From the Collection of
Women's Rights National Historical Park

 

Dear Elizabeth, To be sure I will do
myself the pleasure of accepting
your kind invitation to attend
the proposed woman's Convention
at Seneca Falls. I think that one
or two or more of the Post
family will be present also.
Your notice did not reach me
in time for this paper - but happily
I received one from our mutual
Friend Lucretia Mott. With
Dear love to the family
I am most Sincerely
Yours

Frederick Douglass
July. 14. (1848) Rochester

While living with her parents, Thomas and Mary Ann M'Clintock, in Waterloo, New York, Elizabeth M'Clintock began working for the Western New York Anti-Slavery Society in 1843. Her first contribution was as member of the planning committee for the first Rochester anti-slavery fair that year. Proceeds exceeded $300. Frederick Douglass knew Elizabeth M'Clintock through her work as a member of the Society, headquartered in the office above Douglass' printing office for The North Star.

Amy Post was also a member of the Western New York Anti-Slavery Society. She attended the First Women's Rights Convention, participated in discussions, and signed the Declaration of Sentiments. Frederick Douglass attended the Convention on the second day. He participated in discussions at the morning session, and addressed the Convention at the evening session “and in an excellent and appropriate speech, ably supported the cause of woman.” Douglass signed the Declaration of Sentiments.

The M’Clintock family actively participated in the First Women’s Rights Convention. Mary Ann, Thomas, Mary and Elizabeth signed the Declaration of Sentiments. Elizabeth M’Clintock addressed the Convention the afternoon of the first day. Her mother, Mary Ann, was one of the five organizers of the convention. Her sister, Mary was appointed Secretary of the Convention at the opening session and gave an address the evening of the second day. Her father, Thomas M’Clintock chaired the evening session on the second day and addressed the Convention. Mary Ann M’Clintock, Amy Post, Elizabeth M’Clintock, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were appointed to prepare proceedings of the Convention for publication.

Back to Underground Railroad Exhibit