Consists of 32 manuscript pages in a single hand on lined legal paper, dated July 4, 1884. The speech appears incomplete, as the last few lines are struck through, and no conclusion exists. Addressing the patriotic speech to "Mrs. President, Gentlemen and Ladies," the unknown writer draws attention to women's unnoted roles in American history, calls attendees to action, and encourages awareness of the important and expanded roles women are already claiming across the nation.

The first ten pages recount the history of the United States beginning with Columbus and leading up to the present: "From the snow capped mountains of the North to the spicy groves of the South, we, a happy people, celebrate the birth-day of American Independence [...] On this 4th of July in the year of our Lord 1884 and the Independence of the United States of America the 108th, this is when the women of this enlightened portion of our state have attempted to demonstrate the fact that they can inaugurate and successfully carry out a plan." Drawing attention to female forebears' role in founding the nation, the speaker proclaims "it would be a serious omission if I did fail to make fitting mention of the part borne by the women -- the mothers of our country -- in these momentous affairs." The next two pages reflect on the influence of historical women from the ancient world, the Bible, and early America.

The writer continues their discussion regarding present day women: "There is much talk in these days of the rights of women, of the injustice of taxation without representation, an old subject revived of the power of the ballot in a new form, and the unlawfulness of its being withheld from women. It is claimed that if they had suffrage, there would be a revolution [...] the effort of securing this privilege will be the next step in the development of the struggle for independence in our country." Promoting the power of the vote, the speaker next reminds listeners that even without enfranchisement, women have and will continue to shape their communities: "Women need not wait for it [the vote] to be assured of the tremendous power they are already wielding for good." The orator gestures to women's roles as "educated nurses," as contributors to the field of "science which every day is opening up new and wonderful discoveries," and to new possibilities unfolding as "schools and colleges everywhere invite the student to explore the realm of knowledge." In the final lines, the speaker urges moderate involvement in the pursuit of voting and increased focus on all that women have already achieved.