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Feb. 15, 1879
Commenting on what he regards as “a fresh stain of caste proscription” he urges against passage of a pending act in Congress which would abrogate “our present equitable and advantageous treaty with China, and forbidding under pains and penalties any vessel from bringing to these shores” Chinese immigrants. 1
Commenting on the removal of the troops by President Hayes. “It suffices to know that the troops were withdrawn, President Hayes being fully aware that the immediate result of his order would be the overthrow of the legally constituted authorities, and the seizure of the reins of government by as desperate a band of conspirators as can be found in the annals of human criminality…. The Southern conspirators are jubilant; their Northern Democratic allies are equally elated; and credulous, hood-winked, temporizing Republicans affect be equally delighed! ..” 11 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
March 9, 1875
“Well, again has the Legislature of Massachusetts refused, by a vote of 120 to 75, to ’submit to the people’ — so fictitiously called — meaning none but male voters — an amendment of the State Constitution, abolishing the distinction of sex in the matter of suffrage … Let the list of ‘nays’ be carefully analyzed, and correctly published in the Woman’s Journal, so that these men may be everywhere seen and identified…” 1
Feb. 1, 1875
“The rebel whites of the South insist on ‘a white man’s Government’ for themselves, and, consequently, on caste schools; but it rightfully belongs to the Government of the United States to see that they are not to be indulged in any such anti-republicanh heresies. They are animated by a love of dominion, the foul product of a tyrannical system that culminated as ‘the sum of all villaninies’” 1
Dec. 8, 1874
Writing to Nathanel T. Allen, who has written to him, Garrison expresses his view which is relevant to choices for separate schools or integrated schools. Allen has posed this question to Garrison: “Of course, we must expect that the colored like other people will have their own social circles; but is it not their duty to endeavor to mingle in our schools and churches with whites? Is it not best for them and their children, on the whole? Garrison responds: “These questions I answer strongly in the affirmative. To this end, with the emancipation and enfranchisement of the millions once held in the Southern house of bondage, I have raised my voice and exerted what influence I could for the last forty-five years, and I am now too old and too firmly settled in conviction to take any step backward. The case is a very plain one. Whenever or wherever colored persons are excluded by law or usage from those rights and privileges which are enjoyed by all other classes, — whether relating to religious worship, secular education, or anything else — the only alternative left to them is to act together ‘on the single basis of color’, it being not a case of self-exclusion, but a necessity arising from an inexorable proscription. But when or where no such exclusion is enforced, and a disposition is shown to treat them with fairness and respect, then for them to withdraw from a common fellowship and erect complexional barriers, is to establish a precedent which logically ends in endorsing the old pro-slavery doctrine, that there should be no fraternization between the two races on account of color.” 1
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
March 20, 1866
Garrison writes in support of an effort to reduce the hours of overworked laborers.
“The same principle which has led me to abhor and oppose the uequalled oppression of black laborers of the South, instinctively leads me to feel an interest in whatever is proposed to be done to improve the condition and abridge the toil of the white laborers of the North — or, rather, of all overtasked working classes, without regard to complexion or race — and more equitably to adjust the relations between capital and labor…. I am firm in the conviction that eight hours a day will better promote bodily health, inspire industry, develop genius, stimulate enterp;rise, augment pecuniary gain, and subserve the cause of morality, than any extesion of time beyond that limit….” 1
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
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
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
Feb. 13, 1865
“… God save you, and bless you abundantly! As an instrument in his hands, you have done a mighty work for the freedom of millions who have so long pined in bondage in our land — nay, for the freedom of all mankind. I have the utmost faith in the benevolence of your heart, the purity of your motives, and the integrity of your spirit. This I do not hesitate to avow at all times. I am sure you will consent to no compromise that will leave a slave in his fetters. It is slavery that has brought this dreadful war upon us; and only through liberty will Heaven vouchsafe to our distracted and bleeding country peace. Vast and solemn are your responsibilities; and you need and deserve whatever of comfort, encouragement and suppoort can be given to you… “ 1
June 11, 1864
“… had an hour’s private interview with the President at the White House, and it was a very satisfactory one indeed. There is no mistake about it in regard to Mr. Lincoln’s desire to do all that he can see it right and possible for him to do to uproot slavery, and give fair play to the emancipated. I was much pleased with his spirit, and the familiar and candid way in which he unbosomed himself. …” 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
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
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
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
” I am growing more and more skeptical as to the ‘honesty’ of Lincoln. He is nothing better than a wet rag; and it is manifest that, in the appointment of Halleck, to be Secretary of War, and McClellan commander-in-chief of the army, he is as near lunacy as any one not a pronounced Bedlamite. The satanic democracy of the North, and the traitorous ‘loyalty’ of the Border States, have almost absolute control over him, and are industriously preparing the way for the overthrow of his administration, and the inauguration of, if not a reign of terror, at least one that will make terms with Rebeldom, no matter how humiliating they may be.” 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
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
Dec. 6, 1861
“What a wishy-washy message from the President! It is more and more evident that he is a man of very small calibre, and had better be at his old business of splitting rails than at the head of a government like ours, especially in such a crisis. He has evidently not a drop of anti-slavery blood in his veins; and he seems incapable of uttering a humane or generous sentiment respecting the enslaved millions in our land…” 1
Oct. 7, 1861
In a letter to a colleague, Garrison is fearful that Lincoln is following pro-slavery views. “Yet Mr. Lincoln is so infatuated as to shape his course of policy in accordance with their wishes, and is thus unwittingly helping to prolong the war, and to render the result more and more doubtful! If he is 6 feet 4 inches high, he is only a dwarf in mind.” 1
May 13, 1861
Here Garrison responds to three black leaders of Boston, who have asked for his views respecting the desirability of emigration to Haiti. In his letter, Garrison recognizes that the results of emigration may in some cases be good, but maintains his long-standing anti-colonization position. “If you desire to know whether, as a general rule, I would advise colored persons to emigrate to Hayti, even on the generous terms proposed by its government, my reply is, decidedly, no. … One unavoidable evil attending it is to unsettle the minds of the colored people themselves, in regard to their future destiny; to inspire the mischievous belief in the minds of white people, that they can yet be effectually ‘got rid of’; and to keep law and custom unfriendly to them; so as to induce their departure to a foreign land. … “ 1
March 20, 1861
Writing to the author of a book about animal rights: “My heart actually leaped within me as I read the expressive title, “The Rights of Animals”! In appreciation, he writes specifically about some of the ideas of the author, John S. Rarey, and signs his letter, “Yours, for the recognition of ‘the rights of man’ and ‘the rights of animals’”. 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