In 1854 I prepared my first speech for the New York legislature.

That was a great event in my life.

I felt so nervous over it, lest it should not be worthy the occasion, that Miss Anthony suggested that I should slip up to Rochester and submit it to the Rev.William Henry Channing, who was preaching there at that time.

I did so, and his opinion was so favorable as to the merits of my speech that I felt quite reassured.

My father felt equally nervous when he saw, by the Albany _Evening Journal_, that I was to speak at the Capitol, and asked me to read my speech to him also.