Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Susan B. Anthony's Letter to President Grant. 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.') Frank Maurer 28 July 2026. 1220 Hours.