Ship Angelique: California Association of American Women, New York, February 20, 1849.

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SHIP ANGELIQUE


CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN WOMEN


NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 2d, 1849.


THE death of my husband, THOMAS J. FARNHAM, at San Francisco, in September last, renders it expedient that I should visit California during the coming season. Having a desire to accomplish some greater good by my journey thither than to give the necessary attention to my private affairs, and believing that the presence of women would be one of the surest checks upon many of the evils that are apprehended there, I desire to ask attention to the following sketch of a plan for organizing a party of such persons to emigrate to that country.


Among the many privations and deteriorating influences to which the thousands who are flocking thither will be subjected, one of the greatest is the absence of woman, with all her kindly cares and powers, so peculiarly conservative to man under such circumstances.


It would exceed the limits of this circular to hint at the benefits that would flow to the growing population of that wonderful region, from the introduction among them of intelligent, virtuous and efficient women. Of such only, it is proposed to make up this company. It is believed that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of such females in our country who are not bound by any tie that would hold them here, who might, by going thither, have the satisfaction of employing themselves greatly to the benefit and advantage of those who are there, and at the same time of serving their own interest more effectually than by following any employment that offers to them here.


It is proposed that the company shall consist of persons not under twenty-five years of age, who shall bring from their clergyman, or some authority of the town where they reside, satisfactory testimonials of education, character, capacity, &c., and who can contribute the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars, to defray the expenses of the voyage, make suitable provision for their accommodation after reaching San Francisco, until they shall be able to enter upon some occupation for their support, and create a fund to be held in reserve for the relief of any who may be ill, or otherwise need aid before they are able to provide for themselves.


It is believed that such an arrangement, with one hundred or one hundred and thirty persons, would enable the company to purchase or charter a vessel, and fit it up with every thing necessary to comfort on the voyage, and that the combination of all for the support of each, would give such security, both as to health, person and character, as would remove all reasonable hesitation from the minds of those who may be disposed and able to join such a mission. It is intended that the party shall include six or eight respectable married men and their fammilies.


Those who desire further information mill receive it by calling on the subscriber at


ELIZA W. FARNHAM.


The New-York built Packet Ship ANGELIQUE has been engaged to take out this Association. She is a spacious vessel, fitted up with state rooms throughout and berths of good size, well ventilated and provided in every way to secure a safe, speedy and comfortable voyage. She will be ready to sail from New-York about the 12th or 15th of April.


WE, the undersigned, having been made acquainted with the plan proposed by MRS. FARNHAM, in the above circular, hereby express our approbation of the same, and recommend her to those who may be disposed to unite with her in it, as worthy the trust and confidence necessary to its successful conduct.


HON. J. W. EDMONDS, Judge Superior Court.


HON. W. T. McCOUN, Late Vice Chancellor.


HON. B. F. BUTLER, Late U. S. Attorney.


HON. H. GREELEY.


ISAAC T. HOPPER, ESQ.


FREEMAN HUNT, ESQ.


THOMAS C. DOREMUS, ESQ.


W. C. BRYANT, ESQ.


SHEPHERD KNAPP, ESQ.


REV. GEORGE POTTS, D. D.


REV. HENRY WARD BEECHER.


MISS CATHARINE M. SEDGWICK.


MRS. C. M. KIRKLAND.


NESBITT, PRINTER.


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