34 



these the correspondence and business details have been 

 added. To the future historian of the ancient town of 

 Salem, they will present subjects of intense interest and 

 earnest thought. In minimis maximus is no less true of 

 man's advancement than of God's operations. In address- 

 ing to the historical department these few words by being 

 honored with the duty of presenting the gift, I subscribe 

 myself, Respectfully, 



John L. Russell. 



The President remarked that early in the spring of 

 1834, a few ladies having carefully examined the subject 

 of slavery for the purpose of ascertaining what duties 

 may devolve upon the female portion of the community 

 in relation thereto, called a meeting on the 4th of June 

 following, and formed an organization under the name of 

 the Salem Female Anti-slavery Society. Mrs. Cyrus P. 

 Grosvenor was elected the first President. She was suc- 

 ceeded in 1835 by Maria A. Driver, in 1838 by Lydia 

 Dean, in 1843 by Lucy G. Ives, who continued the pre- 

 sidiug officer until Jan. 3d, 1866, when its dissolution was 

 deemed advisable ; the legal abolition of slavery having 

 been accomplished, it was thought that more good could 

 be effected by working with the Freedman's Aid Society, 

 or some similar organization. 



During the thirty-two years of the existence of this 

 society, the members were very assiduous in the promo- 

 tion of its objects; no exertions were spared, despite of 

 obloqu}', and at times great unpopularity, to advance the 

 cause for which they were striving, and which for several 

 years appeared to be almost hopeless. 



Frequent meetings were held to receive and impart in- 

 telligence on the subject of emancipation ; also to devise 

 means to aid kindred associations, and the efforts of zeal- 



