Josephine Griffing

“ Your memoriolists, women of the North and North-West, pray that you will allow us to share more fully in the responsibility and labor, so remarkably laid upon the Government and the men of the North, in the care and education of these freedmen. ”

“ Representing a large number of the Women of the Republic, who see before your honorable body proposed legislation, looking to the recognition of the manhood of millions of American people, heretofore slaves in this nation, but now, by the Government made free aware that the Government is at present burdened, and the men of our country over-taxed with labor and care, necessarily imposed upon those not called into the army. ”

“ These Freedmen's Associations being composed mainly of women and children, whose wants and necessities are fully understood by your memoralists, we ask you to commission us through competent agents to visit these associations to ascertain their condition; to raise funds in the North to supply their needs; to select teachers who are qualified to instruct in all branches of practical education, both of mind and of womanhood—aiming at the direct development of self-reliance and self support, and appoint them to certain associations and specific work ”