MANUSCRIPT: Union Band, The. Vol. 2, no. 12.
MANUSCRIPT NEWSPAPER BY SHAKER WOMEN
SEEKING WOMAN SUFFRAGE AND OTHER UNIVERSAL RIGHTS
[Periodicals] Morse, Mary Rose, ed. Manuscript newspaper: The Union Band. Volume
2, Number 2. [Shirley, MA],
Two leaves; four pages; 12-1/2 x 7-5/8”; text in two columns per page; colorfully and
artfully decorated with a floral masthead; framed.
A beautifully decorated holograph manuscript newspaper, providing Shaker commentary
– by several women – on politics and social reform including an appeal for Woman
Suffrage. Edited by Mary Rose Morse, then 25 years old. An alarming survival with
poetic, moral, religious, social and political reform content, including remarks on
Reconstruction, and African American and Woman Suffrage. This is the only copy we
can trace, in trade, private collections, and institutional holdings. A few excerpts:
“…[O]ur moments well employed with hands given to work & hearts to God…” (Editor)
(p.2)
“…[I]n the liberal party now forming, methinks one can see that the aim of true men is to
close up the old feuds which have been growing ever since the formation of the
government, caused by that monster of iniquity -- slavery, being allowed to exist &
spread, till this fair country became a disgrace among nations. / I have a great horror of
war, & when the rebellion broke out I thought it was a dreadful thing, till I came to see
that in it there was a chance for the slaves to be free, And freedom for the slave is worth
all the blood & money it cost the country… / Strict party lines & a constant keeping up of
the issues of the war between the North & South, & between the blacks & whites, do not
tend to fraternity, now that there comes a breaking up of the old party lines & a new one
is forming in the interests of peace which bids fair to lay aside the prejudices of past
years, & move on to a union stronger & more permanent than ever…. old proslavery
parties… supporting the recent amendments to the constitution…. The sentiments of
liberty & freedom are too strong with the masses to allow a falling behind in the march to
perfect political freedom. / It will not be reached though, till <p.3> woman is allowed her
full share in the government…. One may say that Shakers do not engage in politics, & it
is true; but nevertheless we have an interest in reform[.] The principle of peace is
incorporated in our belief, & we are interested in the progress made towards it in the
world.” (Julia P.) (p.2-3)
“Always keep the heart & thoughts pure, for if the heart be impure, the atmosphere
around us will be the same, & others will have to breathe it in…. to make life perfect.
Would to God that there were more to share with me my good home & loving friends.”
(Mary Jane) (p.3)
“A Shaker Home” (Jennie) (p.3)
“The present presidential campaign…. We trust that slavery has been put down beyond
recovery…. to share alike the same blessings of a free civil government…. It is the mind
that makes the man or woman, & sex can make no material difference in mind… I think
the cause of woman is spreading & progressing; & I would be a participator in every
effort that is for their emancipation; & sing with a loud voice, “equal rights for
all.” (Editor) (p.4)
“General News of The Society: Our great house is on the road to completion; the cellars
are not finished, nor the painting done…. / We are getting so short for help that
considerable of our garden land has had to remain uncultivated…. / …tomato
canning…grind[ing] cider & everything promises a busy season…. / We have been to
Notown nine times after blue-berries… / …The family that joined last Spring, have
returned [i.e., left the community], without much regret on our part…” (p.4)
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