Letter from Jeanne E. Schmahl to May Wright Sewall.

SCHMAHL, JEANNE E PARIS JUNE 17, 1912

17 June. 1912

Dear Mrs. Wright Sewall,

Althought I received the two most absorbingly interesting volumes giving such an inspirting account of your work in the International Council of Women 1899-1904, in due course, I have preferred seeming remiss in not at once writing to acknowledge your most graceful gift &, to me, delightful memorial of your visits to Paris, rather than to have written my thanks before having read, marked, learned "& inwardly digested" their contents. And I have read them carefully, from title page to end of index & indeed some parts I have read two or three times: noteably all that [?] of France.

August 7th 1912

Dear Mrs. Wright Sewall,

As you see by the date at the beginning of this letter, I had be: gun to write to you more than six weeks ago. At that time I was feeling some what limp; but I kept on with my work, preparing for the two general annual meetings of our Lyceum Club. And as there seemed a very urgent need of a full financial report, as well as a general [writing?] of the situation, I determined to do my best to give satisfaction all round. At the end of June, when our assemblies had

gone off most successfully, I had a sort of breakdown & my dear friend, Madame [I'lezis?] took me with her to her country residence at [Bonnellco?] insisting, according to the Doctor's advise, that I should take no work with me. No letters to answer, or even writing materials; and she would see that I had a proper rest!

This was done & I have been living a life of complete [?] [?] for over a month with the result that "Richard is himself again!" or as nearly so, as one can home to be, at 66 years of age.

This, then, is the reason, dear Mrs. Sewall, that I have so long delayed writing so thank you for [?] most interesting accounts of your

work as founder & President of the International Council of Women.

You have indeed proved that "[?] [?] [?]" & yours has been the honor to demonstrate that "Well begun is twice done"; for the Councils of Women are now [material?], & so firmly established that, whatever may be the modifications brought to bear on the original foundation, nothing seems likely to diminish their number or seriously interfere with their action, as long as women are not free as men are, to work our their own salvations. An that is a very far future to look forward to!

I see from the newspapers that there is to be an International Convetnion of National Women's Councils held in Paris next year. This will doubtless be a most

interesting & fruitful event, and under other circumstances, I should have looked forward to taking part in the proceedings. At present, I am no longer needed. The present 'labourers in the vineyard' considering that they are sufficiently numberous for the work to be achived. That is not a bad symbolism in young workers, who have not yet borne the burden & the hear of the day. Having adour & enthusiasm enough & to spare is a good sign in beginners. It is only the aged, the dired, the weary & sometimes discouraged workers, who realize that every little helps & who feel it somewhat as injustice being just on one side.