepted an invitation for a public address signed by a number of influential citizens.  She spoke several times to good audiences and was fairly treated by the press, but she was too frank and outspoken to be very popular, especially at that time.  The people were greatly stirred up over what was known as the Holland Social Evil Bill, which was under consideration by the board of supervisors and had roused public opinion to white heat, both in favor and in opposition.  Miss Anthony naturally made a fight against it, calling a meeting of women only and explaining to them, point by point, its vicious propositions.  This provoked both favorable and adverse criticism by the press.  At Mayfield she was a guest at the handsome home of Judge and Mrs. Sarah Wallis.  Mrs. Knox, Mrs. Watson, Mrs. McKee and a big omnibus load drove up from San Jose, seventeen miles.  She spoke at a number of neighboring towns and the sympathizers with the cause she represented were delighted with her masterly efforts, but she felt everywhere the need of a good manager to make her lectures a financial success.  On December 15 her friends in San Francisco tendered her a reception and banquet at the Grand Hotel.  All the newspapers in the city gave complimentary accounts, of which the following from the Chronicle will serve as a specimen: