Thou seems prepared for the difference thou wilt find in Philada., as compared with our Eastern Cities, tho’ not so much, as thou supposes, from more conservatism here, as from the lack of intellectual education, combined with moral culture, to prepare the mind to appreciate all that is enjoyed in New England. We are improving however, and thou may find us better, than we have been represented.

                    —Lucretia Mott to To Elizabeth Oakes Smith, 2^nd Mo. 1852

Selected Letters, p. 210

The early Quakers still earlier 1660 & 70 asserted & carried out Womans equal claim to the Ministry—& reciprocal vows in the Marriage covenant—also in acting a part in the Executive duties of the society—while their women too were & they still are governed by laws, in the making of which they have no voice—rules of Discipline always issuing from men’s Mg— Some advance in this respect in Rhode I. Yearly—& Genesee; as well as entire equality in the Progressive Frds. Mgs . . . .

— As to Nantucket Women, there are no great things to tell. In the early settlement of that Island Mary Starbuck bore a prominent place, as a wise counsellor, & a remarkably strong mind.

— Divers Quaker women since that time, have been eminent as preachers..Hannah Barnard of Hudson [New York], a native of Nantucket, of the last century, was regarded one of the greatest ministers in the Society. She travelled in England, & was there deposed by the ruling powers ^in the Society of course,^ for daring to express doubts of the Divine authority of the Jewish Wars—as well as far more openly than Friends were wont, to deny the atonement & scheme of Salvation. She returned home to Hudson & was much respected thro’ a long life for her good works

—Priscilla Hunt [Cadwallader] another great minister—out west descended from Nant[ucket] parents—on the Fathers side— In the Mo. Mg. of Friends on that Island, the Women have long been regarded as the stronger part— This is owing in some measure to so many of the men being away at sea— During the absence of their husbands, Nantucket women have been compelled to transact business, often going to Boston to procure supplies of goods—exchanging for oil, candles, whalebone—&.c.— This has made them adept in trade— They have kept their own accounts, & indeed acted the part of men.

— Then education & intellectual culture have been for years equal for girls & boys so that their women are prepared to be companions of man in every sense—and their social circles are never divided. Successive generations of this kind of mental exercise have changed improved the form of the head, and the intellectual portion predominates— Set down as much of this to partiality & self-praise as thou please.

                        — Lucretia Mott, Letter to Elizabeth Cady Stanton, March 1855

Selected Letters, p. 234

Geo[rge]. Combe [a major advocate of Phrenology] told me the sculls of the native Anglo Saxon, in the earliest day were far inferior to our later developements— Nantucket women’s frontal organs are more prominent than those of women whose intellectual powers & business talents have not been called into action.

                    —Lucretia Mott, letter to Richard D. Webb, 2^nd Mo 1870

Selected Letters, p435