Penelope Barker's 'Sentiments Of An American Woman'
June 1780
“...That only means we women have taken too long to let our voices be heard.” as Penelope
Barker wrote. This is what I read from an old paper aside from “Sentiments of an American
Woman”. Today I am responding to Esther Reed's call for us women to be a part of this voice for
this society to know that we want our part in this patriotic cause. We will be meeting together
and continue on soliciting funds to help our American troops, together with about thirty other
women aside from Ms. Reed. I believe in my heart that this will be a way for us women to have
a voice and be heard. I don't care if they may laugh at us or not take this seriously. Although I
love tea, me and my family have vowed to give it up and other
British products as well.
Thankfully, my husband supported me to join this political protest. I have opened up our
household since to American soldiers like my husband. We cook for them and provide lodging if
they need it. I have to learn to weave and spun our own cloth to make clothing for my family.
The army is so appreciative for the shirts and socks we make for them. We will be knocking on
doors in this great city, Philadelphia and hopefully people will be kind enough to contribute for
the cause to help our continental army. Any amount will do. My heart is full of fear and
anxiety. I don't know what the outcome will be but together with these brave women and others
who do their part, in whatever way they can to protest against the Motherland and support the
patriotic cause, I believe in my heart we will succeed. I will serve with all my heart until the
opposition listens and take action. We are to meet with Mr. & Mrs. Washington by next week to
submit the funds. But it will be a long, difficult road to go. There is a lot to be done and we,
women can only do so much. For peace and freedom, I pray the God Almighty will help us.
Sarah, member of the Ladies Association of Philadelphia
“...That only means we women have taken too long to let our voices be heard.” as Penelope
Barker wrote. This is what I read from an old paper aside from “Sentiments of an American
Woman”. Today I am responding to Esther Reed's call for us women to be a part of this voice for
this society to know that we want our part in this patriotic cause. We will be meeting together
and continue on soliciting funds to help our American troops, together with about thirty other
women aside from Ms. Reed. I believe in my heart that this will be a way for us women to have
a voice and be heard. I don't care if they may laugh at us or not take this seriously. Although I
love tea, me and my family have vowed to give it up and other
British products as well.
Thankfully, my husband supported me to join this political protest. I have opened up our
household since to American soldiers like my husband. We cook for them and provide lodging if
they need it. I have to learn to weave and spun our own cloth to make clothing for my family.
The army is so appreciative for the shirts and socks we make for them. We will be knocking on
doors in this great city, Philadelphia and hopefully people will be kind enough to contribute for
the cause to help our continental army. Any amount will do. My heart is full of fear and
anxiety. I don't know what the outcome will be but together with these brave women and others
who do their part, in whatever way they can to protest against the Motherland and support the
patriotic cause, I believe in my heart we will succeed. I will serve with all my heart until the
opposition listens and take action. We are to meet with Mr. & Mrs. Washington by next week to
submit the funds. But it will be a long, difficult road to go. There is a lot to be done and we,
women can only do so much. For peace and freedom, I pray the God Almighty will help us.
Sarah, member of the Ladies Association of Philadelphia