Reading Garrison’s Letters

January 21, 1832

Garrison criticizes Adams, because in his early year in Congress, he has not presented to Congress petitions from Quakers in Pennsylvania, relative to the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. “The nature of my enterprise unavoidably brings me into a collision with you, as painful as it is unexpected. … Another week, perhaps, may give to the public your ‘reasons why you could give no countenance or support’ to these petitions: these reasons may be so conclusive as to establish the propriety of ten millions of freemen holding six thousand human beings in abject bondage, and to render unnecessary a second letter from my pen. ”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

March 13, 1832

Garrison notes his thanks to Buffum, first President of the NE Anti-Slavery Society,  for a late “interesting and valuable Address”. ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

May 30, 1832

Garrison tells Robert Purvis, in this letter, that his Thoughts on African Colonization “will be ready for sale in this city to-morrow.  I make no calculation with regard to their effect upon the public mind; but, hastily as they have been put together, I believe they are calculated to make a salutary impression.”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

July 7, 1832

Viewers may be interested to note in the letter a reference to a pro-Colonization speaker at Lyman Beecher’s church.  It is a reminder of Garrison’s early acquaintance with Beecher, prior to his ascendancy as President of Lane Seminary, and conflict over abolition.  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Sept 13, 1832

Writing from Providence, Garrison records his visit with abolitionist Moses Brown.  “As I came through this city in June, I made a sort visit to the venerable Moses Brown, (the patriarch of Friends,) who is now in his ninety-fifth year.  I have just returned from a second visit, highly gratified to find that his health continues good and his intellect clear.  He is certainly an extraordinary man, and sustains the heavy weight of almost a century in an extraordinary manner.  His interest in all the great philanthropic movements of the age rather increases than suffers diminution  — especially in the abolition cause. “  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Dec. 10, 1832

Garrison refers to a letter from the ”distinguished Friend in Liverpool, James Cropper, in which he denounces the Colonization Society as a ‘diabolical scheme to perpetuate slavery’”   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

June 4, 1833

While in England, Garrison sends this challenge to Elliott Cresson, American agent of the American Colonization Society, who is raising support in England.  The challenge includes seven statements which Garrison believes summarize his criticism of the ACS.  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

June 20, 1833

“I have seen Mr. Wilberforce.  He has repudiated his views of the Colonization Society, and regards its principles and purposes with disapprobation.  This fact you may publish to the country.”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

July 13, 1833

Garrison writes to the Duke of Sussex, son of King George, who is sponsoring Cresson in his tour in England on behalf of Colonization.  Garrison’s effort is to undermine that sponsorship.  In following letters Garrison writes to London papers, in criticism of Colonization.   Letters go to the London Patriot, and the London Christian Advocate.  ¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

August 17, 1833

“If there be any Settlement, at the present time, which is peculiarly interesting in its origin and progress, or in its relation to Slavery in the United States … it is the Wilberforce Colony in Upper Canada — it is the little band of sufferers who constitute its population, of whom you are the faithful and worthy representative…”  ¹

Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

October 11, 1833

“My interviews with Wilberforce and Clarkson were full of interest and satisfaction. … In another column (in the Liberator)  will be found the signature of the former, appended to a strong and unequivocal ‘Protest’ against the Colonization Society, in which it is declared ‘that the professions made by the Society of promoting the abolition of slavery are altogether delusive’  — that ‘to the destruction of slavery throughout the world, the Society is believed to be an ostruction’ — and that the Society is ‘not deserving of the countenance of the British public.’    Clarkson’s name is not affixed to the ‘Protest’, not because, having many months since resolved that he would henceforth occupy neutral ground, he thought a departure from the course he had marked out would be a just impeachment of his integrity.”   ¹

Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Jan 20, 1834

In this letter to Garrison urges to Channing, that be take a stronger, more vocal public presence in behalf of abolition.   “In a cause  like this, there are two thing to be remembered — lst, that a tremendous responsibility rests upon him who perverts his influence; and 2nd, that an equally fearful responsibility rests upon him who withholds his influence…”  

 ¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

March 18, 1834

In this letter Garrison urges Follen to accept an invitation to be present at the annual meeting of the Salem Anti-Slavery Society.   “I have no language to express my admiration of the moral courage which you have displayed, in thus connecting yourself with a cause which is at present so unpopular.  May an infinite reward be yours! 

 ¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

March 22, 1834

Garrison writes to  Vashon, black abolitionist leader in Pittsburgh.  He comments on the recent action in Parliament.  “It is delightful to hear that the British Colonies are giving complete freedom to their slaves.  Now we shall see whether the emancipated will destroy their masters, or do any acts of violence, in return for their enfranchisement.  Only give the slaveholders guineas enough for their victims, and they are perfectly willing to risk being slaughtered, or robbed of their goods.  “   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

May 20, 1834

Writing to Robert Purvis, apologizes that he has not sent to him “half as many letters to my dear friends in England, as I contemplated when I saw you, but I dare not delay any longer.”  Then Garrison lists the names of people in England to whom he sends letters of introduction for Purvis to deliver.  The names include James Ryley and Dr. Hancock, in Liverpool; Joseph Sturge, Birmingham; Arthur West, Bath; Elizabeth and Mary Dudley; Peckham, London; William Allen, Richard Barrett, Joseph Phillips, Danl. O’Connell, Dr. Lushington, Geroge Stephen, Joseph and Emmanuel Cooper, John Scoble, and others.  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Jan 31, 1835

“I have not the honor to be personally acquainted with you; but, in despite of your silence on the subject of slavery, and your advocacy of the Colonization Society, I have for many years entertained an exalted opinion of your character as a philanthropist and a christian.”  Then Garrison goes on to tell Smith that he has, unwittingly, “done immense injury to the colored population” by his support of colonization.  This remonstrance continues through several following letters.   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 

Feb 7, 1835

In this letter to Smith, Garrison utilizes a favored method of placing in two parallel columns words of the person addressed, pointing out what Garrison believes to be glaring inconsistencies.  Here the columns are titled,  “Gerrit Smith vs. Gerrit Smith,  Hard Language vs. Soft and Hard Language”.   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 

Sept 4, 1835

Writing to George W. Benson, Garrison comments on current threats to abolitionists. “…those religious persons and papers that denounce our brother George Thompson as a foreigner, are virtually rebuking every foreign missionary who has been sent from our shores to evangelize a rebellious world, and they will find, ere long, that infidelity will meet and vanquish them with their own weapons. … I am not prepared fully to decide as to the expediency of calling a National Convention, but am rather inclined to think it inexpedient. Before the feverish excitement that now reigns in the public mind will have subsided, winter will be upon us. … Perhaps we better work quietly, but industriously, until spring — but I am not sure.   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 

Sept 5, 1835

Garrison writes to Otis, responding with a strong attack against him for his Faneuil Hall speech.   He includes a mock gravestone for Otis’s grave, including in part:  “Reader, weep at human inconsistency and frailty!  The last public act of his life, A life conspicuous for many honorable traits,Was an earnest defence of THE RIGHTS OF TYRANTS AND SLAVE-MONGERS to hold in bondage, as their property, The bodies and souls of millions of his own countrymen!  This was made in ‘THE OLD CRADLE OF LIBERTY’ ….He has gone to the judgment set of Christ! ”    ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 

Sept 12, 1835

In a letter to George W. Benson, Garrison summarizes some recent evidence of hatred against abolitionists.  He mentions that Benson himself has been put in a Providence jail “for safe keeping from your enemies”.  George Thompson is in Pittsburgh, fearful to come back to Boston.  A meeting in Haverhill was broken up by a “shower of brickbats”.  Thompson and Whittier have been pelted with mud and stones, in Concord.  “That some of us will be assassinated or abducted, seems more than probable — but there is much apparent, without any real danger.”  Garrison then quotes a note which has come to him from Angelina Grimke:  “with a spirit worthy of the best days of martyrdom, she says — ‘A hope gleams across my mind, that our blood will be spilt, instead of the slaveholders:  our lives will be taken, and theirs spared.’  Is this not Christ-like?”   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 ¹

Nov 7, 1835

Garrison writes to Helen, who is safely with her family in Connecticut, but he has returned to Boston. He tells of being in the Anti-Slavery office, when a “procession marched by the office, with a band of music in full blast, and followed by a squad of spectators; and what do you think they had with them?  It was a large board, on which were drawn two figures, quite conspicuously — George Thompson and a black woman.  Over the head of Thompson were the words, ‘The Foreign Emissary’ –and the black woman asking him, ‘When are we going to have another meeting, brother Thompson?’  It is fortunate, perhaps, that this company did not know that I was then in the Anti-Slavery office  — else they might have excited another uproar  … city authorities made not the slightest attempt to interfere …. Mr. Thompson will probably sail for England in the course of a fortnight — but this must be kept private…”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 

Nov 27, 1835

In a letter to Mary Benson, Garrison comments on two principal abolitionists.  “Harriet Martineau, the distinguished authoress from England, has also shown true moral courage in attending the meeting of the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society, and avowing her approval of its principles.” …. Also, Garrison asks that Mary convey to Brown “the expression of my sincere affection and high respect… I hope that he might be permitted to live to see the year of jubilee in this country, for the whole slave population, which, I trust, is not far distant.”     ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 

Jan 17, 1836

Garrison is in Connecticut, and writes to Samuel J. May, indicating that he cannot attend the fourth annual meeting of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. Here are a few sentences of his letter.  “Let me say to the brethren who shall assemble together — Be Bold For God.  These are times in which we are specially called upon not to count our lives dear unto  us — if, living, we are to be slaves ourselves, or to work at the enslavement of others.  Nay, we shall be unworthy of an existence, if we suffer ourselves to be awed into silence by the threats of oppressors.  The cause which we advocate is not ours, but God’s; and therefore I renew the charge — Be Bold For God.”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 

Feb. 3, 1836

Writing from Providence, to Isacc Knapp,  Garrison mentions a letter from Bourne, “it is characteristic of that early pioneer in the cause of immediate emancipation, and worthy of lasting record.”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 

March 7,  1836

In a letter to Helen, still in Connecticut, he tells her that George Thompson has arrived back in England.  “His letter is principally occupied with sharp criticisms upon Dr. Channing’s book, which he seems to regard pretty much as I regard it — that is, a mixture of good and evil, light and darkness, energy and weakness.”  He indicates that he has met twice with Harriet Martineau. “She is plain and frank in her manners, and not less so in her conversation.  I can assure you, that we abolitionists need not fear that she will ever print any thing, either in this country or in England, inimical to us, or in favor of the Colonization Society.  She is now abiding under the roof of Dr. Channing, and no doubt will do him much good.”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 
 

April 10, 1836

Garrison writes about Martin Van Buren.  “Political abolitionists are now placed in an awkward predicament.  What an outrageous letter Martin Van Buren has written to certain political rascals in North Carolina, respecting slavery in the District of Columbia!  No consistent abolitionist can now vote for him.  It seems that our alternative must now be between Webster or Harrison. I should prefer the former…”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 

Sept 28, 1836

“The abolition men in this city are somewhat drowsy, but the women are, as usual, wide awake, and the life of the cause.  I must put some goads into the former, and spur them up.”   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 

Nov. 22, 1836

In a letter to Helen, Garrison refers to the fact that the Grimkes, Angelina and Sarah, had been invited to speak whenever they think it proper, “and to state such facts respecting slavery as they may choose.” … “Sarah has just said, that, although brought up in the midst of slavery, and having conversed with hundreds of well-treated slaves, she has never found one who did not long to be free.”   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 

April 11, 1837

At a Quarterly Meeting of the MASS, held in Lynn, Wendell Phillips makes his first antislavery speech, and offers a resolution which is voted by the meeting. and sent to Garrison.  “Resolved, that the exertions of John Quincy Adams, and the rest of the Massachusetts delegation who sustained him in his defence of the citizens’ right of petition, deserve the deepest gratitude and the warmest admiration of every American.”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 

Oct. 20, 1837

In a long letter to the New England Spectator,  Garrison responds to comments made about churches in the black community.  “..Nothing can be more unfair than your reference to the Belknap-street church.  When the eloquent Thomas Paul acted as pastor, it was the chief, I believe the only place provided exclusively for the worship of the colored population in this city: of course (and particularly on account of his extraordinary powers as a preacher), it was well attended.” Garrison then recognizes that disputes in that congregation have resulted in poor attendance, then proceeds.  “..Why are you so disingenuous as to hide the fact that, instead of one house, as formerly, there are now several houses exclusively appropriated to their religious worship — and all, more or less, numerously attended? Especially, why do you wilfully refuse to state, that the building so long, ably and successfully occupied by my beloved colored brother Samuel Snowden has been constantly thronged to such excess by our colored friends, that its dimensions have been enlarged to twice its original size?  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 
 

Nov. 21, 1837

“The martyred Lovejoy! almost the last to come into our ranks, and the first to fall as a victim!  He has perished in the cause of God and of bleeding humanity; but I am shocked and filled with sorrow to learn, that he first took life before he lost his own, and that his reliance for victory in the darkest hour of the conflict was upon powder and ball..”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 
 

Feb. 8, 1839

“There are two parties in this country, who are equally puzzled to reconcile your abhorrence of slavery, with your determination not to vote for its abolition in the District of Columbia — the slaveholders of the South, and the abolitionists of the North.  In your theory of human rights, the former understand that you agree in principle with those, who, by the help of God, are resolved upon subverting a foul and bloody system.  In your unwillingness to carry that theory into practice, the latter perceive that you are acting in concert with all that is despotic and inhuman in the land.   You are claimed and rejected by  both, at the same moment.  If you would abandon your theory, the slaveholders would cease to be alarmed; and by giving it a practical application, you would insure for yourself the entire confidence of the abolitionists.  Resolving to do neither, you serve but to awaken suspicion on the one hand, and to give annoyance on the other.”  

 Continuing, to Adams, Garrison urges his adoption of an immediatist position.  “That you can suffer yourself, in the year 1839, to be deluded into the belief, that the gradual emancipation of our slaves is compatible with the claims of humanity, and the dictates of reason,  is matter of grief and surprise.”    ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

June 4, 1839

Wendell Phillips is to go to England “as the representative of the abolitionists of Massachusetts and of New England.”  Garrison writes well wishes to him.  He provides some facts in regard to progress in the struggle here, to “encourage our abolition brethren abroad”.   Some of those are quoted here:

     “In 1829, not an anti-slavery society, of a genuine stamp, was in existence.  In 1839  there are nearly two thousand societies, swarming and multiplying in all parts of the free States.  In 1829, there was but one anti-slavery periodical in the land. Now there are not less than fourteen.  In 1829, scarcely a newspaper, of any religious sect or political party, was willing to disturb the ‘delicate’ question of slavery.  In 1839, there are multitudes of journals that either openly advocate the doctrine of immediate emancipation, or permit its free discussion in their columns.  In 1829, scarcely one tract or pamphlet, in opposition to slavery, could be readily found. In 1839, it is impossible to circulate the whole number ….In 1829, not an anti-slavery agent was in the field; now there are scores …  In 1829, scarcely one, if any petition, was sent to Congress, … now in one day, a single member of the House of Representatives, (John Quincy Adams),  has presented one hundred and seventy-six in detail… In 1829, where ten slaves escaped from their prison-house, now a hundred find their way to the north, and are safely landed in Canada…”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI
 

March 27, 1840

Garrison continues to argue against any membership standard which insists that an abolitionist must vote.  He insists that the only obligation upon an abolitionist is to do only what supports abolition and which avoids action which supports “a friend of the slave”.  The decision about how/when to use or not use the voting franchise is up to each individual abolitionist.   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

August 3, 1840

From Liverpool, Garrison writes to Joseph Pease,   In commenting on the status of the abolition movement, he contends  “That if England would supply herself with free trade cotton from some other part of the world, to the exclusion of all slave grown cotton, it is quite certain that, within seven years, American slavery would be peaceably abolished, from absolute necessity, as well as from the moral change which will by that time have been wrought in the free States of America…. it now seems to be placed beyond all doubt, that cotton can be grown by free labor at a much less expense, and in far greater abundance, in British India, than it is now done by slave labor in the United States; hence, that England, as a matter of self-interest, as well as on the score of humanity, should without delay redress the wrongs of India, give protection and encouragement to its oppressed and suffering population, and thus obtain a  cheap, permanent and abundant supply of free cotton from her own vast and fertile possessions in the East…”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

August 19, 1840

Writing to James Barbadoes, Thomas Cole, and J. T. Hilton, Garrison acknowledges receipt of an “affectionate and heart-melting letter congratulating me on my return in safety to the land of my nativity, and inviting me, in behalf of the colored citizens of Boston, to attend a public-meeting tomorrow evening, for the purpose of receiving their hearty welcome, and the assurance of their continued attachment and unshaken confidence…. there are none among the whole human race so dear to me as my colored friends in this city; because they were the first to give me the right hand of fellowship, and to bid me God speed in my warfare against the monster of monsters, American slavery…”

¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

June 7, 1842

Here is the story of a “young lad”, a “fugitive” from slavery, who has appeared in Concord, New Hampshire (the letter is written to Nathaniel P. Rogers).  A strange, involved, story; and so far as known, the lad was never identified.  According to this letter, Garrison says, “this unfortunate lad will remain with us…”    ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Oct 1, 1844

Responding to Gerrit Smith and John Greenleaf Whittier, and  their assertions that the Constitution is an antislavery document:   “Even Gerrit Smith has stultified himself so far as to have written a long letter to John G. Whittier, maintaining the same absurd doctrine.  Nay, he has gone so far as to eulogize those diabolical provisions respecting the prosecution of slave trade for twenty years — the putting down of slave insurrections by the government — the three-fifths representation of the slaves through their masters –as decidedly anti-slavery in their character and tendency! He is now completely absorbed in electioneering in behalf of James G. Birney and the Liberty party…  Still, I mean to let charity and patience have their perfect work in regard to him; for, after all, he seems to be a noble-hearted and benevolent man, but his head is often sadly at fault…   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Mar. 14, 1845

“… I shall tell you what I think of your political character, in plain language and with great brevity.  You are one of those political demagogues, who are more injurious to a nation than pestilence or famine; whose selfishness is the only god whom they recognize or adore; whose ambition must be gratified, at whatever sacrifice of moral principle, and though hecatombs of innocent victims perish to effect its object.  You profess to be a democrat — Then is Satan, when disguised as an angel of light, no devil!    ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Aug. 23, 1845

Garrison writes to praise Sumner for his “The True Grandeur of Nations” address, his first public appearance in Boston, in which he said there is no justifiable war and no dishonorable peace.   He promises Sumner that he will “receive the fervent benedictions of all the true friends of the human race.  In view of the war clouds which now hang over our guilty country, your oration is singularly timely…”     ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Mar 31, 1846

“Lewis Hayden has just informed me that he intends leaving for Detroit this afternoon… Lewis Hayen has won the esteem and friendship of all with whom he has become acquainted, and is a rare young man.  Should he conclude to return, and take up his abide in New Bedford, I think he can be made very serviceable to our cause.  He needs to be more with us, fully to understand the position that we occupy, in regard to Church and State; but he is an apt scholar, and has made very good progress in a very short time.  I have not had a good opportunity to hear him speak in public; but I believe he has generally acquitted himself to good acceptance.  His chief embarrassment seems to be, to find language to express the facts of his history, and the thoughts and emotions of his mind. “    ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Aug. 19, 1846

Writing to Clarkson, from London.  Garrison informs Clarkson that he, Thompson, and Douglass hope to visit in Ipswich.  “We trust the state of your health will be such as to permit you to see us, at least for a few moments … no name is more highly venerated by the truly good and philanthropic in America, than your own — and trusting that a gracious Providence will permit you to see the entire overthrow of American slavery, before you are called to your heavenly home — I remain, with profound esteem, Your humble coadjutor.    ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

July 1, 1847

Acknowledging the death of O’Connell, Garrison writes to Richard Webb.   “Well, O’Connell has left his wide field of popular agitation, and removed to a new and mysterious sphere of existence.  Though he had many faults and failings, (Heaven be merciful to us all!) I honor his memory, and regard him with feelings of gratitude and respect.  His death, at such a time, in the awful state into which his suffering country is plunged, is truly affecting.  Of course, the Repeal movement may be regarded a virtually at an end, I suppose.”   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Aug. 9, 1847

Garrison writes to Helen, from Harrisburg, where he and Douglass spoke at the Court House.  “I first addressed the meeting, and was listened to, not only without molestation, but with marked attention and respect … as Douglass rose to speak, the spirit of rowdyism began to show itself outside of the building, around the door and windows.  It was the first time that a ‘nigger’ had attempted to address the people in Harrisburg in public, and it was regarded by the mob as an act of unparalleled audacity.  They knew nothing at all of Douglass, except that he was a nigger.  They came equipped with rotten eggs and brickbats, fire-crackers and other missiles, and made use of them somewhat freely — breaking panes of glass, and soiling the clothes of some who were struck by the eggs. …I was enabled to obtain a silent hearing for a few moments, when I told the meeting that if this was a specimen of Harrisburg decorum and love of liberty, instead of wasting our breath upon the place, we should turn our back upon it, shaking off the dust of our feet — &c. &c    ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Oct. 20, 1847

Writing to Helen, from Cleveland, severely ill, Garrison wonders about Douglass.  “Is it not strange that Douglass has not written a single line to me, or to any one, in this place, inquiring after my health, since he left me on a bed of illness?  It will also greatly surprise our friends in Boston to hear, that, in regard to his project for establishing a paper here, to be called ‘The North Star’, he never opened to me his lips on the subject, nor asked my advice in any particular whatever.  Such conduct grieves me to the heart. …”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Mar. 16, 1849

“You say that ‘a vast majority of the people of the United States deplore the necessity of the continuance of slavery in the United States’.  This assertion is not true; a ‘vast majority of the people’ really care nothing about it; they are agreed  in nothing so well as in despising and proscribing the colored race, whether bond or free.  Besides, if the immediate abolition of slavery would prove disastrous, then why should its continuance be deplored?  To deplore that which is essential to good order, the public safety, and the welfare of all classes, pro tempore,  is not to talk sensibly.  Sir, slavery is ‘the sum of all villanies’ — it is pollution, concubinage, adultery — it is theft, robbery, kidnapping — it is ignorance, degradation, and woe — it is suffering, cruelty, and horrid injustice — it is the exaltation of master above all that is called God — it smites the most fertile soil with barrenness, and depraves the manners and morals of all who are infected by it!  This you know; and yet you dare to affirm that its continuance is a matter of necessity!  Ah! this is ever ‘the tyrant’s plea’, and  you are a tyrant…”   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Sept. 23, 1853

To Samuel J. May:  a single sentence refers to the division with Douglass:  “With Douglass, the die seems to be cast.  I lament the schism, but it is unavoidable.”    ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Feb. 23, 1855

Writing to Oliver Johnson, Garrison mentions a lecture by Gen. Samuel Houston, from Texas.  “Last evening, Gen. Houston gave his lecture on slavery, to a crowded auditory.  In every point of view, it was a feeble effort, and went for slavery eternally, by a law of ‘necessity’.  He has furnished me with some nuts to crack in my lecture at the Tabernacle on Tuesday evening…”   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Nov. 1, 1859

“What Capt. Brown expected to accomplish with only a score of abettors is to me, up to this hour, quite enigmatical.  Upon the face of it, his raid into Virginia looks utterly lacking in common sense  — a desperate self-sacrifice for the purpose of giving an earthquake shock to the slave system, and thus hastening the day for a universal catastrophe.  But, whatever may have been his errors of judgement or calculation, his bearing since his capture and during his trial has been truly sublime, and challenges for him all of human sympathy and respect.  O course, he will be hung, and quite as speedily as decency will allow.  In Boston  we have thought it would be a master-stroke of policy to urge  the day of his execution as the day for  a general public expression of sentiment with reference to the guilt and danger of slavery… “  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

April 6, 1863

Writing to Governor John A. Andrew, regretting that, though it has been in session since the first week of January, the State Legislature has not yet acted in support of the Emancipation Proclamation.   “What should have been done early had better be done late, than not done at all…. As the Legislature will very shortly adjourn, there is no time to be lost … Massachusetts ought to put upon the historic page her most emphatic approval of his course.”   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Oct. 31, 1865

Garrison expresses thanks to Maria for a two hundred dollar gift to the Liberator, and for her constant support in the work.  “It is to you, my dear and faithful friend, and to such as you, that I owe, under a gracious Providence, the continuance of my labors to ‘undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free’.  Now it is given to us to rejoice together in the fruition of our hopes and the fulfillment of our desires.  It is not a triumph of  persons but of principles, and we rejoice and give thanks, not as partisans or victors, but for our dear country’s sake, and the cause of freedom and humanity throughout the world. “    ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Jan. 1, 1866

Thanking Phillips for the help he has given to his Garrison namesake, “covering his entire collegiate course”, then he comments on their disagreements.  “Though, my dear P., you and I have differed somewhat in our judgment of the bearing of events and the action of public men upon that cause which has been equally dear to our hearts, yet it is my comfort and solace to know that in our principles, our desires, and our claims for equal and exact justice to the colored race as to the white, we blend together as fully now as ever. May our friendship be as perpetual as sun, moon and stars, but without their occasional obscurantism!”    ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

April 13, 1866

Writing to Edwin Studwell, he reflects on events after Lincoln’s assassination of the previous year.  “What high hopes were entertained of the patriotism, loyalty, and executive trustworthiness of his successor!  Yet how have these been blasted!  Andrew Johnson might have placed his name high of the roll of the illustrious and world-renowned benefactors of the human race; but by his treacherous and evil course. his usurping and despotic policy in the interest of those who are still rebels in spirit and purpose, perfidy as their soi-disant Moses toward the liberated bondmen of the South, he seems bent on sending his name down to posterity along with those of Benedict Arnold and Judas Iscariot.  For what is the meaning of the jubilant shouts heard through Rebeldom, and vociferously responded to be the entire body of Northern Copperheads, in view of his liberty-crushing vetoes, but that he is on their side and acting in accordance with their wishes, and therefore false to his oath of office, and recreant to all that is sacred in justice and precious in liberty? Allow me, therefore, to offer you the following cold water sentiment:  The speedy impeachment and removal of Andrew Johnson from the office he dishonors and betrays!  Yours, in the execution of justice…”   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Writing to Cooper Nell, he indicates that he will attend a testimonial in the coming days.  “I shall be happy to see the delegation of my colored friends on Friday evening next, as designated in your letter just received.  Primarily I have no doubt that I am indebted to your strong friendship and warm appreciation of my anti-slavery labors for the presentation that will be made on that occasion. It will be all the more valued on that account; though I shall feel none the less obliged to every one contributing to the testimonial.”     ¹¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

 Jan. 4, 1868

Garrison writes to Anthony “with the highest regard for the Woman’s Rights movement”,  concerned with her alignment politically.  “It seems you are looking to the Democratic party, and not to the Republican, to give success politically to your movement! I should as soon think of looking to the Great Adversary to espouse the cause of righteousness.  The Democratic party is the ‘anti-nigger’ party, and composed of all  that is vile and brutal in the land, with very little that is decent  and commendable.  Everything that has been done, politically, for the cause of impartial freedom has been done by the Republican party.  And yet your reliance is upon the former rather than upon the latter party!  This is infatuation.   Your old and outspoken friend…”¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Dec. 21, 1868

Writing to Armenia White, relative to a suffrage convention to be held at Concord, N.H., he indicates he cannot be present to speak, as he has been invited to do.  The letter then becomes a way to send  a “substitute epistolary testimony”.   He cites and responds to three often-heard objections to woman’s suffrage.  His introduction to the objections says: “..though the objections are exceedingly shallow, it is still necessary to examine and refute them by arguments and illustrations none the less forcible because exhausted at an earlier period…. one drop of water is very like another, but it is the perpetual dropping that wears away the stone.”   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Jan 1, 1869

“.. The confidence of the nation in the integrity, good sense, modesty, soundness of judgment, clear discrimination, executive ability, and peaceable and just administration of General Grant is quite unlimited… I feel sure there will be no weakness or vacillation on his part during his term of office.  He will be judicious in his choice of cabinet advisers, and in his presence political corruption and partizan self-seeking will stand abashed…”   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

May 8,  1869

Writing to Lucy Stone, indicating that he cannot be present for the annual meeting in New York, of the Equal Rights Association, but he sends his testimony for suffrage.  “Woman presents her claim for suffrage. Why should not her claim be granted?  There are many reasons adduced, but they are all summed up in this one grave objection; because she is — a woman!  But as that related exclusively to sex, for which no one is responsible, which it is not possible or desirable to abolish, and in which inheres neither superiority nor inferiority in the matter of natural right … the objection lies as heavily against man wielding the ballot as against woman.  They were created equal, in the same divine image; they were designed for each other — to stand side by side in all the relations and liabilities of life… and neither can be elevated or depressed at the expense of the other…”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Jan. 24, 1872

Writing to a friend, he comments on Greeley:  “Greeley never was in harmony with us, but in his Tribune often treated us very shabbily, and to this day has not outgrown his contempt for our movement.  In fact, inflexible adherence to a moral principle has always been with him pitiable fanaticism, and compromise between God and the Adversary has constituted the sum and substance of his moral and political philosophy.   He is unable to comprehend the moral power and grandeur of the Anti-Slavery struggle, as inaugurated and carried on by the old abolitionists, as a blind man is to perceive colors, or a deaf man to enjoy Handel’s Messiah…”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Aug. 3, 1872

Writing to Charles Sumner:  “Though I should be strongly induced, by the friendship subsisting between us, to avoid taking a position antagonistical to your own, under ordinary circumstances, even if I deemed it erroneous, yet all personal considerations, must be subordinated to the public welfare when seriously imperiled. … you have spoken plainly … in utter condemnation of the President of the United States; and your advice to the whole body of colored voters is, that they concentrate their suffrages upon a rival candidate in the person of Horace Greeley … I propose to speak with equal plainness,  and as earnestly, to counsel my colored countrymen not to follow your lead in this matter, but, as voters, to move unitedly for the re-election of President Grant …”  ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Garrison writes to Abby Kelley Foster:  “Though you cannot doubt where I stand as to the position you have assumed — namely, not to pay any taxes so long as you are denied the right of suffrage — yet I wish to give a written assurance of the profound respect in which I hold your determination in this matter…”  ¹¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

March 18, 1874

“With but two exceptions in our national history — Washington and Lincoln — the death of no public man has been so universally deplored, or has elicited such tokens of public honor and appreciation, as that of Charles Sumner.  Never before has Boston presented such an impressive and august spectacle as at his obsequies, nor Massachusetts sounded through all her towns and villages such a knell of bereavement,  nor the country manifested such heartfelt expressions of grief over a common loss … By a striking coincidence, only five days before Mr. Sumner’s translation the signer of the Fugitive Slave Law, Millard Fillmore, was summoned to the bar of eternal justice.  For that most iniquitous deed he was held in abhorrence by the friends of freedom throughout the world…”   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

June 5, 1874

Writing to Henry Wilson and other members of the Anti-Slavery Reunion Convention, indicating that he cannot be present, he reflects on the accomplishments of the movement, and includes these words of caution:  “… And now that liberty has been proclaimed to all the inhabitants in the land, let us beware of the siren call of ‘conciliation’ when it means humoring the old dragon spirit of slavery, and perpetuating caste distinctions by laws.  Cherishing nothing but good-will toward the South, and earnestly desiring the welfare and prosperity, we shall show ourselves to be her truest friends by refusing to compromise any of the principles of justice as pertaining to her colored population, and the gratification of a malignant prejudice based upon nothing but contempt of race…   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI

Dec. 18, 1877

“When I  was in England, last summer, in all social circles that I touched, I did not fail to say that, of all the living poets of the world, I placed you at the head, especially in all that pertains to the freedom and elevation of the human race, and the highest spiritual afflatus in thought and expression. … You know me too well, my laurelled friend, to believe that I am using the language of flattery … “   ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison - Volumes I - VI