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May 26, 1823
Less than four month before her death, Lloyd writes to his Mother after receiving a letter from her. Her letter was a source of pleasure and pain … “it was pleasing to receive a letter couched in such tender language from an affectionate mother … of pain because it brought news that she “almost laid at death’s door”… 1
July 7, 1823
Garrison visits his Mother, in Baltimore, seeing her for the first time in seven years. A letter to a friend describes her condition. “… so emaciated, that I should never have recognized her … bolstered up in bed, being incompetent to lie down….” Then he comments on the operation she is to undergo… “and from the known skill of the physician in surgery, it is believed it will result happily.” 1
April 24 1834
About five months before their wedding, here is a flavor of Garrison’s feelings. Writing to Helen he says, “I am no longer William Lloyd Garrison, but Helen Eliza Benson. There is such a fine and perfect affinity of souls between us, that I have lost my identity, and now completely engrossed in your person.” 1
April 25, 1834
Writing to Helen: “It is truly delightful to know that we possess each other’s affections, in all their purity and strength — but, oh! how incomparably more precious is that assurance, which I trust we both cherish, leading us to believe that we are loved by our heavenly Father, and that we love Him supremely! — Dear Helen, in our morning and evening devotions, when bowing in our hearts at the mercy-seat, let us pray that we may be kept from all sin — from the temptations and snares of an evil world — from idolatry — from slothfulness and folly — and that we may be continually replenished with heavenly wisdom… “ 1
May 1, 1834
“Gentle One: Do I love you too much? Do I think of you too often? Do I devote too much time in writing to you? This I know — that our separation is truly painful to my heart; that you occupy my thoughts more than any other human being; that in addressing myself to you so often, I am not only permitted to cherish the pleasing assurance that I am contributing to your happiness, but enabled to pour out the tender emotions of my breast; and that I might as well attempt to forget my own unworthiness, as one so dear and meritorious as my own sweet Helen…” 1
April 18, 1836
Garrison has had to delay leaving Boston to be with Helen in Connecticut. “Do you begin to distrust me? Do I begin to slight you? Nay — you think all the better of me –I love you the more dearly: — you, because I am intent upon discharging the duties which I owe to God and man — I, because your acquiescence is so cheerfully and sweetly given, painful though a separation is to us both. “ 1
May 25, 1836
Garrison, writing to Helen, tells of a letter from George Thompson. “T. says…that our dear babe, with such a name as he has got, must really be a double dipped fanatic — George Thompson GARRISON !!” 1
July 16, 1836
Writing to Knapp: “I am really in miserable health. Mine is a bilious and liver complaint. For three or four weeks past, I have had a slow fever hanging upon me, and am now taking medicine in good earnest. I am losing flesh gradually, but constantly …” 1
Juy 1, 1837
“I have often thought that a man must feel queerly, who has had a leg amputated; but what is the subtraction of a leg, compared to the loss of his ‘better half’? If we twain are one, (as I have been imagining ever since S. J. May bound us together,) how is it that you are in Providence, and I am in Brooklyn, at the same instant? … Ah! the solution of the enigma is easy — our hearts are one, not our bodies, so that we can be in full communion with each other at a distance of thirty miles.” 1
Jan. 30, 1838
The second child, a son, has been born. “What name shall be given to our baby? Ichabod, Abijah, Jonah, Aminidab, are all good scriptural names, but they are not “popular” — and as these are the days of expediency, we ought to be very “judicious”, “prudent”, “moderate”, and “careful”, you know, in bestowing a name, so as not to offend. Now, so reckless of consequences is my wife, — so anxious to show her contempt of public opinion, — so determined that he shall bear an odious name, - that she says it is her wish to call him — William Lloyd Garrison.” 1
Dec. 14, 1839
Garrison writes to the Secretary of the Navy, asking for his brother’s discharge, because of illness. James is living with the Garrisons. “His disease is a difficult one to eradicate from the system, if it be not immedicable; and must, for an indefinite period, render him of little or no value to the navy. It is a fistulous abscess, of a cancerous nature, situated at the base of the back bone, and badly affecting the spine, and shattering the constitution.” 1
May 28, 1840
On board ship, Garrison writes to Helen. At the conclusion: “I think a great deal of my dear children, and long to hear their pleasant voices — more vocal to my spirit than the melody of birds. But I must leave you all in the hands of Him who is infinitely wise and good, trusting that we shall all meet around the family board again, before the month of September shall have entirely passed away. Distribute my affectionate remembrances among all at home, and all inquiring friends, and never for a moment doubt the fidelity and affection of Your faithful and loving husband…” 1
July 3, 1840
Garrison has received word of the birth of a son. “Every thing appears to have transpired in the best possible manner. The relief which has been given to my anxious mind is more than words can express. Most sincere and heart-felt is my gratitude to the Giver of every good and perfect gift … The lock of hair delivered…I gaze upon with rapturous delight. The babe is a boy — ah! you are disappointed, and so am I; for we had both fondly hoped that it would be prove to be a girl. But the gift is none the less precious, and I am thankful, for it. Bro. J. (Oliver Johnson), intimates that the lad has uncommonly good lungs, and thinks that be may heard almost across the Atlantic. He begins early to make a noise in the world…” 1
Sept. 17, 1840
Garrison confides to George Benson, his hope that James will stay in Brooklyn during the winter. His health is not sufficient for a voyage, and “He could not be in Boston, or Cambridgeport, without being in the way of strong temptation, which would be difficult, if not impossible, for him to resist. This is not to be regarded in him as a fault, but as a misfortune… “ 1
Jan 4, 1841
Garrison writes to his brother, still in Connecticut. “As for what I have done for you, let it not be named. You are welcome to it all, and to as much more as I may from time to time, be able to do for you; and the only remuneration that I want is, to see you leading a sober and virtuous life. … you have an excellent opportunity to recover yourself in every particular, and to begin the world anew. … So long as you have any appetite for ardent spirit — so long as you are not sure that you can resist its sorcery power — take the advice of a brother who loves you he does himself, and remain where you will be the least exposed to be tempted and overcome. Liquor has been your worst foe. It has made you die a thousand deaths …” 1
Oct. 1, 1842
In a letter to Henry Wright: ” Three weeks ago, my dear Helen presented me with a fourth son, whose name we shall call Charles Follen. The mother and child are both doing remarkably well. Thus, it is undeniable that, in spite of all opposition, ‘Garrisonism’ is on the increase!” 1
October 11, 1842
“My expenses, this year in consequence of James’s illness, and in other ways, have been very considerable; so that I now stand in debt, over my salary, $150; and should James be taken away, the funeral expenses would probably amount to $50 or more. What is worse, the receipts of the Liberator up to the lst inst. have fallen short of the expenses nearly $200 –so that I have not been able to get the $100 due me for my last month’s services. 1
October 14, 1842
“The sufferer is at rest from his bodily pains. My poor afflicted brother James threw off his mortal habiliments this morning, at 3 o’clock, but death had no power over his spirit. Till within half an hour of his departure, his sufferings were very great; but he finally died so quietly, that I supposed he had fallen asleep, and did not discover my error until at least half an hour after the event had transpired. As his case had long been hopeless his release from the flesh is cause of consolation, rather than sorrow. He retained his senses to the last, and died with all possible fortitude and resignation, being perfectly aware that his end was approaching.” 1
Feb. 28, 1843
To Elizabeth Pease, after “cheering news” that she is in better health, after illness: “I, too, have been ill, severely so, and know experimentally how to sympathize with those who are prostrated on beds of sickness… My dear Helen was called to summon all her fortitude and devotedness as a wife and a mother, and faithfully did she perform her part. With a babe at her breast, a husband sick almost unto death, and three children lying ill at the same time of that dreadful disorder scarlatina, she nobly passed through the ordeal; and it was not until we were all convalescent, that her exhausted frame gave out, when she was brought down by a slow, intermittent fever, from which she has since happily recovered. Truly, we have been afflicted as a household, but the wings of divine love and mercy have overshadowed us all the while.” 1
Sept 17, 1843
Though not a member of the Garrison family, here was a close companion, and early co-editor of the Liberator, and one with whom, from boyhood, Garrison “had been in terms of the closest intimacy”. “In an evil hour he was led by adversity and business management, to put the cup of intoxication to his lips; and for the last three or four years sustained a wretched existence, though he made several attempts (alas! how ineffectual!) to return to the path of rectitude… Dropping a tear over his sad fate, let us ever associate his name with those who never turned their backs upon a great and good cause, because it was unpopular.” 1
October 13, 1843
Remembering the time, when two months ago, Helen had been injured in a fall from a carriage, here is a long account, to the Liberator, telling of the attention she has received from a “natural bone-setter” Doctor. 1
Aug 26, 1844
Writing to George Benson: “Your letter of last night, announcing the death of our beloved mother, has just come to hand. It is an event for which we have been endeavoring to prepare our minds … She was truly ‘one of the excellent of the earth’, worthy of all praise and admiration … Helen is in tears, and will miss mother exceedingly…” 1
July 26, 1846
Writing while at sea, on his way to England, here is a taste of his love for Helen. “The world is wide, and it has many places of attraction, and there are many good people in it; but, to me, there is no place so dear as my own cherished home, no one who has so large a share of my love as yourself, no objects so attractive as our beloved children… Situated as you are, with no mother or sister or friends with you — with five young children, needing continual guidance and watchfulness …I feel that you are signally manifesting the spirit of self-sacrifice in being willing to have me undertake my present mission. It is not until I go far from you, that I begin to realize how essential is your presence to my happiness, and that I am aware of the measure of my love…” 1
Dec. 11, 1846
“The Garrison ranks are filling up. This morning, dear Helen presented me with a new comer into this breathing world, — a daughter . — and the finest babe ever yet born in Boston. Both mother and child are doing well.” 1
Dec. 8, 1847
“I have received a letter from David Ruggles, at Northampton, in which he says — ‘From what I can learn of your symptoms, you need to restore an equilibrium of circulation, and brace the nervous and muscular systems. Why can’t you spend five or six weeks at a Water Cure, and accomplish it by a very moderate course of treatment? …’” 1
April 20, 1848
“For a month past, our house has been little better than a hospital. We have all been down with the influenza, and the attack has been of a violent character. I have been severely affected, with considerable fever and great pressure upon the brain, as well as a hard cough upon the lungs; and also with an erysipelas swelling and eruption in the face, besides being daily tormented with the St. Anthony’s fire in my hands and feet, causing them to itch and swell very much… Dear Helen has had a severe time of it. Her cold has been exceedingly troublesome, and constantly renewing; and having had so much anxiety of mind in regard to our suffering babe, and been departed so long of her regular sleep, she is quite worn down…” 1
Aug. 10, 1848
“Well, here I am, giving myself to the work of physical regeneration, by being packed, showered, drenched,plunged, douched, &c with the utmost zeal and fidelity..but very little time either for reading or writing … “1
Oct. 29, 1848
“Heigh-ho! The boys have it, out of all proportion — five to one! Should they all “live to grow up” the Garrison will at last be strongly manned. This morning, about 2 o’clock, Helen presented me with another son…” 1
Sept. 28, 1849
Writing to the Financial Committee of the Liberator: “I find it necessary to state that, during the present quarter ending on Sunday next, (always the most barren of receipts of the whole four,) the whole amount received by the General Agent has only been sufficient to cover the expenses of the paper, exclusive of my own salary for three months, of which I have received but $32.00 –leaving a balance due of $268, reckoning in the usual manner, which sum I am owing for rent, fuel, groceries, medical attendance, clothing, &c. &c. and must look in the face the first of the week, with an empty purse and pocket….” 1
Feb. 15, 1851
Writing to George, now fourteen: “I wish you to say to your teacher, Miss Ballou, that I intended to converse with her particularly with regard to your studies; but our time was so limited, and so much occupied, while we were at Hopedale, that no convenient opportunity presented itself…. she may have thought it strange that I made no inquiries of her respecting your progress in learning. I think you are very fortunate in having so amiable and excellent a teacher, and trust you will feel more and more resolved to improve the present opportunity to the utmost of your power…” 1
June 19, 1855
Writing to William Lloyd Garrison, Jr., who is in Lynn, living with the Buffums. “I hope you will strive in every way to make as little trouble as possible. Every new addition to a family adds to the care thereof. Be faithful in the discharge of your duties. Punctuality, order, dispatch, accuracy — these are the qualities to be cultivated by every one engaging in active business. Perform every task with cheerfulness and alacrity, and remember the Golden Rule constantly — ‘Do as you would be done by.’ … Be careful with whom you associate, and shun evil company as you would flee from the cholera. Indulge in no vicious habit, and look well after your health and morals, in order that you might be happy, and set an example worthy of imitation. Whenever or wherever you can be useful, be prompt to assist, even though at some inconvenience and trouble…” 1
Oct. 3, 1857
Garrison writes to Theodore Parker, asking that he assist at the funeral of his mother’s sister. Also in the same time period there are notices of the death to several family members. 1
Feb. 23, 1861
“My Beloved Wife: Your feet stand upon the summit-level of half a century. Today completes your fiftieth year! Our dear children and I most lovingly congratulate you on the auspicious event, not on account of increasing age, but because of the prolongation of your life to this hour, in good health … therefore wish you to accept the accompanying gold watch, which will mark the hours as they fly till time with you shall be no longer, and you shall enter that heavenly sphere where there shall be neither death nor decay … with its every tick will beat in unision our hearts…” 1
Dec. 10, 1861
Upon presentation of a broacloth suit, Garrison writes to Helen and the children. ” ..thanks to their affectionate remembrance, never has he had a birthday in which he was so well suited before. There are many, he is aware, out of his family, — and especially in the land of Secession, — who would like to give him, on any day, ‘a good dressing,” but not in the same sense, nor according to the same pattern. For example — they would be pleased to see him wearing a ‘coat of tar and feathers’; but this fine broadcloth one, he thinks, is much to be preferred as a matter of fitness and comfort. Come what may, however, he does not mean to play the ‘turn-coat’, even though somebody has discovered that ‘one good turn deserves another’. He cannot find words to express his love for his wife and children, and the amount of blessedness they have afforded him …” 1
Aug. 7, 1863
Garrison writes to a friend relative to his sons intentions, the war and the draft. “I have three sons of the requisite age — George,William and Wendell. Wendell is in principle opposed to all fighting with carnal weapons. So is William. In any case they will not go to the tented field but will abide the consequences. George is inclined to think he shall go, if drafted, as he does not claim to be a non-resistant. … I do not object to my children suffering any hardships, or running any risks, in the cause of liberty and the support of great principles, if duty requires it, but I wish them to know themselves, to act from the highest and noblest motives, and to be true to their conscientious convictions.” 1
June 11, 1863
“Though I could have wished that you had been able understandingly and truly to adopt those principles of peace which are so sacred and divine to my own soul, yet you will bear witness that I have not laid a straw in your way to prevent your acting up to your own highest convictions of duty; for nothing would be gained, but much lost, to have you violate these. Still, I tenderly hope that you will once more seriously review the whole matter before making the irrevocable decision. … Personally, as my son, you will incur some risks at the hands of the rebels that others will not, if it is known that you are my son… “ 1
August 6, 1863
“… I have nothing but praise to give you that you have been faithful to your highest convictions, and taking your life in your hands, are willing to lay it down, even like the brave Col. Shaw and his associates, if need be, in the cause of freedom, and for the suppression of slavery and the rebellion. True, I could have wished you could ascend to what I believe a higher plane of moral heroism and a nobler method of self-sacrifice; but as you are true to yourself, I am glad of your fidelity, and proud of your willingness to run any risk in a cause that is undeniably just and good. I have no fear that you will be found wanting at any time in the trial-hour, or in the discharge of your official duties…”1
Feb. 19, 1864
Garrison writes to Ellen Wright, upon announcement of her engagement to William Lloyd Garrison, Jr. “William has very agreeably surprised me by the announcement that an ‘engagement‘ has been entered into between you and him, whereby mutual love has been plighted, and whereof a matrimonial alliance may be expected to follow in due time. Though my personal acquaintance with you is comparatively slight, yet, from what I have seen and from all I hear of you, I have no doubt he has made a very fortunate choice. May yours prove equally fortunate!…” 1
Dec. 14, 1865
Writing to Wendell Phillips Garrison: “Accept my grateful acknowledgments for your filial epistle on my becoming a ’sexagenarian’, in the completion of my sixtieth year … It gives me joy to receive this tribute of your affection and gratitude, because it emanates from a heart that was never guilty of insincerity. As, in the order of time and in the course of nature, I must decrease and you increase, my prayer is that you may exceed me in all things wherein I may have been of any benefit to my fellow-men, especially to the sacred cause of liberty, which, in its utmost scope, comprehends all things concerning human destiny… “ 1
Nov. 4, 1868
Writing to Wendell Phillips Garrison: “… for a week past your mother has been seriously ill. She had for several weeks previous a persistent cough, which troubled her a good deal day and night, … causing a congestion of the lungs and so affected the action of the heart as really to imperil her life. …She is, however, really more comfortable today … Dr. Geist thinks she has passed the crisis, and we may hope for her convalescence. 1
Sept. 29, 1869
To Wendell and Lucy: “While we were all at the tea-table, last evening, William came in with a telegram, announcing that to you was born another son … the grandparents were especially jubilant, and felt that they had reached another stage of exaltation …” (Then he wonders why some parents are concerned about the sex of a baby). and concludes with: … “whether boy or girl, it is all the same in the matter of thankfulness; and one is to be prized precisely as much as the other. ..” 1