Julia Ward Howe (27 May 1819 – 17 Oct 1910 | New York NY – Portsmouth RI) poet, hymnist, suffragist, abolitionist, social activist.

Arise then… women of this day! Arise, all women who have hearts! Whether your baptism be

of water or of tears! From the voice of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own. It says:

“Disarm! Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice.” Blood does not wipe our

dishonor, nor violence indicate possession. Let women now leave all that may be left of home

for a great and earnest day of counsel. Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commem-

orate the dead. Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means whereby the

great human family can live in peace… In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly

ask that a general conference of women without limit of nationality may be appointed and held,

to promote the alliance of different nationalities, amicable settlement of international questions,

great general interests of peace. Mine eyes have seen the glory… but not a word I breathe is mine.

Howe, Julia Ward. Mother’s Day Proclamation and Battle Hymn of the Republic. All Poetry.
Retrieved 11 Oct 2023. https://allpoetry.com/Julia-Ward-Howe