Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[164] Destruction only is with those who falter. These are stirring times, and now we must test the question, whether we have or have not a government? To abandon that great question now is to abandon all. (Applause.) In one sense of the word there is some truth in the allegation that the contest is a sectional one. In the broader and more comprehensive view it is not so. It is a question of government or no government. That is the true question which we have to settle — whether we have a government, whether we received that government from our fathers, and shall perpetuate it to those who come after us? (Applause.) That is the question, however variously sections may array themselves upon either side. How we are cheered along the pathway of our duty by the kind and cordial aid which woman gives! You have met hero for the purpose of perfecting more thoroughly an organization which shall be of incalculable benefit to the cause. Your sons, your husbands, your brothers, who have gone forth to battle for all that you hold dear and valuable to you, will be sustained in the hour of conflict and in the hour of pain, when they know that their mothers and sisters are devoting their best energies to give them comfort, whatever their condition or wherever they may be. (Applause.) Our grand cause, and the prayers that will go up to heaven for them and for their cause, will stimulate them in the hour of battle, and after it shall pass away. (Applause.) God bless you, women of New York! Rome in the days of her culminated power never witnessed scenes like these. The world has never seen it. Here palatial parlors are devoted to the manufacture of useful and necessary articles for sons, brothers and fathers, who have gone to the war. (Applause.) You have met here to systematize your work and to invite the cooperation of others throughout the land. Let me tell you they will come from every green hillside and every valley all over New England, my home, and from every loyal State. (Loud applause.) They will cooperate with you; they will form one grand central point, pour in their contributions, and send to you those who are competent to alleviate the sufferings of the sick and wounded. (Applause.) They will cooperate with you, with their humble hands and their means — will join with you in their prayers to Heaven, to aid that cause which all know to be so just. And with your cooperation — with your prayers and appealing to the God of Heaven, for the rectitude of our purpose and the purity of our cause, we know liberty shall be perpetuated in our land.--N. Y. Herald, April 30.