The object of my mission was to rouse the people to the presumptive evidence that the immutable truth upon which the Declaration of Independence is based, and which immortalizes the name of Thomas Jefferson, namely, that "all men are created equal, and endowed with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," includes woman too. Self evident as this truth is, yet it is no easy task to enforce it upon minds who never had a correct conception of the true principles upon which alone a republic can securely stand, who are so thoroughly Know-Nothing as to be ignorant that human rights recognize no sex, country, or color. It is easier to win a battle than to conquer minds filled with Know-Nothingism. It requires far more true courage and persevering heroism to carry on a moral war than a physical one. It is much easier to take a fortress, composed even of granite, than to storm a citadel of prejudice sanctified by superstition, engrafted by age, and strengthened by habit; and well might those who are engaged in this moral war exclaim: "These are the times that try women's souls."
— ERNESTINE ROSE