Susan B. Anthony's Letter to President Grant. opus 914
| 14 August 2026 1843 Hours | | History, Communication, Custom, Ethics, Law, Politics, Relationship, Sexism |
Susan B. Anthony was a school teacher. In 1851 she met
Elizabeth Cady Stanton at the Seneca Falls Convention.
(The women's rights convention.) At that moment she
decided to dedicate her life to recurring political, civil,
and economic equality for women.
In the spring of 1872, Anthony met with Ulysses S. Grant
at the White House to advocate for women's suffrage.
During his first term, Grant had supported much legislation
for women's rights. Anthony was hopeful for his reelection
and for giving women the vote.
On 5 November 1872, Anthony and 14 other women
'illegally' voted, convincing the election inspectors to
accept their ballots.
On 18 November, Anthony was the only woman of the
15 who was arrested and brought to federal trial. One
week later on 25 November 1872, Anthony wrote her
famous letter to President Grant, espousing her
philosophy regarding voting rights for all American citizens.
The letter:
"To the President of the United States. 25 November 1872
Dear Sir
"Allow me to ask you to recommend to Congress to enact a law defining
the basis of the Republican form of government it is the duty of the body
to guarantee to the Several "States of the Union: -- also a law defining
the fundamental rights of the United States citizen.
"You are doubtless aware that several U.S. Citizens are now under
arrest by the U.S. Commissioner of this city to answer for "illegal voting" --
that is, for exercising what they believe to be the Constitutional right
of United States citizens. I am sure you will use your powers to secure
protection to all U.S. citizens in New York as well as North Carolina.
"If to be a citizen is not to be a voter -- then what better is a citizen of
the U.S. than a subject of the British Empire -- If the boast "I am an
American citizen" -- means only that I am bound to obey the law of
the United States -- What mockery!
"If I am a citizen -- I have full and free right of suffrage -- If our
government is a true republican form -- it is founded on the consent
of the whole people -- not one half.
"I pray you, therefore, urge upon Congress to pronounce upon these
questions and forever lift the citizens right to vote above the reach
of petty officers of the law to impede or deny.
"With respect and in the behalf of all Women Citizens
Sincerely Yours
Susan B. Anthony"
(This is exactly how Anthony wrote her letter. The letter was in a private
collection and was discovered in July 2026. There is no evidence that
the letter was ever sent to or received by Grant. It was never filed in the
White House records nor the National Archives. It is understood that
Anthony had just been arrested and might have been 'letting off steam.')