The Harry Watkins Diary, Volume 11 [July 22, 1853–June 12, 1854]

02 November 1853

Wed. (Wednesday) 2d . Raining—Reading, writing & walking A.M. ditto P.M. remove…slipaddin the evening went to hear Miss Lucy Stone lecture on "Woman's rights." She made a very good argument for the cause she advocated, and her remarks were received with much favor by a large audience composed principally of removethat sex thoseexpand_less who, as she declared, were the oppressors of poor women. I believe, myself, that there are many pursuits now exclusively filled by men for which women are as well, if not better, adapted than the former.

Females would make excellent physicians, as they are better fitted for the sick-room than are men; the only cases they would be incapable of managing successfully would be fevers,—forexpand_less to have a pretty woman feeling one's pulse would be more likely to increase than to allay the heat. Howeremoverver , I shall strongly advocate female physicians, also female clerks, printers & etc. But to removeextent extend the sphere of "woman's usefulness" as far as Miss Stone desires, byexpand_less opening to her the bar, the halls of legislation, the army & navy would be the worst possible thing that could befall her sex—all the respect, attention, and courtesy nowexpand_less shown to them would be withheld; becoming, as it were, thus unsexed she would receive the same treatment that man bestows upon his fellow man—and that is bad enough, heaven knows! The poets [sic poet's] language "the man that lays his hand upon a woman save in the way of kindness is a wretch whom it were a gross flattery to term a coward"—! would no more be hailed with loud applause, it would rather excite laughter. Oh! no woman!—keep as you are—You rule the world now did you but know it! Miss Stone removeiswas attired in the bloomer costume. removeShe Her age I should have judged to be twenty-five—rather a good looking [sic good-looking] face—a passable figure and, on the whole, looked as though she ought to make anexpand_less removegood excellent wife. So take your time Miss LucyremoveStone removeget married—talk no more about "rights" get a

husband, make him comfortable and if he be a man, you'l…illegiblel have your rights. The good book commands us to "increase and multiply"—so get married Lucy and obey this divine command. If no other man can be found to take you for better or forexpand_less worse, on account of the principles you advocate—I am willing myself to run the risk—What say you Lucy?