To be historians of a reform in which we have been among the chief actors, has its points of embarrassment as well as advantage. Those who fight the battle can best give what all readers like to know--the impelling motives to action; the struggle in the face of opposition; the vexation under ridicule; and the despair in success too long deferred. Moreover, there is an interest in history written from a subjective point of view, that may compensate the reader in this case for any seeming egotism or partiality he may discover. As an autobiography is more interesting than a sketch by another, so is a history written by its actors, as in both cases we get nearer the soul of the subject. We have finished our task, and we hope the contribution we have made may enable some other hand in the future to write a more complete history of "the most momentous reform that has yet been launched on the world--the first organized protest against the injustice which has brooded over the character and destiny of one-half the human race." CONTENTS. PAGE CHAPTER I. PRECEDING CAUSES. CHAPTER II. WOMAN IN NEWSPAPERS. CHAPTER III. THE WORLD'S ANTI-SLAVERY CONVENTION, LONDON, JUNE 13, 1840. Individualism rather than Authority--Personal appearance of Abolitionists--Attempt to silence Woman--Doable battle against the tyranny of sex and color--Bigoted Abolitionists--James G. Birney likes freedom on a Southern plantation, but not at his own fireside--John Bull never dreamt that Woman would answer his call--The venerable Thomas Clarkson received by the Convention standing--Lengthy debate on "Female" delegates--The "Females" rejected--William Lloyd Garrison refusing to sit in the Convention 50 CHAPTER IV. NEW YORK. The First Woman's Rights Convention, Seneca Falls, July 19-80, 1848--Property Bights of Women secured--Judge Fine, George Geddes, and Mr. Hadley pushing the Bill through--Danger of meddling with well-settled conditions of domestic happiness--Mrs. Barbara Hertell's will--Richard Hunt's tea-table--The eventful day--James Mott President--Declaration of sentiments--Convention in Rochester-- Opposition with Bible arguments 63 CHAPTER V. MRS. COLLINS' REMINISCENCES. The first Suffrage Society--Methodist class-leader whips his wife--Theology enchains the soul--The status of women and slaves the same--The first medical college opened to women--Petitions to the Legislature laughed at, and laid on the table--Dependence woman's best protection; her weakness her sweetest charm--Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell's letter--Sketch of Ernestine L. Rose 88 CHAPTER VI. OHIO.