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07 Letterto the editor: “Farewell Letter of Mrs.rose” April 30, 1856 New York, New York Ernestine and William Rose decided to travel to Europe in the spring of 1856. Ernestine Rose was, by then, a public person and wrote to her constituency to explain her absence and reflect on her contributions to date. She had been ill since the beginning of the year with “an inflammation of the lungs,” probably a bronchial infection , and hoped that a vacation of six months abroad would provide rest and recovery (Kolmerten 1999, 181–82). She tells her readers that she hopes she will be excused for taking a furlough, “after twenty years as a volunteer soldier in the cause of Truth,” and states her intention to return in November in time for the next national women’s rights convention in New York City. This letter was published, with a brief introduction by the editor, in the Boston Investigator on May 5, 1856. n Our readers will perceive by the following interesting letter from Mrs. Rose, that probably by this time she is at sea, on her passage to Europe. We trust that the voyage and the visit may effect her complete restoration to health; that herself and husband may be fortunate enough to escape all mishaps; enjoy a very pleasant entertainment wherever they may travel, and return in safety to the land of their adoption. These wishes, we are certain, will be sincerely responded to by the many friends of this worthy couple, who are deservedly esteemed by all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance. Therefore, we commend them to the kind attention of the English Liberals, who, we doubt not, will give them a cordial welcome and also warmly appreciate the ability and eloquence of Mrs. Rose as a lecturer, if the state of her health enables her to engage in that undertaking. We are much gratified to learn that during her absence she will correspond with the Investigator; and as her letters will be read with interest, we shall receive them with great satisfaction. And now, farewell to our good friends for a season. We would give them a “benediction,” only that is not exactly in our line—but perhaps it will be just as profitable if we hope that their ship, the Northumberland, may have pleasant breezes and a quick passage. Blow ye west winds, blandly hover O’er the ship that bears them over. 08 ernestIne l.rose New York, April 30th, 1856 Mr. Editor:— I see, by the Investigator, that you are apprised of our intention to visit Europe, but before leaving America, I wish, though very much occupied with making necessary preparations for a long journey, to say a few parting words to our Liberal friends, many of whom I should much like to write personally—but as I am not able to do this for want of time, I will speak through the Investigator, and hope that they will appropriate as much to themselves as will be agreeable to their feelings and wishes. It is customary, in the military world, that a soldier, particularly a volunteer , after serving some years, should be permitted a furlough, or leave of absence. In the religious world too, it has become a custom, or rather fashion, that ministers who have for a few years read a chapter in the Bible every Sunday, and delivered a sermon of half an hour’s duration, (no matter who wrote it,) should go to Europe for their health. So I too may be pardoned, though not a minister, after twenty years as a volunteer soldier in the cause of Truth, for leaving my post, not as a deserter, but on furlough, to gather fresh strength for the glorious battle of freedom. On the 14th of May it will be twenty years, since we arrived in this country. During that period, (and for some years previous,) I have endeavored to the best of my powers and ability to serve the cause of progress and humanity; to advocate what to me seemed the truth; to defend human nature from the libel cast upon it by superstition; to claim human rights irrespective of sex, country, or color—in fine, to devote and direct all my efforts to the elevation of the ignorant, the poor, and the oppressed. In the little I was able to do, I had no ulterior end to serve; no personal interest to gain, except the gratification that springs from the performance...

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