From the collections at the Leavenworth County Historical Society and Museum. Reprinted with permission from The Leavenworth County Historical Society and Museum and the Leavenworth Times. Donated by Debra Graden.

The Anthony Letters

Money Matters First at Hand; Women's rights Come Later

Leavenworth Times, Thursday, February 14, 1957

Leavenworth, K.T.

May 30, 1859

Dear Brother Aaron:

I feel a delicacy about saying too much encouraging you to go to St. Jo. The law of Missouri was changed suddenly at the last legislature and all the insurance companies are now rushing in.

I think perhaps you could get The Home or some the New York offices,a nd then in time The Aetna. The Phoenix Agency is doing little or, nothing at St. Jo. If anything new occurs will post you.

Mr. Soule and myself intend doing a full fledged banking business this summer. He may call on you in Rochester on his return from the east.

Conflicting accounts from the Gold Region. Many returning emigrants, others going west from here who have letters from their friends saying "come on, gold in abundance. Some humbug!

As ever

D. R. Anthony

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June 13, 1859

Dear Sister Susan:

Your letter is received. Will accept orders drawn by the party you name to the amount of $200. Can't say how much I can help the cause. We have enough to attend to besides Woman's Rights just now.

Would like to cultivate our people so that they will allow white men to live and breathe, first. As the women already possess that right, they must help s first and then we will help them.

Write again soon. In haste--

Yours truly,

D. R. Anthony

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Dear Sister:

Madame Susan e. Wattles of Moneka, Linn County, Kansas, has written me to send her all money in my hands donated by the Women's Rights Association of the east -- or send to Sarah Wattles, treasurer.

I have written her that you wished me to advance funds, as I supposed in such sums and at such times as they needed for necessary expenses. Did I do as you desired? If not, direct me more fully and I will comply.

My opinion is the money will be spent without adequate result. But my opinion is not of much value as I am so much occupied in other business. I sent Mrs. Nickols $25 the other day.

Pike's Peaks news now very flattering. No humbug -- lots of gold.

As ever,

D. R. Anthony