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diff --git a/11454-0.txt b/11454-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b2400a4 --- /dev/null +++ b/11454-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10993 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11454 *** + +A VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES IN 1841 + +BY JOSEPH STURGE + +1842 + +BOSTON: DEXTER S. KING, NO. 1 CORNHILL. + "'Tis liberty alone that gives the flower + Of fleeting life its lustre and perfume; + And we are weeds without it. All constraint, + Except what wisdom lays on evil men, + Is evil; hurts the faculties, impedes + Their progress in the road of science; blinds + The eyesight of discovery; and begets, + In those that suffer it, a sordid mind." + + +COWPER. + + + + + + Preface to the American Edition + + Preface to the English Edition + + A Visit, &c. + + General Observations + + Appendix A: ANTI-SLAVERY EPISTLE OF "FRIENDS" IN GREAT BRITAIN. + + Appendix B: EARLY EFFORTS OF "FRIENDS" IN BEHALF OF NEGRO + + Appendix C: Report of the Committee of the Yearly Meeting of + Friends, &c. + + Appendix D: ELISHA TYSON. + + Appendix E: THE "AMISTAD CAPTIVES" + + Appendix F: Extract from an Essay by WILLIAM JAY + + Appendix G: OPIUM WAR WITH CHINA. + + Appendix H: LETTER OF A.L. PENNOCK. + + Appendix I: GERRIT SMITH'S SLAVES. + + Appendix K: The Society of Friends in America and the + Colonization Society + + Appendix L: Memorial of citizens of Boston, United States, to + the Lords of the Admiralty, Great Britain. + + + + + + + +PREFACE + +TO THE AMERICAN EDITION. + + +Within a few years past, several of our visitors from the other side of +the Atlantic, have published their views of our country and her +institutions. Basil Hall, Hamilton and others, in their attempts to +describe the working of the democratic principle in the United States, +have been unfavorably influenced by their opposite political +predilections. On the other hand, Miss Martineau, who has strong +republican sympathies, has not, at all times, been sufficiently careful +and discriminating in the facts and details of her spirited and +agreeable narrative. + +The volume of Mr. Sturge, herewith presented, is unlike any of its +predecessors. Its author makes no literary pretensions. His style, like +his garb, is of the plainest kind; shorn of every thing like ornament, +it has yet a truthful, earnest simplicity, as rare as it is beautiful. +The reader will look in vain for those glowing descriptions of American +scenery, and graphic delineations of the peculiarities of the American +character with which other travellers have endeavored to enliven and +diversify their journals. Coming among us on an errand of peace and good +will--with a heart oppressed and burdened by the woes of suffering +humanity--he had no leisure for curious observations of men and manners, +nor even for the gratification of a simple and unperverted taste for the +beautiful in outward nature. His errand led him to the slave-jail of the +negro-trafficker--the abodes of the despised and persecuted colored +man--the close walls of prisons. His narrative, like his own character, +is calm, clear, simple; its single and manifest aim, _to do good_. + +Although this volume is mainly devoted to the subject of emancipation, +and to his intercourse with the religious Society of which he is a +member, yet the friends of peace, of legal reform, and of republican +institutions, will derive gratification from its perusal. The liberal +spirit of Christian philanthropy breathes through it. The author's deep +and settled detestation of our slavery, and of the hypocrisy which +sustains and justifies it, does not render him blind to the beauty of +the republican principle of popular control, nor repress in any degree +his pleasure in recording its beneficent practical fruits in the free +States. + +The labors of Mr. Sturge in the cause of emancipation have given him the +appellation of the "Howard of our days." The author of the popular +"History of Slavery," page 600, thus notices his arduous personal +investigations of the state of things in the West India Islands, under +the apprenticeship system. "The idea originated with Joseph Sturge, of +Birmingham, a member of that religious body, the FRIENDS, who have ever +stood pre-eminent in noiseless but indefatigable exertions in the cause +of the negro; and who seem to possess a more thorough practical +understanding than is generally possessed by statesmen and politicians, +of the axiom that the shortest communication between two given points, +is a straight line. While others were speculating, and hoping that the +worst reports from the West Indies might not be true, and that the evils +would work their own cure, this generous and heroic philanthropist, +resolved to go himself and ascertain the facts and the remedy required." +On his return, Mr. Sturge, with his companion, Thomas Harvey, published +a full account of their investigations into the working of the +apprenticeship system; and his testimony before the Parliamentary +Committee, occupied seven days. His disclosures sealed the fate of the +apprenticeship system. Such a demonstration of popular sentiment was +called forth against it, that the Colonies, one after another, felt +themselves under the necessity of abandoning it for unconditional +emancipation. It was a remark of Brougham, in the House of Lords, that +the abolition of the apprenticeship was the work of one man, and that +man was Joseph Sturge. + +Mr. Sturge's benevolent labors have not been confined to the abolition +of slavery. He is a prominent member of the Anti-corn Law League. He is +an active advocate of the cause of universal peace. He has given all his +influence to the cause of the oppressed and laboring classes of his own +countrymen: and his name is at this moment, the rallying-word of +millions, as the author and patron of the "Suffrage Declaration," which +is now in circulation in all parts of the United Kingdom, pledging its +signers to the great principle of universal suffrage--a full, fair and +free representation of the people. It was reserved for the untitled +Quaker of Birmingham to take the lead in the great and good work of +uniting, for the first time, the middle and the working classes of his +countrymen, and in so doing, to infuse hope and newness of life into the +dark dwellings of the English peasant and artisan. The Editor of the +London Non-Conformist, speaking of this movement of Mr. Sturge, says: +"The Declaration is put forth by a man, who, perhaps, in a higher degree +than any other individual, has the confidence of both the middle class +and the working men. The former can trust to his prudence; the latter +have faith in his sincerity." + +Such is the man, who, prompted by his untiring benevolence, visited our +shores during the past year. This volume is the brief record of his +visit, and of the impressions produced upon his mind by our conflicting +interests and institutions. It is now republished, in the belief that +the opinions of its author will be received with candor and respect by +all classes of our citizens, and that they are calculated to make a +permanent and salutary impression, in favor of the great cause of +universal freedom. + + +Boston, May, 1842. + + + + + +PREFACE + +TO THE ENGLISH EDITION. + + +In visiting the United States, the objects which preferred the chief +claim to my attention were the _universal abolition of slavery_, and +_the promotion of permanent international peace_. Deeply impressed with +the conviction that the advancement of these is intimately connected +with the progress of right views among professing Christians in that +country, it was my desire not only to inform myself of the actual state +of feeling and opinion among this important class, but if possible, to +contribute my mite of encouragement and aid to those who are bearing the +burden and heat of the day, in an arduous contest, on whose issue the +alternative of a vast amount of human happiness or misery depends. This +general outline of my motives included several specific, practical +objects, which will be found detailed in the ensuing pages. + +For obvious reasons, _the abolition of slavery in the United States_ is +the most prominent topic in my narrative; but I have freely interspersed +observations on other subjects of interest and importance, as they came +under consideration. Short notices are introduced of some of the +prominent abolitionists of America; and, though sensible how imperfectly +I have done justice to exertions, which, either in degree or kind, have +scarcely a parallel in the annals of self-denying benevolence, I fear I +shall occasionally have hurt the feelings of the individuals referred +to, by what they may deem undeserved or unseasonable praise; yet I trust +they will pardon the act for the sake of the motive, which is to +introduce the English anti-slavery reader to a better acquaintance with +his fellow laborers in the United States. My short stay, and the limited +extent of my visit, prevented my becoming acquainted with many who are +equally deserving of notice. + +Less than twelve months have elapsed since I embarked on this "visit;" +and though, with the help of steam by sea and land, an extensive journey +may now be performed in a comparatively short time, yet, during this +brief interval, my own engagements would have prevented my placing the +following narrative so early before the public without assistance. It is +right to state that a large portion of the work has been prepared for +the press from a rough transcript of my journal, from my correspondence, +and other documents, by the friend who accompanied me on a former +journey to the West Indies, and who then compiled the account of our +joint labors. + +Nearly the whole of the narrative portion of this publication has been +sent to America, to different individuals who were concerned in, or +present at the transactions related, and has been returned to me with +their verification of the facts; so that the reader has the strongest +guaranty for their accuracy. The inferences and comments I am solely +responsible for, and I leave them to rest on their own merits. + +In undertaking this journey, I was careful not to shackle my individual +liberty by appearing as the representative of any society, whether +religious or benevolent; and, on the other hand, none of those friends, +who kindly furnished me with letters of introduction, are in any way +responsible for my proceedings in the United States, or for any thing +which this volume contains. + +In conclusion,--should these pages come under the notice of any, who, +though well wishers to their species, are not yet identified with +anti-slavery effort, I would entreat such to "come over and help us." If +they are ambitious of a large and quick return for their outlay of +money, of time, of labor,--for their painful sympathies and self-denying +prayers,--where will they find a cause where help is more needed, or +where it would be rewarded more surely and abundantly? Let them reflect +on what has been effected, within a few short years, in the British West +Indies, so recently numbered among "the dark places of the earth, full +of the habitations of cruelty,"--but now scenes of light, gladness, and +prosperity, temporal and spiritual. To show what remains to be +accomplished for the universal abolition of slavery--a field in which +the laborers are few indeed, in proportion to its extent--I may be +allowed to quote the following comprehensive statement, from the preface +to one of the most important volumes that ever issued from the press on +the subject of slavery:[A] + +[Footnote A: "Proceedings of the London Anti-Slavery Convention."] + + + "The extent of these giant evils may be gathered from a brief + statement of facts. In the United States of America, the slave + population is estimated to be 2,750,000; in Brazil, 2,500,000; + in the Spanish Colonies, 600,000; in the French Colonies, + 265,000; in the Dutch Colonies, 70,000; in the Danish and + Swedish Colonies, 30,000; and in Texas, 25,000; besides those + held in bondage by Great Britain, in the East Indies, and the + British Settlements of Ceylon, Malacca, and Penang; and by + France, Holland, and Portugal, in various parts of Asia and + Africa; amounting in all to several millions more; and exclusive + also of those held in bondage by the native powers of the East, + and other parts of the world, of whose number it is impossible + to form a correct estimate. + + "To supply the slave-markets of the Western world, 120,000 + native Africans are, on the most moderate calculation, annually + required; whilst the slave-markets of the East require 50,000 + more. In procuring these victims of a guilty traffic, to be + devoted to the rigors of perpetual slavery, it is computed that + 280,000 perish in addition, and under circumstances the most + revolting and afflicting. + + "But this is not all. In the Southern section of the United + States, and in British India, a vast internal slave-trade is + carried on, second only in horror and extent to that which has + so long desolated and degraded Africa. + + "These facts exhibit, also, the magnitude of the responsibility + which devolves upon abolitionists; in view of it they may well + be allowed to disclaim, as they do, all sectarian motive, all + party feeling: 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, + good will to man,' is their aim: consistently with the blessed + character of this gospel anthem, they recognize no means as + allowable for them, in the prosecution of their holy enterprise, + than those which are of a moral, religious, and pacific nature; + in the diligent use of these means, and trusting in God, they + cherish the hope that, under His blessing, they may be permitted + to accomplish the great work to which they are devoted; and thus + be made instrumental in advancing the sacred cause of freedom, + and its attendant blessings, civilization and religion, + throughout the earth." + + J.S. + + Edgbaston, near Birmingham, Second Month, 1st, 1842. + + + + + + +A VISIT, &c. + +I embarked at Portsmouth, on board the British Queen steam packet, +commanded by Captain Franklin, on the 10th of the 3d Month, (March,) +1841. During the first two or three days, the weather was unusually fine +for the season of the year, and gave us the prospect of a quick and +prosperous voyage. The passengers, about seventy in number, were of +various nations, including English, French, German and American. + +The very objectionable custom of supplying the passengers with +intoxicating liquors without limit and without any additional charge, +thus compelling the temperate or abstinent passenger to contribute to +the expenses of the intemperate, was done away. Each individual paid for +the wine and spirits he called for, a circumstance which greatly +promoted sobriety in the ship; but I am sorry to say three or four, and +these my own countrymen, were not unfrequently in a state of +intoxication. On one occasion, after dinner, one of these addressed an +intelligent black steward, who was waiting, by the contemptuous +designation of "blackey;" the man replied to him in this manner:--"My +name is Robert; when you want any thing from me please to address me by +my name; there is no gentleman on board who would have addressed me as +you have done; we are all the same flesh and blood; I did not make +myself; God made me." This severe and public rebuke commended itself to +every man's conscience, and my countryman obtained no sympathy even from +the most prejudiced slaveholder on board. Several of my fellow +passengers stood in this relation; and I found I could freely converse +with a native American slaveholder not only with less risk of giving +offence, but that he was more ready to admit the inherent evils of +slavery than the Europeans who had become inured to the system by +residence in the Southern States of America, or than the American +merchants residing in the Northern cities, whose participation in the +commerce of the Slave States had imbued them with pro-slavery views and +feelings. One of them, a French merchant of New Orleans, went so far as +to assure me, that in his opinion it would be as reasonable to class the +negroes with monkeys, as to place them on an equality with the whites. + +On the nights of the 14th and 15th the Aurora Borealis was very +beautiful and vivid, which is said to be, in these latitudes, an +indication of stormy weather. Accordingly on the 16th the weather became +less favorable, with an increased swell in the sea, wind more ahead, and +occasional squalls. On the night of the 18th we encountered one of the +most awful hurricanes ever witnessed by the oldest sailor on board; and +from this date to the 24th inst. we experienced a succession of storms +of indescribable violence and severity, which at some intervals caused +great and I believe very just alarm for the safety of the ship. The +President steamer, coming in the opposite direction, is known to have +encountered the same weather, and was doubtless lost, not having since +been heard of. Our escape, under Divine Providence, must be attributed +to the great strength of the vessel, which had been thoroughly repaired +since her last voyage, and to the skill and indefatigable attention of +the Captain. On the 25th the wind abated, and the greater number of the +floats or propelling boards of the paddle wheels having been carried +away, and our stock of coals very much reduced, the Captain decided to +make for Halifax, Nova Scotia, where we arrived on the evening of the +30th. After a stay of twenty-four hours, for repairs and supplies, we +again left for New York, where we arrived safely on the night of 4th +Month, (April,) 3d. + +The following day, being the first of the week, I landed about the time +of the gathering of the different congregations, and inquired my way to +the meeting of the orthodox section of the Society of Friends, and +afterwards took up my abode at the Carlton Hotel. Here I met, for the +first time, my friend J.G. Whittier, whom I had been anxious to +associate with myself in my future movements, and who kindly consented +to be my companion as far as his health would permit. The next morning, +on returning to the vessel to get my luggage passed, a custom-house +officer manifested his disapproval of my character and objects as an +abolitionist, by giving me much unnecessary trouble, and by being the +means of my paying duty on a small machine for copying letters for my +own private use, and other articles which I believe are usually passed +free. Ordinarily at this port, the luggage of respectable passengers is +passed with little examination, on an assurance that it comprises no +merchandise. This was almost the only instance of discourteous treatment +I met with in the United States. We remained in New York from the 4th to +the 10th of this month, which time was occupied in visiting different +friends of the anti-slavery cause, and in receiving calls at our hotel. + +I had much pleasure and satisfaction in my intercourse here with several +individuals distinguished in the anti-slavery cause, some of whom I had +met in 1837, during a short visit to New York on my way from the West +Indies. Among these, ought particularly to be mentioned the brothers +Arthur and Lewis Tappan. The former was elected president of the +American Anti-Slavery Society on its formation, and remained at its head +until the division which took place last year, when he became president +of the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society. His name is not more a +byeword of reproach, than a watchword of alarm throughout the slave +states; and the slave holders have repeatedly set a high price upon his +head by advertisement in the public papers. In the just estimation of +the pro-slavery party, Arthur Tappan is abolition personified; and truly +the cause needs not to be ashamed of its representative, for a more +deservedly honored and estimable character it would be difficult to +find. In personal deportment he is unobtrusive and silent; his sterling +qualities are veiled by reserve, and are in themselves such as make the +least show--clearness and judgment, prudence and great decision. He is +the head of an extensive mercantile establishment, and the high +estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens, notwithstanding +the unpopularity of his views on slavery, is the result of a long and +undeviating career of public spirit and private integrity, and of an +uninterrupted succession of acts of benevolence. During a series of +years of commercial prosperity, his revenues were distributed with an +unsparing hand through the various channels which promised benefit to +his fellow creatures; and in this respect, his gifts, large and frequent +though they were, were probably exceeded in usefulness by the influence +of his example as a man and a Christian. + +His brother Lewis, with the same noble and disinterested spirit in the +application of his pecuniary resources, possesses the rare faculty of +incessant labor; which, when combined, as in his case, with great +intellectual and physical capacity, eminently qualifies for a leading +position in society. He unites in a remarkable degree, the apparently +incompatible qualities of versatility and concentration; and his +admirable endowments have been applied in the service of the helpless +and the oppressed with corresponding success. He has been from the +beginning one of the most active members of the central Anti-Slavery +Committee in New York, a body that has directed the aggressive +operations against slavery, on a national scale, with a display of +resources, and an untiring and resolute vigor, that have attracted the +admiration of all, who, sympathizing in their object, have had the +privilege of watching their proceedings. Of those who have impressed the +likeness of their own character on these proceedings, Lewis Tappan is +one of the chief; and he has shared with his brother the most virulent +attacks from the pro-slavery party. Some years ago he had the ear of a +negro sent to him by post, in an insulting anonymous letter. During the +past year, though marked by a severe domestic affliction, in addition to +his engagements as a merchant, in partnership with his brother Arthur, +and his various public and private duties as a man and as a citizen, in +the performance of which I believe he is punctual and exemplary, he has +edited, almost without assistance, the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery +Reporter, and has also been one of the most active members of a +committee of benevolent individuals formed to watch over the interest of +the Amistad captives. Besides superintending the maintenance, education, +and other interests of these Africans, it was necessary to defend their +cause against the whole power of the United States' Government, to raise +funds for these objects, to interest foreign Governments in their +welfare, and more than all, to keep them constantly before the public, +not only for their own sakes, but that a portion of the sympathy and +right feeling which was elicited in their favor might be reflected +towards the native slave population of the country, whose claim to +freedom rests upon the same ground of natural and indefeasible right. +With what success this interesting cause has been prosecuted is well +expressed in a single sentence by a valued transatlantic correspondent +of mine, who, writing at the most critical period of the controversy, +says:--"We, or rather Lewis Tappan, has made the whole nation look the +captives in the face." + +Joshua Leavitt, proprietor and editor of the New York Emancipator, a +large weekly abolition newspaper, and secretary of the American and +Foreign Anti-slavery Society, is another remarkable man, clear and sound +in judgment, and efficient in action. He is justly regarded by American +abolitionists as one of their ablest supporters. + +La Roy Sunderland, member of the Executive Committee, and editor of +"Zion's Watchman," a Methodist, religious, and anti-slavery newspaper, +with his slight figure, dark intellectual face, and earnest manner, is +pointed out to the anti-slavery visitor from the Old World as the most +prominent advocate of emancipation among the Wesleyans. His boldness and +faithfulness have combined against him the leading influences of his +denomination, but notwithstanding he has been several times tried by +ecclesiastical councils, they have always failed to substantiate the +charges against him, and his vindication has been complete. + +Theodore S. Wright, member of the committee, is a colored presbyterian +preacher in this city--an amiable man, much and deservedly respected. + +All the above mentioned individuals, who have from an early period been +among the most zealous and laborious members of the anti-slavery +committee, found themselves placed by the events of last year in the +position of seceders from the American Anti-Slavery Society, though +their opinions had undergone no change. They now belong to the American +and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, or as it is technically called the +"new organization," a distinction which will be afterwards explained. + +James M'Cune Smith, a young colored physician, I had known in England, +where he studied for his profession, having been shut out of the +colleges of his own country by the prejudice against his complexion. +Notwithstanding this prejudice he is now practising, I understand, with +success, and has fair prospects. + +I had a pleasant interview with Isaac T. Hopper, whom also I had met in +1837. He belongs to the American Anti-Slavery Society, or "old +organization," and has been a zealous and fearless abolitionist for half +a century. He has been recently disowned by the "Hicksite Friends" for +his connection with the newspaper called the "National Anti-Slavery +Standard." + +Early on the morning of the 10th, we left for Burlington by railroad, +where we were most kindly received by our venerable friends Stephen +Grellett and his wife. On the following day, we took tea with John Cox, +residing about three miles from Burlington, at a place called Oxmead, +where formerly that eminent minister of the Society of Friends, George +Dillwin, resided. J.C. is now in his eighty-seventh year, enjoying a +green and cheerful old age, and feeling all the interest of his youth in +the anti-slavery cause. It was cheering and animating to witness the +serene spirit of this venerable man, and deeply were we interested in +the reminiscences of his youth. He well remembered John Woolman, whose +former residence, Mount Holly, is within a few miles of Oxmead, and of +whom he related various particulars characteristic of the simplicity, +humanity, and great circumspection of his life and conversation. When +John Woolman first brought the subject of slavery before the yearly +meeting of the Society of Friends at Philadelphia, at a time when its +members were deeply implicated both in slave-holding and in +slave-dealing, he stood almost alone in his anti-slavery testimony, +which he expressed in few and appropriate words. Some severe remarks +were made by others in reply, on this and on successive similar +occasions, when he introduced the subject, but such treatment provoked +no rejoinder from John Woolman, who would quietly resume his seat and +weep in silent submission. + +He was not deterred by this discouraging reception from again and again +bringing the subject before the next Yearly Meeting, and finally his +unwearied efforts, always prosecuted in the "meekness of wisdom," +resulted in the Society of Friends entirely wiping away the reproach of +this abomination. + +The great qualification of John Woolman for pleading the cause of the +oppressed was the same which has been ascribed with equal truth and +beauty to his contemporary and co-worker, Anthony Benezet: "a peculiar +capacity for being profoundly sensible of their wrongs." The biographer +of the latter has described another occurrence in the Philadelphia +Yearly Meeting at a subsequent stage of this momentous controversy, +which may prove an interesting counterpart to the foregoing relation. + +"On one occasion during the annual convention of the Society at +Philadelphia, when that body was engaged on the subject of slavery, as +it related to its own members, some of whom had not wholly relinquished +the practice of keeping negroes in bondage, a difference of sentiment +arose as to the course which ought to be pursued. For a moment it +appeared doubtful which opinion would preponderate. At this critical +juncture Benezet left his seat, which was in an obscure part of the +house, and presented himself weeping at an elevated door in the presence +of the whole congregation, whom he thus addressed--'Ethiopia shall soon +stretch out her hands unto God.' He said no more: under the solemn +impression which succeeded this emphatic quotation, the proposed measure +received the united sanction of the assembly."[A] + +[Footnote A: Life of Anthony Benezet, by Roberts Vaux.] + +Even the passing observer is aware how closely the Society of Friends is +identified with the anti-slavery cause, and if such an one were to make +this fact the subject of historical investigation, he would probably +find it one of considerable interest.--He would learn that some years +before the call of Thomas Clarkson in his early manhood, by a series of +distinct and remarkable Providences, into this field of labor, this +Society in America had been pervaded by a noiseless agitation on the +subject of slavery, which resulted in the abandonment of the +slave-trade, in the liberation of their slaves, and in the adoption of a +rule of discipline excluding slaveholders from religious fellowship; so +that for many years past, the sins in question have been not so much as +to be named among them, or the possibility of their commission hinted +at, by any one bearing the name and professing the principles of a +"Friend." The change described, was effected, not by "pressure from +without," but by the constraining influence of the love of Christ. The +chief instruments in the hands of Divine Providence in bringing about so +remarkable a reformation, were John Woolman and Anthony Benezet, of whom +the former was the earlier in the field and broke up the fallow ground, +under circumstances of the greatest discouragement, of which the +instance above related is an example. + +The life of this ever-memorable man was a pattern of apostolic +Christianity--pure, patient, self-denying, meek. Love was the element he +breathed. His heart not only yearned towards the oppressed of the human +family, but his compassion extended to the brute creation, under whose +sufferings in the service of man, to use his own expression, "creation +at this day doth loudly groan." Though dependent on his own labor for a +livelihood, he was careful in a most exemplary degree, "not to entangle +himself with affairs of this life, that he might please Him who had +called him to be a soldier;" and the reader of his life will find that +this unworldly man took similar pains to avoid wealth, which others do +to acquire it. Perhaps I may be excused for dwelling a moment on this +theme, when I state that one of the latest public acts of my beloved and +lamented father-in-law, James Cropper, was to cause John Woolman's +auto-biography and writings to be re-edited, and a large and cheap +edition to be struck off, which has appeared since his decease.[A] This +work is well known to the Society of Friends, but should any other +reader be induced by these desultory remarks to peruse it, he will find +himself richly repaid. In the picturesque simplicity of its style, +refined literary taste has found an inimitable charm,[B] but the +spiritually minded reader will discover beauties of a far higher order. + +[Footnote A: A Journal of the Life, Gospel Labors, and Christian +Experience, &c. &c. of John Woolman. Warrington, Thomas Hurst.] + + +[Footnote B: See Charles Lamb's Works.] + +Taking leave for the present of our venerable friends at Oxmead and +Burlington, we proceeded on the 12th to Philadelphia, where we remained +several days, at the Union Hotel. During this brief stay, we received +visits from a large number of the friends of the anti-slavery cause, and +made some calls in return. Among others, I had the pleasure of seeing +James Forten, an aged and opulent man of color, whose long career has +been marked by the display of capacity and energy of no common kind. The +history of his life is interesting and instructive, affording a +practical demonstration of the absurdity, as well as injustice, of that +prejudice which would stamp the mark of intellectual inferiority on his +complexion and race. + +I returned to New York on the 15th, in company with several anti-slavery +friends. One of these, Dr. Bartholomew Fussell, resided on the borders +of the State of Maryland, and had afforded relief and aid to many +negroes escaping from slavery. He had kept no account of the number thus +assisted till last year, when there were thirty-four, being fewer he +thought than the average of several years preceding. The same individual +related some interesting particulars of the late Elisha Tyson, of +Baltimore, an abolitionist of the old school, who had rescued many +negroes from illegal bondage. Dr. Fussell was an eye witness of the +following occurrence: A poor woman had been seized by the agents of +Woolfolk, the notorious Maryland slave dealer, and was carried along the +street in which Elisha Tyson lived. When they arrived opposite his +house, she demanded to see "Father Tyson." A crowd collected about the +party, and she so far moved their pity, that they insisted that her wish +should be complied with. One of the men hereupon went to inform his +employer, who galloped off, pistol in hand, and found Elisha Tyson +standing at his own door. Woolfolk with an oath declared he would "send +him to hell for interfering with his _property_." Elisha Tyson coolly +exposed his breast, telling him that he dared not shoot, and that he +(Woolfolk) "was in hell already, though he did not know it." An +investigation followed; the poor woman was proved to be illegally +detained, and was set at liberty.[A] It is generally allowed that so +bold and uncompromising an advocate of the negroes' right as Elisha +Tyson does not now remain in the slave States. + +[Footnote A: See Appendix D for a brief account of this ancient +philanthropist.] + +As the old school of abolitionists has been mentioned, and will +occasionally be referred to hereafter, the following historical +statement of its rise and decline, and of the commencement of the +present abolition movement, will probably be interesting to the +anti-slavery reader on this side of the Atlantic. It is from the pen of +my valued coadjutor John G. Whittier. + + + "The old Anti-Slavery Societies, established about the period of + the American Revolution, and of which the late Judge Jay, + Benjamin Franklin, Dr. Rush, and other distinguished statesmen + were members, were composed mainly of the Religious Society of + Friends. These societies were for many years active and + energetic in their labors for the slave, and the free people of + color; and little, if any, serious opposition was made to their + exertions, which indeed seem to have been confined to the + particular states in which they were located. They rendered + essential service in promoting the gradual abolition of slavery + in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. + + "In 1819 commenced the discussion of what is now known as the + 'Missouri Question.' The Anti-Slavery Societies took ground + against the admission into the Union of the territory of + Missouri as a slave state. They succeeded in arousing the public + attention; and for two sessions the subject was warmly debated + in Congress; the slave-holders finally carrying their point by + working upon the fears of a few Northern members, by means of + that old threat of dissolving the Union, which in the very + outset of the Government had extorted from the Convention which + framed the Constitution, a clause legalizing the Foreign Slave + Trade for twenty years. The admission of Missouri as a slave + State was a fatal concession to the South: the abolitionists + became disheartened: their societies lingered on a few years + longer, and nearly all were extinct previous to 1830. The + colonization scheme had in the mean time, in despite of the + earnest and almost unanimous rejection of it by the colored + people, obtained a strong hold on the public mind, and had + especially enlisted the favorable regard of some of the leading + influences of the Society of Friends. Here and there over the + country, might be found still a faithful laborer, like Elisha + Tyson, of Baltimore, Thomas Shipley, of Philadelphia, and Moses + Brown, of Rhode Island, holding up the good old testimony + against prejudice and oppression in the midst of a wide spread + apostacy. I should mention in this connection, Benjamin Lundy, a + member of the Society of Friends, who devoted his whole life to + the cause of freedom, travelling on foot thousands of miles, + visiting every part of the slave States, Mexico and the Haytian + Republic. About the year 1828, he visited Boston, and enlisted + the sympathies of William Lloyd Garrison, then a very young man. + Not long after, he was joined by the latter as an associate + editor of _The Genius of Universal Emancipation_, an + anti-slavery paper which he had established at Baltimore. After + a residence in Baltimore of about six months, Garrison was + thrown into prison for an alledged libel upon a northern + slave-trader, whence he was liberated on the payment of his fine + by the benevolent Arthur Tappan. Lundy continued his paper some + time longer in Baltimore, where he was subjected to brutal + personal violence from the notorious Woolfolk, the great + slave-dealer of that city. He afterwards removed it to + Philadelphia; and in 1834 made a tour through the South Western + States and Texas, in which he encountered great dangers, and + suffered extreme hardships from sickness and destitution. This + journey was deemed by many an unprofitable and hazardous + experiment, but it proved of great importance. He collected an + immense amount of facts, developing beforehand the grand + slave-holding conspiracy for revolutionizing Texas, and annexing + it to the American Union, as a slave territory. These he + published to the world on his return; and it has justly been + said of him, by John Quincy Adams, that his exertions alone, + under Providence, prevented the annexation of Texas to the + United States. This bold and single-hearted pioneer died not + long since in the State of Illinois, whither he repaired to take + the place of the lamented Lovejoy, who was murdered by a mob in + that State, in 1837. + + "In 1831, Wm. Lloyd Garrison commenced, under great difficulties + and discouragements, the publication of the _Liberator_, in + Boston; and by the energy and earnestness of his appeals, roused + the attention of many minds to the subject of slavery. Shortly + after, a society was formed in Boston in favor of immediate + emancipation. It consisted at first, if I remember right, of + only twelve members. Previous to this, however, a society, + embracing very similar principles, had been formed in + Pennsylvania. In 1833, upwards of sixty delegates from several + of the free States, met at Philadelphia; among them were Elizur + Wright and Beriah Green, (who had been compelled to give up + their Professorships in Western Reserve [Ohio] College, for + their attachment to freedom,) Lewis Tappan, William Lloyd + Garrison, Charles W. Denison, Arnold Buffum, Amos A. Phelps, and + John G. Whittier. This Convention organized the American + Anti-Slavery Society, proposing to make use of the common + instrumentalities afforded by the Government and laws, for the + abolition of slavery; at the same time, disavowing a design to + use any other than peaceful and lawful measures." + + +In some of the Southern States there are professing Christian churches +who permit slave-holding, but disallow the selling of slaves, except +with their own consent. Dr. Fussell informed me how this fair-seeming +rule of discipline was frequently evaded. First, a church member wishing +to turn his negroes into cash, begins by making their yoke heavier, and +their life a burden. Next they are thrown in the way of decoy slaves, +belonging to Woolfolk, or some other dealer, who introduce themselves to +the intended victims, for the purpose of expatiating on the privileges +enjoyed by the slaves of so indulgent a master as theirs; and thus the +poor unhappy dupes would be persuaded to go and petition to be sold, and +so the rule of discipline, above cited, would be _literally_ complied +with. So great, generally, is the dread of being sold to the South, that +my informant said the larger number of runaways escape when the price is +high, as the danger of being sold is then most imminent. The greater +proportion of those who thus emancipate themselves are domestics, owing +to their superior intelligence, and their opportunities of ascertaining +the best mode of escape. + +On the 16th, I met the Executive Committee of the American and Foreign +Anti-Slavery Society, at their office, No. 128 Fulton street, New York. +The chair was taken by the President of the Society. The subject under +discussion was the best time and place of holding another Convention of +the friends of the anti-slavery cause from all parts of the world. After +deliberate consideration, the following resolutions were unanimously +adopted. + +_Resolved_,--"That this Committee fully recognise and adopt the +principles upon which the General Anti-Slavery Convention, held in +London last year, was convened, and upon which it acted; that we feel +greatly encouraged by the results of its meetings, and that we would +strongly recommend our transatlantic friends to summon a second +Convention in London, at about the same period in 1842; and that in the +event of their doing so, we will use our best exertions to promote a +good representation of American abolitionists on the occasion." + +_Resolved_,--"That we deeply sympathize with the British and Foreign +Anti-Slavery Society, in their noble efforts for the abolition of +slavery and the slave-trade; that we assure them of our hearty +co-operation in their well devised plans and energetic labors; and that +so long as the slave question--in connection with the promotion of the +rights of the free people of color--and nothing else, is admitted to a +place in anti-slavery meetings, they may expect the co-operation of all +true-hearted abolitionists throughout the world, in carrying forward the +great objects of our associations to a glorious consummation." + +I returned to Philadelphia on the afternoon of the 17th, but before +leaving my hotel in New York, informed one of the proprietors that I +intended being in that city on the week of the anniversaries of the +Religious and Benevolent Institutions; that as I took a lively interest +in the anti-slavery question, it was probable some of my friends among +the people of color would call upon me, and that if he, or any of his +southern customers objected to this, I would go elsewhere; he answered +that he had no objection, and even intimated his belief that public +opinion was undergoing a favorable change in reference to this +prejudice. Although I did not arrive in Philadelphia till near midnight, +I found my kind friends, Samuel Webb and wife waiting to receive me, +whose hospitable dwelling I made my home, whenever I afterwards lodged +in this city. Samuel Webb is one of the few on whose shoulders the +burden of the anti-slavery cause mainly rests in Philadelphia. He is a +practical man, conversant with business, thoroughly acquainted with the +anti-slavery subject in all its phases, and a strenuous advocate for +bringing political influence to bear upon the question. He was one of +the most active in promoting the erection of Pennsylvania Hall, a +beautiful edifice designed to be open to the use of the anti-slavery +societies; which was no sooner so appropriated than it was destroyed by +a mob in the 5th Month, (May,) 1838. The fire-scathed ruin of this +building yet stands a conspicuous token that the principles of true +liberty, though loudly vaunted, are neither understood nor enjoyed in +this Capital of a _free_ republic. If freedom of thought, of speech, of +the press, and the right of petition had been _realities_ in +Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hall would have been yet standing. Samuel +Webb has since taken the chief labor of an appeal to the legal tribunals +for compensation for this infamous destruction of property, and a jury +have at length awarded damages, though to a very inadequate amount. + +During the ensuing week I was chiefly occupied in attending the +Philadelphia Friends' Yearly Meeting. In the intervals of the sittings, +I had many opportunities of meeting "Friends" from whom I received much +kindness, and many more invitations than it was possible for me to +accept. + +There are many "Friends" of this city who take a deep interest in the +anti-slavery cause; among whom I may mention Thomas Wistar, an aged and +influential individual, who, like his venerable contemporary, John Cox, +has been an abolitionist from his youth up, and a member of the original +society; and one who has been accustomed to bear his testimony on behalf +of the oppressed, on suitable occasions, in the presence of his brethren +in religious fellowship, and whose communications of this kind, are +always weighty, solemn, and impressive. Dr. Caspar Wistar, son of Thomas +Wistar, is a warm hearted, active abolitionist, a liberal contributor of +his pecuniary means, and deeply solicitous that "Friends" in the United +States should be induced to engage earnestly in the cause of +emancipation. Edward Needles, a kind and open hearted man, a native of +Maryland, and President of the "old Abolition Society," is a devoted +friend to the anti-slavery cause. + +The subject of slavery was introduced in the Yearly Meeting by the +reading of certain minutes of the Meeting for Sufferings, from which it +appeared that meeting, (the executive Committee of the Society,) had +taken up the question of the foreign slave-trade, but had not yet +entertained the consideration of the slavery and internal slave-trade of +their own country. On the subject of the latter, a very faithful minute +from the Meeting for Sufferings in London was received and read. + +As this term will sometimes occur in the ensuing pages, it may be +necessary to state for the information of the general reader, that the +Society of Friends is distributed into various "Yearly Meetings," of +which there are several on the Continent of North America. Within the +compass of each an annual assembly is held to regulate all the affairs +and discipline of that section of the body. There is also in each Yearly +Meeting a permanent committee called the "Meeting for Sufferings" for +administering the affairs of the Societies, in the intervals of its +annual assemblies. The technical name of this committee is an expressive +memorial of those times of trial, when its chief employment was to +record "sufferings" and persecutions, and to afford such succor and +alleviation as circumstances admitted. + +An address from the Yearly Meeting of London on slavery was also +read,[A] which was followed by observations from several, which evinced +great exercise of mind on the subject. Three thousand copies of it were +ordered to be printed for distribution among Friends of Pennsylvania, +and the whole subject of slavery and the slave-trade was referred to +their Meeting for Sufferings, with a recommendation that an account +should be drawn up and printed of the former abolition of slavery within +the limits of the Society of Friends. I need hardly state how much these +measures were in unison with my own feelings, and that I heartily +rejoiced at signs of an awakening zeal in my American brethren. Let them +but ask for the ancient ways, and follow in the footsteps of their +predecessors, whose memorials are their precious inheritance, and once +more shall they be made a blessing to mankind, and messengers of mercy +and deliverance to the oppressed.[B] + +[Footnote A: See Appendix A.] + + +[Footnote B: See Appendix B.] + +It will be interesting to some of my English readers to be informed, +that both the sale and use of spirituous liquors come within the scope +of discipline among "Friends" in America. In this Yearly Meeting it is +required that the subordinate meetings should report the number of their +members, who continue to sell, use, or give ardent spirits. If I +remember rightly the number of cases reported was fifty-nine. At present +the moderate use of spirits subjects to admonition, but it was discussed +at this time whether the rule of discipline should not be rendered more +stringent, and this practice made a disownable offence. Finally it was +resolved to make no alteration at present, but to recommend the local +meetings of Friends to use further labor in the line of reproof and +persuasion. I am informed that some of the American Yearly Meetings of +Friends go still farther on this subject. It will scarcely be questioned +that public sentiment both in the United States, and in England, +condemns even the moderate use of ardent spirits as a beverage, though +some difference of opinion will exist as to the propriety of a religious +society making it a cause of disownment or exclusion. In this case of +the Philadelphia Meeting, however, it may be remarked, that in a +community of many thousand members, the practice may be regarded as +almost eradicated by the milder methods of persuasion. It is a fact +deserving of notice, that the same worthies of the last century, +Woolman, Benezet, and others, who raised the standard of anti-slavery +testimony, also by the same process of independent thinking, and +single-minded, unhesitating obedience to convictions of duty, +anticipated the verdict of public opinion on this subject. Woolman found +that even the most moderate use of ardent spirits, was unfavorable to +that calm religious meditation, which was the habit of his mind, and has +left his views on record in various characteristic passages. I shall +also, I trust, be excused for introducing the following anecdote of two +of his contemporaries. + +"Jacob Lindley, to adopt his own designation of himself was a +'stripling' when he attended a Yearly Meeting of Friends held at +Philadelphia; his mind had been for some time much afflicted with an +observation of the pernicious effects of spirituous liquors, and he was +anxious that the religious society to which he belonged, should cease to +use, and prevent any of its members from being instrumental in +manufacturing or vending them. He therefore rose and developed his +feelings to the assembly, in the energetic and pathetic manner for which +he was peculiarly remarkable. When the meeting adjourned, he observed a +stranger pressing through the crowd towards him, who took him by the +hand in the most affectionate manner, and said, 'My dear young friend, I +was very glad to hear thy voice on the subject of spirituous liquors; I +have much unity with thy concern, and hope that no discouragement may +have been received from its not being farther noticed; and now I want +thee to go home, and take dinner with me, having something farther to +say to thee on the subject.' Lindley accepted the invitation, and after +they had dined, Benezet introduced his young guest into a little room +used as a study, where he produced a manuscript work on the subject of +spirituous liquors, in an unfinished state; he opened the book and laid +it on a table before them, saying, 'This is a treatise which I have been +for some time engaged in writing, on the subject of thy concern in +meeting to-day; and now if thou hast a mind to sit down, and write a +paragraph or two, I will embody it in the work, and have it +published.'"[A] + +[Footnote A: Life of Anthony Benezet, p. 107-109.] + +These eminent men, John Woolman and Anthony Benezet, had much in common; +yet their characters were as unlike as opposite temperaments, and as +alike as similarity of views, could make them. So marked was their +coincidence of sentiment in opposition to the prevailing opinions and +practices of that day, that it might be surmised one was a disciple of +the other, yet there is no reason to suppose such was the case. Each had +the single eye; both learned in the same school, and sat at the feet of +the same Divine Master. It is an interesting fact that on the subject +last noticed, their labors should have been comparatively fruitless, and +for a long interval almost forgotten, while their views on slavery +rapidly spread, and produced extensive and permanent results. Does not +this illustrate the lesson long ago taught by a great master of wisdom: +"In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand; +for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or +whether they shall both be alike good." May we not infer from this, that +even those labors, rightly undertaken, which do not immediately prosper, +are yet owned and accepted in the Divine sight? + +To return from this digression to our attendance of the Yearly Meeting +in Philadelphia: one interesting part of the business was the annual +report on education; from which it appeared, that the whole number of +children, of an age for education, within the compass of this Yearly +Meeting, was eighteen hundred and fourteen, and of these ninety-eight +were temporarily absent, though most of them had been receiving +instruction during part of the year. + +I was also deeply interested in the statements made relative to the +wicked expatriation of the Indians living within this Yearly Meeting's +limits, by the United States Government, from lands which had been +secured to them by treaty in the most solemn manner, to the Western +wilderness, under plea of a fraudulently obtained cession of their +lands, by a few of their number. What greatly aggravates the case is the +fact, that these Indians were making rapid progress in civilization, and +from a nation of hunters had generally become an agricultural people. +Their whole history is a reproach and blot on the American Government, +and shews either that public and private virtue amongst the people is at +a low ebb, or that "the wicked bear rule." On behalf of this injured +people, "Friends" appear to have made strenuous efforts, but have failed +in producing any decidedly favorable impression on the Government. The +report on this subject, embodied a very affecting letter from the chiefs +of this tribe, describing their grief and distress at the prospect of a +cruel removal from the homes of their ancestors.[A] + +[Footnote A: See Appendix C.] + +During this week, my valued friends, John and Maria Candler, arrived +from Hayti, after a stay of many months in Jamaica. At the close of the +Yearly Meeting, a meeting was held, and attended by about three hundred +"Friends," to whom John Candler gave much interesting information, +detailing the results of emancipation in that Island, from his own +extensive observations and inquiries. At the request of some individuals +present I added a few observations at the close, on the principles and +objects of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society. + +I visited at this time the celebrated Schuylkill waterworks, which are +beautifully situated on the river of that name. The water is raised to +large reservoirs, at a higher level than the tops of the houses, by +pumps worked by the current of the river. The supply not only suffices +for the domestic use of the inhabitants, but is abundant for every +public purpose of ornament or utility. My kind host, Samuel Webb, who +accompanied me, pointed out a plot of land, presented by William Penn to +a friend, to enable him to keep a cow, which is now worth many hundred +thousand dollars for building purposes. He also showed me a mansion, the +late proprietor of which had received a large accession of wealth from +the quantities of plate which had been shipped to him in coffee barrels +from St. Domingo, on the eve of the revolution in that Island, and whose +owners are supposed to have subsequently perished, as they never +appeared, with one solitary exception, to claim their property. + +It will be necessary, in order to make certain passages of the +succeeding narrative intelligible to my readers in this country, that +some account should be given of the schism which has recently taken +place in the once united and compact organizations of the abolitionists. + +The American Anti-Slavery Society, whose origin has been already +described, acted with great unity and efficiency for several years; +auxiliaries were formed in all the free States; it scattered its +publications over the land like the leaves of autumn, and at times had +thirty or forty lecturers in the field. It kept a steady and vigilant +eye upon the movements of the pro-slavery party, and wherever a +vulnerable point was discovered, it directed its attacks. In its +executive committee were such men as Judge Jay, Arthur and Lewis Tappan, +La Roy Sunderland, Simeon S. Jocelyn, (the early laborer on behalf of +the free colored people,) Joshua Leavitt, Henry B. Stanton, and the late +Dr. Follen, a German political refugee, equally distinguished for his +literary attainments and his love of liberty. + +Until the last three or four years, entire union of purpose and concert +of action existed among the American abolitionists. This harmony was +first disturbed by the course pursued in the Boston Liberator. The +editor of that paper, William Lloyd Garrison, whose early anti-slavery +career has already been alluded to, and who was deservedly honored by +the great body of the abolitionists, for his sufferings in their cause, +and for his triumphant exposure of the oppressive tendencies of the +colonization scheme, had always refused to share with any society or +committee, the editorial responsibility of his journal. About the time +referred to, several pieces were inserted in the _Liberator_, +questioning the generally received opinions on the first day of the +week. These were followed by others on other subjects, and he continued +to keep his readers apprised of the new views of ethics and theology, +which from time to time were presented to his own mind. His paper was +not the special organ of any anti-slavery society, yet it was regarded, +by general consent of the friends and enemies of the cause, as the organ +of the anti-slavery movement. The discussion in its columns of new and +startling doctrines, on subjects unconnected with slavery, occasioned +many of the former much uneasiness and embarrassment, while it furnished +the latter with new excuses for their enmity, and with the pretence that +under cover of _abolition_, lurked a design of assailing institutions +and opinions justly held in regard throughout the Christian world. + +In the summer of 1837, Sarah and Angelina Grimke visited New England for +the purpose of advocating the cause of the slave, with whose condition +they were well acquainted, being natives of South Carolina, and having +been themselves at one time implicated in the system. Their original +intention was to confine their public labors to audiences of their own +sex, but they finally addressed promiscuous assemblies. Their intimate +knowledge of the true character of slavery; their zeal, devotion, and +gifts as speakers, produced a deep impression, wherever they went. They +met with considerable opposition from colonizationists, and also from a +portion of the New England clergy, on the ground of the impropriety of +their publicly addressing mixed audiences. This called forth in the +Liberator, which at that time, I understand, was under the patronage, +though I believe not under the control of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery +Society, a discussion of the abstract question of the entire equality of +the rights and duties of the two sexes. Here was a new element of +discord. In 1838, at the annual New England convention of abolitionists, +a woman was for the first time placed on committees with men, an +innovation upon the general custom of the community, which excited much +dissatisfaction in the minds of many. + +About this time the rightfulness of civil and church government began to +be called in question, through the columns of the Liberator, by its +editor and correspondents. These opinions were concurrently advocated +with the doctrine of non-resistance. Those who hold these opinions, +while they deny that civil and ecclesiastical government are of divine +authority, are yet passively submissive to the authority of the former, +though they abstain from exercising the political rights of citizenship. +There were not wanting those, among the opponents of abolition, to +charge the anti-slavery body at large with maintaining these views, and +in consequence serious embarrassments were thrown in the way of a +successful prosecution of the cause. The executive committee of the +Society at New York were placed in a difficult position, but as far as I +am able to judge, they endeavored to hold on the steady tenor of their +way, without, on the one hand, countenancing the introduction of +extraneous matters upon the anti-slavery platform; or, on the other +hand, yielding to the clamor of the pro-slavery party, whether in church +or state. + +In subsequent anti-slavery meetings in Boston, New York, and elsewhere, +it became manifest that there was a radical difference of opinion on the +subject of political action; the non-resistant and no-government +influence, operating decidedly against the employment of the elective +franchise in the anti-slavery cause; and the agitation of this question, +as well as that of the rights of women, in their meetings, gave to them +a discordant and party character, painfully contrasting with the +previous peaceful and harmonious action of the societies. That some of +both parties began to overlook the great subject of the slaves' +emancipation, in zealous advocacy of, or opposition to, these new +measures, I cannot well doubt, judging from the testimony of those, who, +not fully sympathizing with either, endeavored to bring all back to the +single object of the anti-slavery association. In addition to these +intestine troubles, the pro-slavery party made strenuous exertions to +fasten upon the society the responsibility of the opinions and +proceedings of its non-resistant and no-government members. Under these +circumstances it is easy to understand the interruption, for a season, +of the unity of feeling and action which had previously characterized +the assemblies of the abolitionists. The actual separation in the +societies took place in the Spring of 1840. The members of the executive +committee at New York, with one exception, seceded and became members of +the committee of the "new organization," under the name of the "American +and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society." There are, therefore, now two central +or national anti-slavery societies; the "old organization," retaining +the designation of the "American Anti-Slavery Society." The State +Societies have, for the most part, taken up a position of neutrality, or +independence of both. It is important to add that the division took +place on the "women's rights" question, and that this is the only one of +the controverted points which the American Anti-Slavery Society has +officially affirmed; and it is argued, on behalf of their view of this +question, that since, in the original "constitution" of the society, the +term, describing its members, officers, et cet., is "persons," that +women are plainly invested with the same eligibility to appointments, +and the same right to vote and act as the other sex. I need not say how +this "constitutional" argument is met on the other side. The other new +views are held by comparatively few persons, and neither anti-slavery +society in America is responsible for them. In conclusion, I rejoice to +be able to add, that the separation, in its effects, appears to have +been a healing measure; a better and kinder feeling is beginning to +pervade all classes of American abolitionists; the day of mutual +crimination seems to be passing away, and there is strong reason to hope +that the action of the respective societies will henceforward +harmoniously tend to the same object. That such may be the result is my +sincere desire. It is proper in this connection to state that a +considerable number of active and prominent abolitionists do not +entirely sympathize with either division of the anti-slavery society; +and there are comparatively few who make their views, for or against the +question on which the division took place, a matter of conscience. + +I have now given a brief, and I trust an impartial account of the origin +of these dissensions. Some may possibly regard the views and proceedings +above referred to, as the natural growth of abolitionism, but as well +might the divisions among the early reformers be charged upon the +doctrines of the Reformation, or the "thirty years' war" upon the +preaching of Luther. + +On the evening of the 14th instant, we met at a social party the leading +abolitionists of Philadelphia of the "old organization." There were +present all but one of the delegates from Pennsylvania to the London +Convention. I availed myself of the opportunity of briefly and +distinctly stating the unanimous conclusion of the London Anti-Slavery +Committee, in which I entirely concurred, on the points at issue. I +observed, in substance, that in the struggle for the liberation of the +slaves in the British Colonies, one great source of our moral strength +was, the singleness of our object, and our not allowing any other +subject, however important or unexceptionable, to be mixed up with it; +that though the aid of our female coadjutors had been of vital +importance to the success of the anti-slavery enterprize, yet that their +exertions had been uniformly directed by separate committees of their +own sex, and that the abolitionists of Europe had no doubt that their +united influence was most powerful in this mode of action: that the +London Committee being convinced that no female delegate had crossed the +Atlantic, under the belief that the "call" or invitation was intended to +include women, felt themselves called upon, without in the slightest +degree wishing to interfere with private opinion on this, or any other +subject, to withhold their assent to the reception of such delegates, as +members of the Convention, and that their decision, when appealed +against, had been ratified in the Convention itself, by an overwhelming +majority, after a protracted discussion: finally, that those whose views +I represented, could not be parties to the introduction, in any future +convention, of this or any other question, which we deemed foreign to +our cause, and therefore that for those with whom it was a point of +conscience to carry out what they deemed "women's rights," I saw no +alternative but a separate organization, in which I wished that their +efforts on behalf of the oppressed colored race, might be crowned with +the largest measure of success. I observed, in conclusion, that my +object was simply to state the decision of those with whom I acted in +Great Britain, and that I must decline discussion, being fully convinced +that it was better that the now separate societies should aim at the +common object, in a spirit of kind and friendly co-operation, each in +its own sphere, rather than that they should waste their energies in +mutual contentions, and in the unprofitable discussion of topics not +legitimately belonging to the great question of the abolition of +slavery. + +Although I had to address a company almost unanimously opposed on these +points to myself, my communication was received in a kind and friendly +spirit, and I was courteously informed that it would be taken into +consideration at the next meeting of the Committee. + +My friend, Daniel Neall, at whose house this interview took place, is a +venerable looking man, a native of Delaware, and son-in-law of the +excellent Warner Mifflin. He has been an abolitionist from his boyhood. +Two years ago, he was dragged from the house of a friend in Delaware, +and tarred and feathered, and otherwise mal-treated by a mob of +slave-holders and their abettors; he mildly told those near him that if +they would call at his house at Philadelphia, he would treat them in a +very different manner. He was president of the Pennsylvania Hall +Association, and in the terrible mobs of 1838, manifested a calm, quiet +courage, as rare as it is commendable. + +I remained in Philadelphia until the morning of the 28th, and during +this interval paid many visits, and obtained much information, on the +state of the anti-slavery feeling in this city, and more particularly +amongst the members of the religious community to which I belong. On one +occasion an esteemed individual kindly invited a number of "Friends" to +meet me at his house, including some who object to uniting in +anti-slavery effort with those of other denominations. I was introduced +by the reading of a certificate of membership from the monthly meeting +to which I belong, and also a document from a number of "Friends" in +England, well known to those in America, commending me, and the cause in +which I was engaged, to their kind and favorable consideration. + +I then briefly related the leading objects of my visit to America, and +that it was my anxious wish the members of my own religious society in +this land, could see it their place to take the same active and +prominent part in the anti-slavery cause, as their brethren in England +had done, especially as the principles on which the British and Foreign +and the American and Foreign Societies were founded, were entirely in +accordance with the views of the Society of Friends. Those who spoke in +reply mostly vindicated the course pursued in the United States. From +this interview, as well as from others of a more private nature, with +leading "Friends," I came to the conclusion, that a number of these +would continue, by their influence and advice, to oppose their fellow +members joining anti-slavery societies, though it is not probable that +any disciplinary proceedings would be taken against such who might act +in opposition to this counsel, so long as the recognized principles of +the Society were not compromised. On this, to me, painfully interesting +subject, I could dwell at length, but I will simply remark that, while +it is evident that anti-slavery feeling is at too low an ebb among +"Friends" here, yet doubtless, many of those who thus excuse themselves +from active and effective service in the cause, still deeply sympathize +with their oppressed fellow-men, and are not quite at ease in view of +the apathy and inaction of the body to which they belong. + +On the 28th we arrived at Baltimore; during a stay of two or three days, +we found several persons who were friendly to our cause. There are +computed to be five thousand slaves in this city, but of course slavery +does not obtrude itself on the casual observer. Here, as in other +countries, he who would see it as it is, must view it on the +plantations. + +The free people of color in Baltimore, are alive to the importance of +education. One individual told us, that in distributing about two +hundred and fifty religious books, which had been sent to be +gratuitously supplied to the poor of this class, he found only five or +six families, in which the children were not learning to read and write. + +While in Baltimore, the inquiries I made respecting Elisha Tyson, fully +confirmed the impression I have attempted to convey of his extraordinary +character; perhaps no one has so good a claim to be considered the +Granville Sharp of North America, and I have inserted in another place +some particulars drawn from his biography, which will be found full of +interest.[A] I am glad also to state, that if there is no one citizen of +Baltimore on whom his mantle rests, there are yet some who are active in +preventing the illegal detention of negroes, and of bringing such cases +before the proper tribunal. One of these related the following case of +recent occurrence. A woman, who was the wife of a free man, and the +mother of four children, and who had long believed herself legally free, +was claimed by the heir of her former master. The case was tried, and +his right of property in her and her children affirmed. He then sold the +family to a slave dealer for a thousand dollars; of whom the husband of +the woman re-purchased them, (his _own_ wife and children,) for eleven +hundred dollars, to repay which he bound himself to labor for the person +from whom it was borrowed, for twelve years. Yet this is but a mitigated +instance of oppression in this _Christian_ country. + +[Footnote A: See Appendix D.] + +The religious public of this city appear to be doing nothing +collectively, to abolish or ameliorate slavery, and with the exception +of "Friends," and the body who have lately seceded from them, I fear +that all are more or less implicated in its actual guilt. I was informed +not long since, even the Roman Catholics, who are more free from the +contamination than many other religious bodies, had, in some part of the +State, sold several of their own church members, and applied the +proceeds to the erection of a place of worship. We called upon the Roman +Catholic Bishop to inquire into the truth of this, but he was from home. +When at Philadelphia afterwards, in conversation with a priest, I gave +the particulars, and said I should be glad to be furnished with the +means of contradicting it. I have not heard from him since. + +I am informed that the Yearly Meeting of "Friends" has advised its +members not to unite with the anti-slavery societies, and has latterly +discontinued petitioning the legislature for the abolition of the +internal slave trade, and the amelioration of the slave code; such is +the prevailing influence of a pro-slavery atmosphere. The code in +question has of late years been rendered more severe, and the legal +emancipation of slaves more difficult; yet I was pleased to learn that +public opinion has in this respect counteracted legislative tyranny; +that slavery has in fact become milder, and the number of manumissions +has not lessened. + +The mischievous influence of the Colonization Society is very extensive +among professing Christians in Baltimore, and is paramount in the +legislature of the State. + +The _American_ slave trade is carried on in the most open manner in this +city. We paid a visit to the establishment of an extensive slave dealer, +a large new building in one of the principal streets. The proprietor +received us with great courtesy, and permitted us to inspect the +premises. Cleanliness and order were every where visible, and, might we +judge from the specimens of food shewn us, the animal wants of the +slaves are not neglected. There were only five or six negroes _in +stock_, but the proprietor told us he had sometimes three or four +hundred there, and had shipped off a cargo to New Orleans a few days +before. That city is the market where the highest price is generally +obtained for them. The premises are strongly secured with bolts and +bars, and the rooms in which the negroes are confined, surround an open +court yard, where they are permitted to take the air. We were +accompanied and kindly introduced by an individual who has often been +engaged in preventing negroes from being illegally enslaved; and the +proprietor of the establishment expressed his approval of his efforts, +and that when such cases come before himself in the way of trade, he was +accustomed to send them to our friend for investigation; he added that +slaves would often come to him, and ask him to purchase them, and that +he was the means of transferring them from worse masters to better; that +he never parted families, though of course he could not control their +fate, either before they came into his hands, or after they left him. He +said he frequently left his concerns for weeks together, under the care +of his head slave, whose wife he had made free, and promised the same +boon to him, if he conducted himself well a few years longer. I thought +it right to intimate my view of the nature of slavery and the slave +trade, and that I deemed it wholly inconsistent with the plain precept +"do unto others as ye would they should do unto you." This he did not +attempt to controvert, yet he stated in extenuation, that the law +permitted the trade in slaves, though he should be as willing as any one +to have the system abolished, if the State would grant them compensation +for their property. He farther said, that he was born in a slave State, +that his mother had been for fifty years a member of the Wesleyan body, +and that though he had not joined a Christian church himself, he had +never sworn an oath, nor committed an immoral act in his life. He also +shewed, I think, convincingly, that dealing in slaves was not worse than +slave holding. On leaving the premises, we found the door of his office +had been locked upon us during this conference. I subsequently learned +that this person, though living in considerable style, was not generally +received in respectable society, and that a lady whom he had lately +married, was shunned by her former acquaintance. Such is the testimony +of the slave-holders of Baltimore against slave dealing, by which they +condemn themselves in the sight of God and man, and add the guilt of +hypocrisy to their own sin. Some time afterwards I addressed the +following letter to this individual, which was published in many of the +American papers: + + + "To HOPE H. SLAUGHTER, _Slave Trader, Baltimore_: + + "Since thou courteously allowed me, in company with my friend, + J.G. Whittier, to visit thy slave establishment in the city of + Baltimore, some weeks since, I have often felt a desire to + address a few lines to thee. I need not, perhaps, say that my + feelings were painfully exercised in looking over thy buildings, + fitted up with bolts and bars, for the reception of human beings + for sale. A sense of the misery and suffering of the unfortunate + slaves, who have been from time to time confined there--of their + separation from home and kindred--and of the dreary prospect + before them of a life of unrequited toil in the South and South + West--rested heavily upon me. I could there realize the true + nature of the system of slavery. I was in a market-house for + human flesh, where humanity is degraded to a level with the + brute; and where children of our common Father in Heaven, and + for whom our blessed Redeemer offered up the atoning sacrifice + of his blood, were bargained for and sold like beasts that + perish. And when I regarded thee as the merchant in this + dreadful traffic, and heard thee offer remarks, which might in + some degree be considered as an apology for thy business, + calling our attention to the cleanly state of the apartments, + the wholesome provisions, et cet.; and especially when I heard + thee declare that thou hadst been educated by a pious + mother--that thou wast never addicted to swearing or other + immoralities--and that thy business was a legalized one--that + thou didst nothing contrary to law--and that, while in thy + possession, the poor creatures were treated kindly--that + families were not separated,[A] et cet.,--I was glad to perceive + some evidence that the nature of thy employment had not + extinguished the voice of conscience within thee. In thy + sentiments, and in the manner of their utterance, I thought I + could see that truth had not left itself without a witness in + thy breast, and that a sense of the wrongfulness of thy + occupation still disturbed thee. + + [Footnote A: "The latter remark, of course, applies only to the + time they remained with thee. For, on the day we visited thy + establishment, a friend with whom I was dining informed me, that + a few days before a woman and child had been sold to thee, whose + husband and father was a free man, who, in his distress, had + been offering to bind himself for a term of years, in order to + raise the sum (I think $800) demanded for them; but, as he had + been unable to do so, my friend had no doubt they had been sent + off with the very lot of slaves, which, we were told by thyself + had just been forwarded to New Orleans from thy prison. _Who_ is + most guilty in this atrocious transaction--the slave owner, who + sold thee the woman and child at Baltimore--_thou_, the + transporter of them for ever from their husband and parent--_the + purchasers_ of the mother and child at New Orleans, where they + may be for ever separated from each other--or the _citizen_ who, + by his vote and influence, creates and upholds enactments which + legalize this monstrous system, is known only to Him before whom + the secrets of all hearts are unfolded."] + + "To thy remark that thy business was necessary to the system of + slavery, and an essential part of it--and if slave-_holding_ + were to be justified at all, the slave-_trade_ must be also--I + certainly can offer no valid objection; for I have never been + able to discover any moral difference between the planter of + Virginia and the slave dealer of Baltimore, Richmond, and + Washington. Each has his part to act in the system, and each is + necessary to the other. And if the matter were not, in all its + bearings, painfully serious, it would be amusing to witness the + absurd contempt with which the slave owner of Maryland or + Virginia professes to look upon the trader, whose purchase of + his surplus slaves alone enables him to retain the residue in + his possession; for it seems very evident that the only + profitable part of the system in those States, at the present + time, is the sale of the annual increase of the slaves. + + "In passing from thy premises, we looked in upon the Triennial + Convention of the Baptists of the United States, then in session + in the city of Baltimore, where I found slave-holding ministers + of high rank in the church, urging successfully the exclusion + from the Missionary Board of that Society, of all those who, in + principle and practice, were known to be decided abolitionists; + and the results of their efforts satisfied me that the darkest + picture of slavery is not to be found in the jail of the + slave-trader, but rather in a convocation of professed ministers + of the Gospel of Christ, expelling from the Board of a Society + formed to enlighten the heathen of other nations, all who + consistently labor for the overthrow of a system which denies a + knowledge of the Holy Scriptures to near three millions of + heathen at home! + + "But allow me, in a spirit, as I trust, of Christian kindness, + to entreat thee not to seek excuses for thy own course in the + evil conduct of others. Thou hast already reached the middle + period of life--the future is uncertain. By thy hopes of peace + here and hereafter, let me urge thee to abandon this occupation. + It is not necessary to argue its intrinsic wickedness, for thou + knowest it already. I would therefore beseech thee to listen to + that voice which, I am persuaded, sometimes urges thee to 'put + away the evil of thy doings,' to 'do justice and love mercy,' + and thus cease to draw upon thyself the curse which fell upon + those merchants of Tyre, who 'traded in the persons of men.' + That these warnings of conscience may not longer be neglected on + thy part, is the sincere wish of one who, while he abhors thy + occupation, feels nothing but kindness and good will towards + thyself. + + "Thy friend, + + "JOSEPH STURGE. + + "_New York, 6th Month 30th, 1841._" + + +The Baptist Convention alluded to in the foregoing letter was one whose +proceedings I regarded with considerable interest, for it had been +generally understood that the ministers delegated from the South, as +well as some of those from the Northern States, intended to exclude +abolitionists from every office on the missionary board, and especially +to remove my friend, Elon Galusha, a distinguished Baptist minister, +from the station of vice-president, for the offence of attending the +London Anti-Slavery Convention, and more particularly for supporting the +following resolutions of that assembly: + + + "1. That it is the deliberate and deeply-rooted conviction of + this Convention, which it thus publicly and solemnly expresses + to the world, that slavery, in whatever form, or in whatever + country it exists, is contrary to the eternal and immutable + principles of justice, and the spirit and precepts of + Christianity; and is, therefore a sin against God, which + acquires additional enormity when committed by nations + professedly Christian, and in an age when the subject has been + so generally discussed, and its criminality so thoroughly + exposed. + + "2. That this Convention cannot but deeply deplore the fact, + that the continuance and prevalence of slavery are to be + attributed in a great degree to the countenance afforded by many + Christian churches, especially in the Western world, which have + not only withheld that public and emphatic testimony against the + crime which it deserves, but have retained in their communion, + without censure, those by whom it is notoriously perpetrated. + + "3. That this Convention, while it disclaims the intention or + desire of dictating to Christian communities the terms of their + fellowship, respectfully submits that it is their incumbent duty + to separate from their communion all those persons who, after + they have been faithfully warned in the spirit of the gospel, + continue in the sin of enslaving their fellow-creatures, or + holding them in slavery--a sin, by the commission of which, with + whatever mitigating circumstances it may be attended in their + own particular instance, they give the support of their example + to the whole system of compulsory servitude, and the unutterable + horrors of the slave trade. + + "4. That it be recommended to the Committee of the British and + Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, in the name of this Convention, to + furnish copies of the above resolutions to the ecclesiastical + authorities of the various Christian churches throughout the + world." + + +On entering the meeting, we found the question was already before them, +previous to balloting for the officers for the ensuing three years. The +pro-slavery party were anxious to prevent all discussion, but some on +the other side proposed questions which compelled their notice. Among +the rest it was plainly asked, if the southern delegates did not come +pledged against the re-election of Elon Galusha. This was denied, but +certain resolutions which had appeared in the public papers were +appealed to in proof of the fact. The inquiry becoming more searching, +an expedient was resorted to, which, though quite novel to me, was, I am +told, not unfrequently adopted when discussions assume a shape not quite +satisfactory to the controlling powers of a synod. It was proposed that +they should pray, and then proceed at once to the ballot. The ministers +called upon were R. Fuller and Elon Galusha, who were considered to +represent the opposite sides of the discussion. The former individual is +a large slave-holder, an influential leader in his denomination, and had +canvassed and condemned Elon Galusha's views and conduct in the public +newspapers. I must avow, this whole proceeding was little calculated to +remove my objection to the practice of calling upon any individual to +offer supplication in a public assembly. After prayer had been offered, +they proceeded to the ballot, and we left the meeting, deeply impressed +with the profanation of employing the most solemn act of devotion to +serve the exigencies of controversy. + +In the evening I met a number of the anti-slavery members of the +Convention, from whom I learned that the vote had excluded Elon Galusha +and all other known abolitionists from official connection with the +board, by an hundred and twenty-four to an hundred and seventeen, which +being a much smaller majority than was expected, they considered the +result a triumph rather than a defeat. + +On the 1st of the 5th Month, (May) we returned to Wilmington, in +Delaware, where we remained at the hospitable residence of our friend +Samuel Hilles, till the 3d instant, and met a number of "Friends," and +others, who treated us with great kindness and hospitality, inspected +one of the flour mills on the Brandywine river, and the process of +drying Indian corn before it is ground; these are some of the oldest +flour mills in the State. A. large peach orchard of one of my friends in +the neighborhood, was beautifully in bloom. Great quantities of this +delicious fruit are raised in Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland. Here, +as in other parts of the States, much money, has been lost by a silk, or +rather mulberry tree, mania. Young mulberry trees rose to a dollar and a +quarter each, though they can be multiplied almost without limit in a +single year. As might have been expected, a re-action took place, many +parties were ruined, and berry trees may now be had for the trouble of +digging them up. + +The number of slaves in this small State is now reduced to four or five +thousand, and from all the information I could collect, I feel convinced +that if those who are friendly to emancipation were to exert themselves, +they would succeed, without much difficulty, in procuring the abolition +of slavery within its limits. + +My friend, John G. Whittier, being, from increase of indisposition, +unable to go forward, I left Wilmington alone, and arrived in New York +in time to be present at a Baptist Anti-Slavery Convention, which I had +been invited to attend, and at which I was called upon to make a few +observations on the present state of the question. Several important +resolutions were unanimously adopted, containing a cordial approval of +the principles of proceeding of the London Convention, a recommendation +that another Convention should be held at the same place in 1842, and an +assurance that exertions should be used to promote a good delegation +from the Baptist anti-slavery body. + +On that respecting Christian fellowship with slave-holding churches, Dr. +Brisbane spoke in a touching manner, and said he must support it, though +his friends and relations were in the South, and some of those dearest +to him still countenanced slavery, or were themselves slave-holders. + +On the 6th I returned to Philadelphia, and that evening attended, by +invitation, a meeting of the Juvenile Anti-Slavery Society, but took no +part in the proceedings. This Society is one of the most efficient in +the State; it is entirely confined to young men. I also received a +formal invitation to attend other meetings about to be held, which I +felt under the necessity of declining, from a belief that I could not +participate in the discussions of the meetings with advantage to the +cause which we all had at heart, and from the fact that previous to +receiving the invitation I had made other arrangements which would +occupy most of my time. + +The present organized anti-slavery societies in Pennsylvania insist upon +the mixed action of men and women in committees, et cet. Those who do +not hold with their views have either silently withdrawn, avoid +participating in measures which they disapprove, or do not attend +meetings when it is expected any such measures will be brought forward. +Among such measures may be reckoned the censures which in a few +instances have been passed on the London Convention, and the British and +Foreign Anti-Slavery Society; censures sometimes more decided in +sentiment than temperate in expression. My own inclination would have +led me to attend several of these meetings, when my other engagements +would have permitted, if I could have done so as an ordinary spectator +and hearer; but on considering that I might appear on the one hand to +give a tacit sanction to acts and sentiments which I disapproved, or on +the other hand, that I might be drawn into controversy by explaining my +objections, I concluded to forego the gratification which the +proceedings might have afforded me, and I subsequently saw no reason to +repent the decision I came to. + +During this visit to Philadelphia, I made calls upon various individuals +who are deeply interested in the anti-slavery cause, but who have not +joined any anti-slavery society. Among these I must instance Professor +Charles D. Cleveland, an excellent individual, of the Presbyterian +persuasion, a man of fine talents and an accomplished scholar, who is +the editor of a paper called the American Intelligencer, in which he has +reprinted a very large edition of J.J. Gurney's "Letters from the West +Indies," and has extensively distributed it through the post office. +This effort of judicious zeal, will probably make hundreds of +emancipationists, and disarm hostility and rouse indifference to a great +extent. No impartial and benevolent mind can read these authentic +details of the results of emancipation in the British Colonies, and +remain unconvinced of its safety and blessed fruits to every class of +the community. The Professor has published and circulated Dr. Channing's +"Emancipation," in the same shape. I also called upon the late Governor +of Illinois, Edward Coles, who was born in a slave State, but in early +life, while at college, from a conviction of the sinfulness of +slave-holding, he resolved upon liberating the negroes which would come +into his possession on the death of his father. This he faithfully +performed, removed the people to Illinois, and presented them; with +lands for their subsistence. He himself soon removed there and became +Governor of the territory. It was owing to his determined and vigorous +efforts that slavery was made unconstitutional in that State. He was a +friend of President Jefferson, and corresponded with him on the subject +of slavery. All his liberated slaves prospered, all learned to read and +write, two are now ministers of the gospel, and one is the Governor's +agent, and a man of property. The number thus freed were between thirty +and forty, and their value amounted to half his property; but a, +blessing has followed the sacrifice, and he has now retired to +Philadelphia with a handsome competence. In the course of conversation, +the Governor spoke of the prejudice, against color prevailing here as +much stronger than in the slave States, I may add, from my own +observation, and much concurring testimony, that Philadelphia appears to +be the metropolis of this odious prejudice, and that there is probably +no city in the known world, where dislike, amounting to hatred of the +colored population, prevails more than in the city of brotherly love! + +Among the proofs of this, and of the same feeling in the State at large, +it may be noticed that two or three years since, a convention was called +for amending the State constitution, which among other changes, formally +deprived men of color of the elective franchise. Practically this was of +little importance, for it was taking away a right, the exercise of +which, if attempted, would have roused popular indignation to the peril +of their lives. A yet more obvious sign to the stranger in Philadelphia, +are the ruins of "Pennsylvania Hall," which most of my readers are +probably aware was destroyed by a pro-slavery mob in the spring of 1838. +It stood near the centre of the city, and was sixty-two feet front by +one hundred deep, and fifty-two feet to the eaves: the large saloon in +the second story with its galleries being capable of holding three +thousand persons. On the occasion of its opening, a large number of the +friends of emancipation assembled in the city, to attend the anniversary +of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, and some other meetings +connected with the cause. Letters of congratulation on the opening of +the hall were received by the managers from ex-president Adams, William +Slade and Francis James, members of Congress, Thomas Morris of the U.S. +Senate, Judge Jay, Gerritt Smith, and other distinguished friends of +equal rights. The letter of the venerable ex-president is written with +his characteristic energy, and I quote an extract from it in further +proof of the sentiments already expressed on the state of feeling in the +land of Penn and Benezet, Pemberton and Franklin, on the subject of +slavery. + + + "The right of discussion upon slavery, and an indefinite extent + of topics connected with it, is banished from one-half the + States of this Union. It is _suspended_ in both houses of + Congress; opened and closed at the pleasure of the slave + representation; opened for the promulgation of nullification + sophistry; closed against the question, What is slavery? at the + sound of which the walls of the capitol staggered like a drunken + man. + + "For this suppression of the freedom of speech and press, and + the right of petition, the people of the _free_ States of this + Union are responsible, and the _people of Pennsylvania most of + all_. Of this responsibility, I say it with a pang, sharper than + language can express, _the city of Philadelphia must take + herself the largest share_." + + +The meetings of the first day passed without disturbance. On the evening +of the second day, a meeting of the Female Anti-Slavery Society was held +in the hall, the proceedings of which were greatly disturbed by a mob of +from 1500 to 2000 persons, assembled without. The windows on all sides +were beaten in by stones and other missiles, and one or two persons +severely injured. The next day the mob lingered about the building, no +effort being made by the pro-slavery authorities to disperse them. In +the evening the building was attacked, the doors burst open, and fire +communicated to the interior; and in the midst of at least 20,000 +persons, the noble and costly hall was consumed, with the exception of +its bare walls. My friend John G. Whittier, who was present at the time, +states that the most dreadful threats were uttered by the rioters +against the prominent abolitionists. The house of Samuel Webb was +particularly marked for destruction; and as the mob assembled nightly +for several days, it is scarcely possible to conceive a more trying +situation than that in which the abolitionists were placed. The +"Friends" asylum for colored orphans, a small but useful institution, +was attacked by a portion of the mob, and the next day the association +to which it belongs publicly disclaimed any connection with the +abolition societies. One of the daily papers also contained the +following, headed "Communication." + +"An opinion having become prevalent that a considerable number of the +society of Orthodox Friends were present at the late meetings in +Pennsylvania Hall, taking an active part in the proceedings, and that +they still uphold the principles in relation to slavery and the colored +race there promulgated, it is but justice to this respectable body of +people to correct public opinion in relation to the subject, by +observing that _very few_ if any attended the meetings; that among the +society it is doubtful whether twenty individuals are to be found in +this city who embrace their doctrines, and that they, as a body, are +opposed to the indiscreet course which has been taken by the ultra +abolitionists. Had their views been understood in relation to the +subject, their property in Thirteenth street would, no doubt, have been +spared the violence it has suffered, being in no way connected with +abolitionism, but merely designed as a shelter for an unfortunate class +of children who have large claims upon the community; and who, upon +application made in their behalf for the purposes for which this asylum +was designed, even to the _mob_, I have no hesitation in saying that, as +_human beings_, they would not oppose it." + +While other portions of the community were in like manner propitiating +the mob, the few but faithful abolitionists of the city calmly but +firmly maintained their principles, even at the peril of life and +estate. On the morning after the burning of the Hall, the State +Anti-Slavery Society, pursuant to adjournment, met at the ruins of the +Hall, and, amidst the smoking walls, and with the mob lingering about +them, they proceeded to their business--Abraham L. Pennock, the Vice +President of the Society, presiding. The editor of the Pennsylvania +Freeman, John G. Whittier, whose publication office and papers had been +destroyed by the mob, in his next paper published the following +editorial article, which I have copied simply to show that while the +abolitionists on this occasion maintained their sentiments in a clear +and unequivocal manner, they did not indulge in the language of revenge +or anger. + + + "We perhaps need offer no apology to our distant readers, for + the want of variety in our present number. Ours must be this + week a record of violence--a story of persecution and outrage. + We hardly dare trust ourselves to speak upon this matter. It is + our desire to do so, if at all, in a tone of calmness,--to hold + ourselves aloof, as far as possible, from the present + excitement,--to utter our abiding testimony, now dearer than + ever to our hearts, not in the language of passion, but firmly + and decidedly. + + "Our readers will gather from the statements made in the + different extracts in our paper, and especially from the Address + of the Executive Committee of the State Anti-Slavery Society, + the leading facts of the outrage. Of the course pursued by the + civil authorities, we leave the community to judge. Our own + reliance for protection has been upon that Providence whose + mercy is over all,--in the justice of our cause, and in our + conscious innocence of heart and integrity of purpose. We + rejoice, and in so doing, the abolitionists of Pennsylvania + unite with us, that human life was not sacrificed in defence of + our Hall, our persons, and our property. We know, indeed, that + had the attack been made upon the United States Bank, or any + similar institution in this city, the civil authorities would + have met its fury, not as now, with a speech only, but with + loaded firelocks and fixed bayonets. We know, it is true, that + the mob were in a great measure left free to work their + mischievous will upon us. But if those in authority have, _upon + their own principles_, treated us with neglect in the hour of + our peril, upon them let the responsibility rest. We have thus + far survived the onset. Under God, for to him alone are we + indebted for protection, we are still left to bear our testimony + to the truth. Our consciences are in this matter void of + offence. In cheerful serenity of spirit, and not in the tone of + menace or boasting, we declare our faith in the principles of + emancipation unfaltering--our zeal undiminished--our + determination to persevere unaltered. Our confidence in the + triumphant and glorious issue of the present struggle remains + firm. + + 'Truth smote to Earth revives again; + The eternal years of God are hers-- + But error wounded, shrieks with pain, + And dies among her worshippers.' + + + "From this time henceforward, Pennsylvania must become the great + battle-field of opinion on the subject of slavery. The light of + that evening's sacrifice has reached already every portion of + our State. Men are every where inquiring why the sacrifice was + made? Why a mighty city was convulsed with violence? Why a noble + hall was burned by incendiaries in the view of gazing thousands? + Why the 'shelter for orphan children' was set on fire, and why + the houses of our citizens were surrounded by a ruffian mob? + They may be told now by the perpetrators of these outrages, that + all has been occasioned by the conduct of the abolitionists. But + the delusion cannot last. Truth will make its way to the abused + ear of the community; and it will be known that the scenes which + have disgraced our city, are directly attributable to the + influence of southern slavery. The spirit of free inquiry, now + fairly awakened, will never again slumber in this state. Like + the Greek fire, it will blaze with fiercer intensity for every + attempt to extinguish it." + + +The proceedings of the authorities and the public at large, consequent +upon this act of incendiarism and outrageous violence, were truly +characteristic. It is supposed that the destruction of the Hall was +planned beforehand, and there is some evidence to show that strangers +from the South were implicated in the conspiracy; but, as usual, the old +drama of the wolf accusing the lamb was enacted over again, and a +pretext was laid hold of, that, in the peculiar state of feeling +existing in the community, was almost deemed a justification of all that +had happened; though, in truth, it was in the last degree ridiculous. It +was asserted that colored men had been seen walking arm in arm with +white ladies, and that white men had handed colored females out of their +carriages at the door of the Hall, as politely as if they had not +belonged to the proscribed class. In several instances, if not in all, +these reports were untrue in point of fact, and originated in the +existing paradox, that colored men and women are sometimes white, and +that white gentlemen and ladies are not unfrequently of dark complexion. +As an illustration, I quote the following scene from a letter addressed +to me by Robert Purvis, an intelligent and educated man of color, and +the son-in-law of James Forten, a wealthy and venerable colored citizen +of Philadelphia, recently deceased. + +"In regard to my examination before the jury in the Pennsylvania Hall +case, I have to say, that it was both a painful and ludicrous affair. At +one time the fulness of an almost bursting heart was ready to pour forth +in bitter denunciation--then the miserable absurdity of the thing, +rushing into my mind, would excite my risible propensities. You know the +county endeavored to defend itself against the award of damages, by +proving that the abolitionists were the cause of the destruction of the +building, in promoting promiscuous intermingling, in doors and out, of +blacks and whites, thereby exciting public feeling, &c. A witness, whose +name I now forget, in proof of this point, stated, that upon a certain +day, hour, &c., a '_negress_' approached the Hall, in a carriage, when a +white man assisted her in getting out, offered his arm, which was +instantly accepted, and he escorted her to the saloon of the building! +In this statement he was collected, careful, and solemn--minutely +describing the dress, appearance of the parties, as well as the +carriage, the exact time, &c.--the clerks appointed for the purpose +taking down every word, and the venerable jurors looking credulous and +horror-stricken. Upon being called to _rebut_ the testimony I, in truth +and simplicity, confirmed his testimony in every particular!! The +attorney, on our behalf, David Paul Brown, Esq., a gentleman, scholar, +and philanthropist, in a tone of irony peculiarly severe, demanded, +'whether I had the unblushing impudence, in broad day-light, to offer my +arm to my wife?' I replied, in deep affectation of the criminality +involved, that the only palliation I could offer, for conduct so +outrageous was, that it was unwittingly done, it seemed so natural. +This, as you might well suppose, produced some merriment at the expense +of the witness for the county, and of all others, whose gullibility and +prejudice had given credit to what would have been considered, had I +been what is called a white man, an awful story." + +The proceedings in the case are, I believe, still pending. My friend, +Samuel Webb, in a letter dated "11th Month 16th, 1841," says: + + + "Last 7th day, after several years incessant struggle, we + brought the case of the Pennsylvania Hall before the Court of + Criminal Sessions. George M. Dallas, Counsel for the County, in + opposing the award of the appraisers, (thirty-three thousand + dollars, not one-third of what it ought to have been,) spoke for + about one hour--the purport of his speech was--that here was no + mob at all, (!) that the jury appointed to ascertain the facts + had reported to the Court, that the mob, if mob it might be + called, was composed of orderly, respectable citizens; and of, + course, orderly, respectable citizens could not be a mob. After + this I should not be surprised to hear it doubted whether there + ever was such a building, or if there was, whether it was ever + destroyed; but unluckily the ruined walls are still standing, + and if I had my way, _there they should stand_, until slavery + shall be abolished, which it will be, soon after your East India + possessions can grow cotton for six cents per lb. by free + labor." + + +To resume the narrative: I paid a visit to the widow of Joseph +Lancaster, who, with her three children by a former husband, are living +in great obscurity in the suburbs of this city. + +I returned to New York on the 10th, for the purpose of being in the city +at the time when the religious and benevolent anniversaries are held, +and of meeting parties who attend them. Here I had the pleasure of +meeting with several warm-hearted abolitionists from distant parts of +the country. The first meeting I attended was the anniversary of the +American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, which, though held at a +distance from the centre of the city, in consequence of the +pre-engagement of the New York Tabernacle, was well attended, and I +believe gave general satisfaction. I was present also at two other of +its meetings. I attended several adjourned sittings of a convention +called for the purpose of organizing a political "Liberty party," on the +grand principle of the abolition of slavery. The chief business in hand +was to nominate a President and Vice President of the United States, for +the next election, and the choice fell upon my friend James G. Birney, +for President, and Thomas Morris, late United States Senator from Ohio, +for Vice President. A plan was arranged for putting in nomination +abolition candidates for every office in the free States, down to that +of constable. + +I listened to the discussions that took place with considerable +interest, as there are some valuable friends to the cause, men, whose +opinions justly carry great weight, who do not think this the best means +of bringing political influence to bear upon the question, but who would +prefer voting for such anti-slavery candidates, as might be nominated by +either of the two great parties already existing, or in the absence of +any such candidate would decline voting at all. My own bias was in favor +of this course, since it was the one pursued in Great Britain, and which +had been so eminently successful in the general election of 1833. I +became convinced, however, that the "third party" has strong reasons in +its favor, and that in various important respects the abolitionists of +the United States are differently circumstanced in regard to elections +from those of my own country; and it must not be forgotten that many of +the men who pledged themselves on the hustings in England were not +faithful at the time of trial. At the last sitting of the Convention, I +stated the advantage we had found in England, when we wished to carry +any specific measure, of a personal interview with the members of the +legislature, who might state facts to them and answer their objections. +It was immediately suggested to send a deputation to Albany, where the +senate and assembly of the State of New York were then in session, to +promote the repeal of two iniquitous laws affecting people of color, and +which were to be brought before the consideration of the Houses. One of +them is known as the "nine months law." By its provisions a slave-holder +could bring his negro "with his own consent" into this _free_ State, and +keep him there in slavery for nine months! At the expiration of the time +it was of course very easy by a short journey to a neighboring State, to +obtain a new license, and thus perpetuate slave-holding in the State of +New York. The other law was an act restricting the elective franchise of +men of color, to those possessing a fixed amount of property, no such +restriction existing in the case of white men. This suggestion was +adopted by the Convention, and a deputation appointed, with what success +will be seen hereafter. + +In order to give a general idea of the course pursued by the "Liberty +party," I subjoin a statement of the plan of operation issued by a +Philadelphia committee. + + + "PLAN OF OPERATION. + + "A national committee to meet at Utica, to have a general care + and oversight of the cause throughout the nation, and to act as + a central corresponding committee.--State committees, to perform + similar duties, in their States.--County committees, the same in + their respective counties.--City and district committees, the + same in their respective cities and districts.--Township and + ward committees, to have the particular charge of their + respective townships or wards. + + "This duty may be performed by their appointing a sub-committee, + to consist of one member for each block, square, section, + sub-division, or neighborhood, whose duty it will be to endeavor + to abolitionize his sub-division; or, at least, ascertain, as + far as practicable, how many of the legal voters will vote the + Liberty ticket, and transmit the number to his city or county + committee, which is to forward the number of voters in their + city or county to their Stale committee, and the State committee + is to forward the number of voters in their State to the + national committee; and also to distribute, or cause to be + distributed, in his sub-division, such tracts, circulars, + notices, tickets, &c., as shall be furnished by his superior + committee for that purpose. + + "Each committee is to communicate with its next superior + committee once a year, or oftener, if required, and to meet at + such time and place not less than once a month, as shall be + agreed upon between it and its superior committee." + + +I afterwards was present at one of a series of meetings, held for the +purpose of introducing to the public the Amistad captives, Africans of +the Mendi country, who had recently regained their freedom. The case of +these people is so singularly interesting, that, though some of my +readers may be already well acquainted with it, I venture to introduce a +brief statement of their history in the Appendix.[A] + +[Footnote A: See Appendix E.] + +On this occasion a very crowded and miscellaneous assembly attended, to +see and hear the Mendians, although the admission had been fixed as high +as half a dollar, with the view of raising a fund, to carry them to +their native country. Fifteen of them were present, including one little +boy and three girls. Cinque their chief, spoke with great fluency in his +native language; and his action and manner were very animated and +graceful. Not much of his speech was translated, yet he greatly +interested his audience. The little boy could speak our language with +facility; and each of them read without hesitation one or two verses in +the New Testament. It was impossible for any one to go away with the +impression, that in native intellect these people were inferior to the +whites. The information which I privately received, from their tutor and +others who had full opportunities of appreciating their capacities and +attainments, fully confirmed my own very favorable impressions. + +One evening during my stay, I took tea with twelve or fifteen colored +gentlemen, at the house of a colored family. The refined manners and +great intelligence of many of them would have done credit to any +society. The whites have a monopoly of prejudice, but not a monopoly of +intellect; nor of education and accomplishments; nor even of those more +trivial, yet fascinating graces, which throw the charm of elegance and +refinement over social life. + +I found from the conversation I had with my colored friends, on +different occasions, that the prejudice against them was steadily, and +not very slowly, giving way; yet several instances were mentioned, of +recent occurrence, which show that it is still strong: I will quote one +only. A colored gentleman informed me that last winter a near female +relative being about to take a journey by railway to Philadelphia, she +was compelled, though in delicate health, to travel in the comfortless, +exposed car, expressly provided for negroes, though he offered to pay +double fare for a place in the regular carriage. A lady, not of the +proscribed class, who has long resided in New York, mentioned to me as a +marked indication of a favorable change in regard to color, the holding +of such meetings as those at which the Amistad captives were introduced. +Such an exhibition, instead of causing a display of benevolent interest +among all classes, would, some years ago, have excited the malignant +passions of the multitude, and probably caused a popular out-break. +Another sign of the times was, that white and colored children might be +seen walking in procession without distinction, on the anniversaries of +the charity schools. The same lady, in whose veracity I place full +confidence, informed me that there is now residing in this city, a +native of Cuba, formerly a slave-holder at the Havana, who had narrowly +escaped assassination from a negro. He had threatened the slave with +punishment the following day, but the desperate man concealed himself in +his master's room, and in the night, stabbed and killed his mistress by +mistake, instead of his master. Three negroes were executed as principal +and accessories; but their intended victim was so terrified that he left +Havana for New York. His fears, not his conscience, were alarmed, for he +still carries on his diabolical traffic between Africa and Cuba, and is +reported to have gained by it, last year, one hundred thousand dollars. +He lives in great splendor, and has the character of a liberal and +generous man, but with the most implacable hatred to the blacks. "One +murder makes a villain, thousands a hero." How wide the distinction +between this man and the wretches who paid the forfeit of their lives +for a solitary murder![A] + +[Footnote A: Sir F. Buxton has shown that two lives at least are +sacrificed for every slave carried off from Africa.] + +On the evening of the 17th, in company with several of my abolition +friends, I started for Albany, where the State legislature was then in +session. The distance from New York is about a hundred and fifty-five +miles, and is frequently performed by the steamers, on the noble river +Hudson, in nine hours and a half up the stream, and in eight hours down. +On these steamers there is accommodation for several hundred passengers +to lodge, and the fare is only one dollar, with an extra charge for beds +and meals. For an additional dollar, two persons may secure a state room +to themselves. + +As night drew on, and the deck began to be cleared, I observed a +well-dressed black man and woman sitting apart, and supposing they could +obtain no berths on account of their color, I went and spoke to them. I +told them I and several others on board were abolitionists. The man then +informed us they were escaping from slavery, and had left their homes +little more than two days before. They appeared very intelligent, though +they could neither read nor write, and described to us how they had +effected their escape. They had obtained leave to go to a wedding, from +which they were not expected to return till the evening of the day +following. Having procured forged certificates of freedom, for which +they paid twenty-five dollars, each, they came forward with expedition +by railway and steam boat. They had heard of emancipation in the British +West Indies, and the efforts of the abolitionists in the States, but +they were unacquainted with the existence of vigilance committees, to +facilitate the escape of runaway slaves. We assisted them to proceed to +the house of a relative of one of our party, out of the track of the +pursuer, should they be followed. There is little doubt that they have +safely reached Canada, for I was told at Albany, public opinion had +become so strong in favor of self-emancipation, that if a runaway were +seized in the city, it is probable he would be rescued by the people. + +I would also point attention to the fact, which is brought to light by +this relation, that the slave-holders have not only to contend with the +honest and open-handed means which the abolitionists most righteously +employ,[A] to facilitate the escape of slaves, but with the mercenary +acts of members of their own community, who live by the manufacture and +sale of forged free papers. + +[Footnote A: See Deut. xxiii, 15, 16.] + +During my stay in Albany, I waited upon William H. Seward, the Governor, +and on Luther Bradish, the Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York. +It will, I trust, be considered no breach of confidence, if I state that +I found their sentiments on the true principles of liberty, worthy of +the enlightened legislators and first magistrates of a free republic. +They concur in the general sentiment that public opinion in this +metropolitan State is making rapid progress in favor of full and +impartial justice to the people of color, a movement to which their own +example in the high stations which they adorn has given a powerful +impulse. + +I attended part of the sittings of the Senate and Assembly, and +conversed with a number of members of both houses. The public business +was transacted with at least as much order and decorum as in the Lords +and Commons of Great Britain. I left Albany the same evening, and had +the satisfaction of hearing, a few days afterwards, that the repeal of +"the nine months law" had passed both houses, and was ratified by the +Governor; and that in the Assembly upwards of fifty members had voted +for it, although it was thought not ten would have done so two years +since. By this change of the law any slave brought by his master within +the limits of the State, even with his own consent, is not obliged to +return to slavery. + +I proceeded by way of New York to Hartford in Connecticut, in order to +be present at an anti-slavery meeting of the State Society, to which I +had been invited. On my arrival, on the afternoon of the 19th, I found +the meeting assembled, and in the chair my friend J.T. Norton, a member +of the Connecticut legislature, a munificent and uncompromising friend +to the anti-slavery cause, and one of the delegates to the London +Convention. A black minister of religion addressed the meeting in an +able and interesting manner. Soon after the close of his speech, a +circumstance, quite unexpected to me, introduced a discussion on the +right of women to vote and publicly act, conjointly with men. The +chairman decided that the motion in favor of it was negatived, but the +minority required the names on both sides to be taken down; this +consumed much time, and disturbed the harmony of the meeting. I attended +in the evening a committee of the legislature, which was sitting at the +court house, to hear the speeches of persons who were allowed to address +the committee in support of a petition that the word "white" should be +expunged from the constitution of Connecticut. This change would of +course give equal rights to the colored class. When I entered, the same +colored minister I had heard in the afternoon, was addressing the +committee. He was listened to with great attention, not only by the +members, but by near two hundred of the inhabitants, who were present. +He was followed on the same side, by a white gentleman in a very strong +and uncompromising speech. The next day I paid my respects to William W. +Ellsworth, the Governor of the State, and to one of the judges of the +court; and afterwards attended the adjourned meeting of the Anti-Slavery +Society. The vexed question of "women's rights" was again brought +forward in another shape; the names on both sides again called for, with +the same result as before. My belief was fully confirmed, that those who +differ so widely in sentiment, have no alternative but to meet and act +in distinct organizations. + +The Amistad captives arrived at Hartford on the afternoon of the same +day, and were to address a meeting in the evening. An anti-slavery +bazaar or fair which I visited this day, furnished ample testimony of +the zeal of the female friends of the oppressed slave in this district. +I returned the same evening to New Haven, and subsequently received a +copy of two resolutions, approving the proceedings of the general +Anti-Slavery Convention, in which it is stated by the Connecticut +anti-slavery committee, "they have abundant evidence that the cause of +the slave has been essentially promoted thereby;" also recommending +"that a convention of men from all parts of the world, friendly to the +cause of immediate emancipation, be again called in London, in the +summer of 1842." + +On the 21st, I proceeded to the residence of Judge Jay, where I was very +kindly received by his wife and family, the Judge himself being from +home. On his return the next day, I had much interesting conversation +with him on the prospects of our cause. He is convinced that it is +making steady progress, notwithstanding the schism in the anti-slavery +ranks. He said also, that of the runaway slaves who called at his house, +some have told him that their condition had improved of late years; +others saw no change in their treatment; not one has complained that +they suffered more than formerly, in consequence of the discussions at +the North about abolition. With regard to the free blacks, he fears that +the persecution of them by the slave-holders has increased; though at +the North the prejudice against them has unquestionably, in his opinion, +been much mitigated by the efforts of the abolitionists. It is an +interesting fact, and one that ought to encourage the humble and retired +laborer in the cause of truth and righteousness, that this able and +distinguished advocate of the claims of the oppressed slaves and people +of color, was converted to his present views by Elizabeth Heyrick's +pamphlet, "Immediate, not Gradual, Abolition of West India Slavery." Let +me for a moment pause to render a tribute of justice to the memory of +that devoted woman. Few will deny that the long and heart-sickening +interval that occurred between the abolition of the slave-trade of Great +Britain, and the emancipation of her slaves, was owing to the false, but +universal notion, that the slaves must be gradually prepared for +freedom: a notion that we now confess is as contrary to reason and +Christian principle as it is opposed to the past experience of our +colonies. Yet a generation passed away while the abolitionists of Great +Britain were trying to make ropes of sand--to give practical effect to +an impracticable theory; pursuing a delusion, which this honored woman +was the first to detect; and that less by force and subtlety of +argument, than by the statement of self-evident truths, and by the +enforcement of the simple and grand principle that Christianity admits +of no compromise with sin. This was an easy lesson, yet it was one which +our senators and statesmen, our distinguished philanthropists, and our +whole anti-slavery host were slow to learn. The pamphlet produced little +immediate effect, but to cause its writer to be regarded as an amiable +enthusiast and visionary. It now remains a monument of the +indestructible nature, and the irresistible power of truth, even when +wielded by feeble and despised hands. + +Judge Jay read to me part of a very interesting and important +manuscript, which he had prepared on the preservation of international +peace. He suggests that any two nations, entering into an alliance, +should embody in their treaty a clause mutually binding them to refer +any dispute or difficulty that may arise, to the arbitration of one or +more friendly powers. As he has concluded to publish his pamphlet, I +trust it will shortly be in the hands of the friends of peace in this +country, as well as in America. This idea is beautifully simple, and of +easy application. Through the kindness of the author, I have been +furnished with a long and important extract from his manuscript, which I +am permitted to lay before the British public by anticipation, in the +Appendix to the present work.[A] On returning from his hospitable +mansion, he obligingly sent his carriage with me to Sing Sing, but the +steamboat had started earlier than we expected, and I hired a carriage +and a pair of horses, with the driver, who was also the proprietor, to +convey me the remainder of the way to New York. The distance for which I +engaged it, was thirty-six miles, for the moderate sum of five dollars. +On the road, the man pointed out the place where Major Andre was taken, +whose tragical end excites sympathy even to this day, in the breast of +the Americans. On entering the city, we passed a man in livery, and my +driver remarked, "There, that is English; I would not wear _that_ for a +hundred dollars a day." Long may the American, who lives by his daily +labor, preserve this feeling of honorable independence. + +[Footnote A: See Appendix F.] + +During my stay at New York this time, I was the guest of my friend +William Shotwell, Jr., at whose hospitable dwelling, I afterwards took +up my abode, whenever I lodged in the city. From the 24th to the 28th, I +was chiefly occupied in attending the sittings of the Friends' Yearly +Meeting of this State; and, during the intervals, in seeing many Friends +in private company. I was much encouraged to find among them, a +considerable number thoroughly imbued with anti-slavery sentiments; +especially, from the western parts of the State. The subject of slavery +was introduced, in the Yearly Meeting, by reading the Epistle from the +Society in England, which is elsewhere quoted.[A] This was followed on +the part of many, by expressions of deep feeling; and the question was +referred to a committee, for practical consideration. In consequence of +the report of this committee, at a subsequent sitting, five hundred +copies of the English address were directed to be printed, and +circulated among Friends, within the compass of the Yearly Meeting; and +the whole subject was referred to its "meeting for sufferings," with an +earnest recommendation, that they should embrace every right opening for +furthering the great object. The clerk of the Yearly Meeting expressed +his firm conviction, that the work was on the wheel, and that nothing +would be permitted to stop its progress, until, either in mercy or in +judgment, the bonds of every slave should be broken. He spoke in a very +powerful manner. In most of the epistles sent out from this Yearly +Meeting, as well as from that of Philadelphia, the subject of slavery +was introduced, and commended to the earnest consideration of the body, +here and elsewhere. Previous to the assembling of the Yearly Meeting, I +had placed in the hands of one of its members, the following letter: + +[Footnote A: See Appendix A.] + + + My Dear Friend,--Wilt thou have the kindness to ask the Friends + with whom it rests to grant such a request, to permit the use of + the meeting house at a convenient time, either during the Yearly + Meeting, or before those who attend from the country leave the + city, for the purpose of affording my friend John Candler an + opportunity of giving Friends some outline of emancipation in + Jamaica. I should like at the same time to give a little + information on the state of the anti-slavery question in other + parts of the world. John Candler, it is I believe generally + known, visited Jamaica with the full sanction of the "meeting + for sufferings," in London. My visit to this country had no + particular reference to the members of our Society, but my + friends in England kindly furnished me with the enclosed + documents. + + Affectionately, + + JOSEPH STURGE. + + _New York, 5th Month 17th_, 1841. + + +This request was kindly complied with. The large meeting house was +granted for the evening of the 27th. The clerks of the men's and women's +meetings gave public notice of it in their respective assemblies. The +former, the venerable and worthy Richard Mott, encouraged Friends to be +present, and said, as a thinking and reasoning people, they need fear no +harm from a calm consideration of the subject. The attendance was large, +including, I believe, most of those Friends who were from the country. +The following brief notice of it in the American and Foreign +Anti-Slavery Reporter, will explain the character of the meeting. + + + "On Thursday evening of last week, the members of the Society of + Friends (Orthodox,) assembled in this city at their Annual + Meeting, met at their meeting house in Orchard street, to listen + to the statements of John Candler, of England, lately returned + from a visit to the West India Islands, as to the results of + emancipation in those Islands, and also of our esteemed friend, + Joseph Sturge, in reference to the general subject of + emancipation throughout the world. + + "The meeting was largely attended. The successful and happy + results of the immediate emancipation of the slaves of the + colonies, as detailed by John Candler, were calculated to + strengthen the conviction that to do justice is always + expedient. Joseph Sturge gave a history of the progress of the + anti-slavery cause in Great Britain from the time of the old + abolition society, of which Thomas Clarkson was a member, and of + which he is sole survivor. He also glanced at the state of the + cause in other quarters of the globe--at the efforts for East + India emancipation, and at late movements in France, Brazil and + Spain, in favor of emancipation; concluding with a most + affecting appeal to the members of his religious society to omit + no right opportunity for pleading for the slave, and for + hastening the day of his deliverance. + + "We take pleasure in recording such evidences that the good old + testimony of the Society of Friends, on this subject, is still + maintained among them. The Friends of the past generation set a + noble example to other Christian sects, by emancipating their + slaves, from a sense of religious duty; and it seems to us, that + those of the present day have great responsibilities resting + upon them; and that it especially becomes them to see to it that + their light is not hidden in this hour of darkness and + prejudice, on the subject of human rights. The slaveholder and + his victim both look to them;--the one with deprecating gesture, + and words of flattery--the other in beseeching and half + reproachful earnestness. We cannot doubt that the agonizing + appeal of the latter is listened to by all who truly feel the + weight of their religious testimonies resting upon them; and we + trust there will be found among them, an increasing zeal to + secure to these unhappy victims of avarice and the lust of + power, that liberty which George Fox, two centuries in advance + of his contemporaries, declared to be 'the right of all men.'" + + +When the assembly broke up, the clerk of the Yearly Meeting, who sat by +us, expressed to me his entire satisfaction with the proceedings, as did +others present. One influential member of the Society, however, who met +me the next day in the street, stated very decidedly his disapprobation +of the tenor of certain parts of my address; but I found that he +condemned me on hearsay evidence, not having attended the meeting +himself. On the 29th, I was favored with a call from Lieutenant Governor +Cunningham, of St. Kitts, on his way to England, who gave a very +favorable account of the continued good conduct of the emancipated +slaves in that Island. It is surely an eminent token of the divine +blessing on a national act of justice and mercy, that evidence of this +kind should have been so abundantly and uniformly supplied from every +colony where slavery has been abolished. A fine black man was brought to +me about this time, who showed me papers by which it appeared he had +lately given one thousand five hundred dollars for his freedom. He had +since been driven from the State in which he lived, by the operation of +a law, enacted to prevent the continued residence of free people of +color, and has thus been banished from a wife and family, who are still +slaves. He has agreed with their owner, that if he can pay two thousand +five hundred dollars, in six years, his wife and six children shall be +free, and he was then trying to get employment in New York, in the hope +of being able to raise this large sum within the specified time. + +On the 29th, I proceeded to Burlington; while I was there five or six +Friends drew up and presented me with a resolution, expressive of their +readiness and desire to join with other members of their religious +society in active efforts for the abolition of slavery. + +On the 30th, I paid a second visit to my venerable friend John Cox. The +next morning his grandson kindly accompanied me to Mount Holly, to see +the humble dwelling of the late John Woolman. I afterwards received from +John Cox a letter, from which I quote the following extract relating to +this remarkable man, whose character confers interest even on the most +trivial incidents of his life which can now be remembered: + + + "Since our separation on the morning of the 31st ultimo, when my + grandson accompanied thee to Mount Holly, I have been there, it + having been previously reported that the ancient, humble dome, + which passed under thy inspection as the residence of John + Woolman, he never inhabited, though that he built the house (as + Solomon built the temple,) is admitted. With a view to remove + this erroneous impression, I sought and obtained an interview + with the only man now living in the town, who was contemporary + with John Woolman, (now eighty years of age,) and in habits of + occasional intercourse with him. He informed me that John + Woolman's daughter (an only child,) and her husband resided in + the house when her father embarked for London, which was in the + year 1772, as recorded in his journal. The fact of residence is + corroborated by the circumstance of the search for and + destruction of caterpillars in the apple orchard, which I think, + was related to thee. + + "The sage historian of by-gone days, whom I met at Mount Holly, + spake of his being at John Woolman's little farm, in the season + of harvest, when it was customary, and so remains to the present + time, for farmers to slay a young calf or a lamb; the common + mode is by bleeding in the jugular vein; but with a view to + mitigate the sufferings of the animal in that mode, he had + prepared, and kept by him for that express purpose, a large + block of wood with a smooth surface, and after confining the + limbs of the animal, it was laid gently thereon, and the head + severed from the body at one stroke." + + +While in this neighborhood, I made a call on Nathan Dunn, the proprietor +of the "Chinese collection." He resided many years at Canton, and since +his return has built himself a mansion in the Chinese style. His museum +of Chinese curiosities is by far the most extensive and valuable which +has ever been seen out of that country, and forms one of the most +attractive and instructive exhibitions in Philadelphia; one whose +character and arrangement are quite _unique_, and which has some +pretensions to the title of "China in miniature." It occupies the whole +of the lower saloon of that splendid building recently erected at the +corner of Ninth and George streets, by the Philadelphia Museum Company. +The visitor's notice is first attracted by a series of groups of +figures, representing Chinese of nearly every grade in society, engaged +in the actual business of life. The figures, in their appropriate +costume, are modeled in a peculiarly fine clay, by Chinese artists, with +exquisite skill and effect. All are accurate likenesses of originals, +most of whom are now living. The following enumeration of one of the +cases, expanded in the subsequent description, which I quote from the +catalogue, will give an idea of the manner in which Chinese life and +manners are illustrated: + + + "CASE VIII.--_No_. 21. _Chinese Gentleman_.--22. _Beggar asking + alms_.--23. _Servant preparing breakfast_.--24. + _Purchaser_.--25. _Purchaser examining a piece of black silk. + The proprietor behind the counter making calculations on his + counting board_.--_Clerk entering goods_.--_Circular table, with + breakfast furniture_. + + "This has been arranged so as to afford an exact idea of a + Chinese retail establishment. Two purchasers have been placed by + the counter: one of whom is scrutinizing a piece of black silk + that lies before him. The owner, behind the counter, is + carelessly bending forward, and intent on casting an account on + the 'calculating dish,' while his clerk is busy making entries + in the book, in doing which he shows us the Chinese mode of + holding a pen, or rather brush, which is perpendicularly between + the thumb and all the fingers. A servant is preparing breakfast. + A circular eight-legged table, very similar to those used by our + great grandfathers, is spread in the centre of the shop. Among + its furniture, the ivory chopsticks are the most novel. On the + visitor's right hand sits a gentleman, with a pipe, apparently a + chance comer, 'just dropped in' about meal time; on the left, a + blind beggar stands, beating two bamboo sticks against each + other, an operation with which he continues to annoy all whom he + visits, till he is relieved by some trifling gratuity, usually a + single _cash_. A gilt image of Fo is inserted in the front part + of the counter, and a small covered tub, filled with tea, with a + few cups near by, standing on the counter, from which customers + are always invited to help themselves. + + "The merchants and shop-keepers of Canton are prompt, active, + obliging, and able. They can do an immense business in a short + time, and without noise, bustle, or disorder. Their goods are + arranged in the most perfect manner, and nothing is ever out of + its place. These traits assimilate them to the more enterprising + of the Western nations, and place them in prominent contrast + with the rest of the Asiatics. It is confidently asserted by + those who have had the best opportunities of judging, that as + business men, they are in advance of Spanish, Italian, and + Portuguese merchants. + + "There is a variety of amusing inscriptions on the scrolls hung + up in the interior of some of the shops, which serve at the same + time to mark the thrifty habits of the traders. A few specimens + are subjoined:--'Gossipping and long sitting injure business.' + 'Former customers have inspired caution--no credit given.' 'A + small stream always flowing.' 'Genuine goods; prices true.' + 'Trade circling like a wheel,' et cet." + + +In addition to the above models, the collection includes an almost +innumerable variety of specimens of the fine arts and manufactures, +comprising almost every article of use and luxury--furniture, modern and +antique porcelain, models houses, pagodas, boats, junks, and bridges; +pieces of silk, linen, cotton, grass-cloth, and other fabrics +manufactured in China for home consumption; books and drawings, costume, +idols, and appendages of worship; weapons, musical instruments, signs, +mottoes, and entablatures, and numerous paintings, which last, it is +justly observed, "will satisfy every candid mind that great injustice +has been done to the Chinese artists, in the notion hitherto entertained +respecting their want of skill. They paint insects, birds, fishes, +fruits, flowers, with great correctness and beauty; and the brilliancy +and variety of their colors cannot be surpassed. They group with +considerable taste and effect, and their perspective--a department of +the art in which they have been thought totally deficient--is often very +good." + +Many of the paintings represent actual scenes and occurrences; and thus, +like the models before mentioned, bring living China before the mind's +eye. The following is a good example. + + + "910. _View of the interior of the Consoo House, with the court + in session, for the final decision of the charge of piracy + committed by the crew of a Chinese junk on a French captain and + sailors, at a short distance from Macao_. + + "The French ship, Navigatre, put in to Cochin China in distress. + Having disposed of her to the government, the captain, with his + crew, took passage for Macao in a Chinese junk belonging to the + province of Fokien. Part of their valuables consisted of about + 100,000 dollars in specie. Four Chinese passengers bound for + Macao, and one for Fokien, were also on board. This last + apprised the Frenchmen in the best manner he could, that the + crew of the junk had entered into a conspiracy to take their + lives and seize their treasure. He urged that an armed watch + should be kept. On reaching the Ladrone Islands, the poor Macao + passengers left the junk. Here the Frenchmen believed themselves + out of danger, and exhausted by sickness and long watching, + yielded to a fatal repose. They were all massacred but one, a + youth of about nineteen years of age, who escaped by leaping + into the sea, after receiving several wounds. A fishing boat + picked him up and landed him at Macao, where information was + given to the officers of government, and the crew of the junk, + with their ill-gotten gains, were seized, on their arrival at + the port of destination in Fokien. + + "Having been found guilty by the court, in their own district, + they were sent down to Canton, by order of the Emperor, to the + Unchat-see, (criminal judge) to be confronted with the young + French sailor. This trial is represented in the painting. The + prisoners were taken out of their cages, as is seen in the + foreground. The Frenchman recognized seventeen out of the + twenty-four; but when the passenger, who had been his friend, + was brought in, the two eagerly embraced each other, which scene + is also portrayed in the painting. An explanation of this + extraordinary act was made to the judge, and the man forthwith + set at liberty. A purse was made up for him by the Chinese and + foreigners, and he was soon on his way homeward. The seventeen + _were_ decapitated, in a few days, in the presence of the + foreigners; the captain, was to be put to a 'lingering death,' + the punishment of traitors, and the stolen treasures were + restored." + + +I do not quote the above for the sake of the anecdote, though the +relation is authentic, but as, affording a striking illustration of the +advanced civilization of the Chinese. It shows that the supremacy of the +law is universal, and its administration efficient. The criminals, in +this instance, are promptly seized, tried, and condemned on strong +evidence; but, before they are executed, reference is made to the +distant metropolis, Pekin. Here it is observed, that the most important +witness was not 'confronted with the prisoners,' and they are forthwith +directed to be conveyed to Canton, to be examined in his presence. +Seventeen are recognized by him and are executed. The rest escape. Now +this is just what might have taken place under the best ordered +governments of Europe. The humane maxims of British jurisprudence, if +not acknowledged in theory, may be here witnessed in practical +operation, and the single circumstance of referring capital convictions +to the Emperor, in his distant metropolis, for confirmation, before they +are carried into effect, shows a respect for human life, even in the +persons of criminals, which is one of the surest tokens of a high state +of civilization. Such is the criminal jurisprudence of China, in +practice; in theory, its just praise has been awarded, some years ago, +by an able writer in the Edinburgh Review. He says:-- + + + "The most remarkable thing in this code, is its great + reasonableness, clearness, and consistency; the businesslike + brevity and directness of the various provisions, and the + plainness and moderation of the language in which they are + expressed. It is a clear, concise, and distinct series of + enactments, savoring throughout of practical judgment and + European good sense. When we turn from the ravings of the + Zendavesta, or the Puranas, to the tone of sense and of business + of this Chinese collection, we seem to be passing from darkness + to light--from the drivellings of dotage to the exercise of an + improved understanding; and, redundant and minute as these laws + are in many particulars, we scarcely know any European code that + is at once so copious and so consistent, or that is nearly so + free from intricacy, bigotry and fiction." + + +In addition to what have been noticed, the Chinese exhibition includes a +copious and very interesting collection of specimens of the natural +history of China. + +I trust the extended notice I have given to the subject, will at least +prove that this is not an ordinary exhibition, but a representation of a +distant country and remarkable people, in which amusement is most +skilfully and philosophically made subservient to practical instruction. +A beneficent Creator has implanted within us a thirst for information +about other scenes and people. To be totally devoid of this feeling +would argue, perhaps, not merely intellectual but moral deficiency. Such +being the case, the founder of the "Chinese collection" deserves to be +regarded as a public benefactor, for, by spending a few hours in his +museum, with the aid of the descriptive catalogue, one may learn more of +the Chinese than by the laborious perusal of all the works upon them +that have ever been written.[A] + +[Footnote A: While the above was passing through the press, I have +learned that this interesting Collection has arrived for exhibition in +this country.] + +I cannot dismiss this subject without expressing my deep regret that the +British public should appear to view with indifference, or complacency, +the cruel and unjust war which our Government is now waging against this +highly cultivated and unoffending people, at the instigation of a +handful of men, who have acquired wealth and importance in the vigorous +pursuit of an immoral and unlawful traffic, by means the most criminal +and detestable. I have attempted, since my return from the United +States, to give some expression to my sentiments, in a letter which has +been widely circulated, and which will be found reprinted in the +Appendix.[A] I trust none under whose notice this subject may come will +endeavor to evade their share of responsibility. If the present war with +China were the sole consideration, perhaps no course would be left to +the Christian citizen, but to record his protest and mourn in silence; +but the conclusion of the war _per se_ would not terminate the +difficulty, for trade and mutual intercourse between the two countries, +_on the basis of a reciprocation of interests_, can never be restored +till the EAST INDIA COMPANY'S OPIUM TRADE, a traffic, like the slave +trade, hateful in the sight of God and man, is suppressed; or at least, +until British connection with it is severed; If asked who are the guilty +persons, I would say, in the first instance, the East India Company; +secondly, the opium smugglers; thirdly, the British government, and +lastly, the British people, who, by silent acquiescence, make the whole +guilt, and the whole responsibility their own. + +[Footnote A: See Appendix G.] + +The author of the most popular modern work on China, who long +superintended the interests of the British merchants at Canton, and +whose work, to a considerable extent, reflects their views, after +stating the increasing discouragements imposed by the authorities on +foreign commerce, the effect for the most part of opium smuggling, and +other lawless proceedings, observes:--"These (discouragements) are their +(the British merchants) real subjects of complaint in China; and +whenever the accumulation of wrong shall have proved, by exact +calculation, that it is more profitable, according to merely commercial +principles, to remonstrate than submit, these will form a righteous and +equitable ground of quarrel!!"[A] + +[Footnote A: Davis's China and the Chinese, (Murray's Family Library,) +vol. i. p. 195.] + +The remonstrance here alluded to is WAR, as is apparent from the context +of the passage, as well as from the fact, that by the author's own +showing no other kind of remonstrance remained to be tried. The true +"casus belli" is set forth by anticipation in this passage without +disguise, and by one who knew well, and has clearly described the causes +that were operating to produce a rupture. The opium merchants have +discovered that now, in the fulness of time, it is _profitable_ to go to +war with China, and forthwith the vast power of Great Britain, obedient +to their influence, is put in motion to sustain their unrighteous +quarrel, to the unspeakable degradation of the character of this +professedly Christian nation. The morality of the war on our side, is +the morality of the highwayman; that morality by which the strong in all +ages have preyed upon the weak. And though a handful of unprincipled men +find their account in it, before the people of Great Britain have paid +the expenses of the war, and the losses from derangement and +interruption of commerce, it will cost millions more than all the profit +that has ever accrued to them from the opium trade. From what motive +then, do we uphold a traffic, which is the curse of China, the curse of +India, and a calamity to Great Britain? Such a war may be fruitful in +trophies of military glory, if such can be gained by the slaughter of +the most pacific people in the world; but to expect that it will promote +the reputation, the prosperity, or the happiness of this country, would +be to look for national wickedness to draw down the Divine blessing. The +descriptive catalogue of the "Ten thousand Chinese things," concludes +with sentiments on this subject which do equal honor to the head and +heart of the writer. + + + "Alas for missionary efforts, so long as the grasping avarice of + the countries, whence the missionaries go, sets at nought every + Christian obligation before the very eyes of the people whom it + is sought to convert! Most devoutly do we long for the + auspicious day, when the pure religion, that distilled from the + heart, and was embodied in the life of Jesus, shall shed its + sacred influence on every human being; but, in our inmost soul + we believe it will not come, till the principles of religion + shall take a firmer hold on the affections of those who profess + to receive it, and rear a righteous embankment around their + sordid and stormy passions. When the missionary shall find an + auxiliary in the stainless life of every compatriot who visits + the scene of his labors, for purposes of pleasure or of + gain,--when he can point not only to the pure maxims and sublime + doctrines proclaimed by the Founder of his faith, but to the + clustering graces that adorn its professors,--then indeed will + the day dawn, and the day star of the millennium arise upon the + world." + + +During my short stay in Philadelphia on this occasion, I visited several +of its prisons, philanthropic institutions, et cet. These are +pre-eminently the glory of this beautiful city; yet as they have been +often described, I shall pass them by in silence, with the exception of +two, the Refuge, and the Penitentiary; which I briefly notice because I +may offer a few general remarks in another place, on the important +subject of prison discipline. The Refuge is an asylum for juvenile +delinquents, founded on the just and benevolent principle that offences +against society, committed by very young persons, should be disciplined +by training and education, rather than by punishment. In this +establishment there are from eighty to ninety boys, and from forty to +fifty girls, of ages varying from eight to twenty-one years. The former +are employed in various light handicraft trades, and the latter in +domestic services, and both spend a portion of their time in school. +They remain from six months to four years. From the statements of the +superintendent and matron, it appeared that about three-fourths of the +male, and four-fifths of the female inmates become respectable members +of society, and the remainder are chiefly such as are fifteen or sixteen +years of age when first admitted into the Refuge, an age at which +character may be considered as in a great measure formed. The labor of +the children pays about one-fifth of the expense of the establishment, +the rest being defrayed by the legislature. + +The prejudice of color intrudes even here, no children of that class +being admitted into the Refuge. Colored delinquency is left to ripen +into crime, with little interference from public or private +philanthropy. As might have been expected, colored are more numerous +than white criminals, in proportion to relative population; and this is +appealed to as a proof of their naturally vicious and inferior +character; when in fact the government and society at large are +chargeable with their degradation. + +The Penitentiary contained, at the time of my visit, about three hundred +and forty male, and thirty-five female prisoners. In this celebrated +prison, hard labor is combined with solitary confinement, an arrangement +which is technically known as the "separate system." Silence and +seclusion are so strictly enforced as to be almost absolute and +uninterrupted; even the minister who addresses the prisoners on the +Sabbath is known to them only by his voice. A marked feature of this +institution is security without the aid of any deadly weapon, none being +allowed in the possession of the attendants, or indeed upon the +premises. As compared with the "silent system," exhibited in the not +less famed prisons of the State of New York, this is much less +economical, as the mode of employing the prisoners, in their solitary +cells, greatly lessens the power of a profitable application of their +labor. If prisoners exceed their allotted task, one-half of their +surplus earnings is given to them on being set at liberty. My visit was +too cursory to enable me to give a decisive opinion on the "separate +system," but I confess my impression is, that the punishment is one of +tremendous and indiscriminating severity, and I find it difficult to +believe that either the safety of society, or the welfare of the +prisoner, can require the infliction of so much suffering. Criminals are +sometimes condemned for very long periods, or for life; and in these +cases, I was informed, occasionally manifested great recklessness and +carelessness of their existence. I am also not quite convinced that the +reformation of prisoners is effected to the extent sometimes inferred +from the small number of recommittals. A statistical conclusion cannot +be drawn from this datum, unsupported by other proofs. + +On the 2d of the 6th Month, (June,) I proceeded to Wilmington, Delaware, +with my friend John G. Whittier. Here we met a company of warm-hearted +and intelligent abolitionists, with whom we discussed the prospects of +the cause. It was calculated that if compensation were conceded, to +which many would on principle object, a tax of less than one dollar per +acre would buy up all the slaves in the State for emancipation. It was +admitted by all, that the abolition of slavery would advance the price +of land in a far greater ratio; probably ten or twenty dollars per acre. + +We went forward the same evening to Baltimore, accompanied by one of our +Wilmington acquaintance, and in the railway carriage was a member of the +Society of Friends from North Carolina, who, though a colonizationist, +appeared to be a man of candor. He gave it as his opinion that the +majority of the free people of that State are in favor of the abolition +of slavery. We also had the company, a part of the way, of Samuel E. +Sewall, Counsellor at Law, in Boston, an early and tried abolitionist, +and a faithful friend and legal adviser of the free people of color. + +The next morning, we left Baltimore for Washington, two hours' ride by +railway. The railroads of this country being often extremely narrow, the +trains frequently pass almost close to the piers of the bridges and +viaducts, a circumstance which explains the following printed notice in +the carriages: "Passengers are cautioned not to put their arms, head, or +legs out of the window." + +In passing from a free to a slave State, the most casual observer is +struck with the contrast. The signs of industry and prosperity on the +broad face of the country are universally in favor of the former, and +that to a degree which none but an eye witness can conceive. This fact +has been often noticed, and has been affirmed by slaveholders +themselves, in the most emphatic terms. In cities the difference is not +less remarkable, and was forcibly brought to our notice in the hotel at +which we took up our residence on arriving at Washington, and which, +though the first in the city, and the temporary residence of many +members of Congress, was greatly deficient in the cleanliness, comfort, +and order, which prevail in the well-furnished and well-conducted +establishments of New York, Philadelphia, Boston, &c. At this house, I +understood, some of the servants were free, and others slaves. + +We were now in the District of Columbia, the seat of this powerful +Federal Government, and in the city of Washington, the metropolis of the +United States. Here are concentrated as it were into one focus, the +associations of the past, connected with the great struggle for +independence, and the memory of those names and events which already +belong to history. Whatever may be our political principles, or the +opinions of those who like myself consider all resort to arms as +forbidden under the Christian dispensation, it is impossible to recall +without emotion, transactions which have exerted and will continue to +exert, so marked an influence on the destinies of mankind. This city was +not the scene of those events, but it was erected to be a perpetual +monument of them, and in the limited district of ten miles square, in +which it stands, the Government which was then called into existence +reigns sole and supreme. If a stranger were to inquire here for the +monuments of the fathers of the Revolution, the American would proudly +point to the Capitol, with the national Congress in full session, and to +the levee of the President, crowded by free citizens, and +representatives of foreign nations. The United States were thirteen +dependent colonies, they are now twenty-six sovereign States, rich and +populous, covering the face of this vast continent, and compacted into +one powerful confederacy. But notwithstanding the glowing emotions which +seem naturally called forth by the locality, there is many an American +who bitterly feels that the District of Columbia is the shame, rather +than the glory of his country. Here is proclaimed to the whole world by +the united voice of the American people, "We hold these truths to be +self-evident--that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by +their Creator with certain inalienable rights--that among these are +life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;" and here also by a +majority of the same people expressing their deliberate will, through +their representatives, this declaration is trampled under foot, and +turned into derision.[A] + +[Footnote A: "Large establishments have grown up upon the national +domain, provided with prisons for the safe keeping of negroes till a +full cargo is procured; and should, at any time, the factory prisons be +insufficient, the public ones, erected by Congress, are at the service +of the dealers, and the United States Marshal becomes the agent of the +slave trade."--_Judge Jay's View of the action of the Federal Government +in behalf of Slavery_, _page_ 93. "But the climax of infamy is still +untold. This trade in blood,--this buying, imprisoning, and exporting of +boys and girls eight years old,--this tearing asunder of husbands and +wives, parents and children,--is all legalized, in virtue of authority +delegated by Congress!! The 249th page of the laws of the city of +Washington is polluted by the following enactment, bearing date 28th +July, 1838:--'For a _license_ to trade or traffic in slaves for profit, +four hundred dollars.'"--_Ibid_, _page_ 98.] + +The District of Columbia is the chief seat of the American slave trade; +commercial enterprize has no other object! Washington is one of the best +supplied and most frequented slave marts in the world. The adjoining and +once fertile and beautiful States of Virginia and Maryland, are now +blasted with sterility, and ever-encroaching desolation. The curse of +the first murderer rests upon the planters, and the ground will no +longer yield to them her strength. The impoverished proprietors find now +their chief source of revenue in what one of themselves expressly +termed, their "crop of human flesh." Hence the slave-holding region is +now divided into the "slave-breeding," and "slave-consuming" States. +From its locality, and, from its importance as the centre of public +affairs, the District of Columbia has become the focus of this dreadful +traffic, which almost vies with the African slave trade itself in extent +and cruelty, besides possessing aggravations peculiarly its own.[A] Its +victims are marched to the south in chained coffles, overland, in the +face of day, and by vessels coastwise. Those who protest against these +abominations are the abolitionists; a body whose opinions are so +unpopular that no term of reproach is deemed vile enough for their +desert; yet if these should hold their peace, the very stones would +surely cry out. The state of things in this District has one peculiar +feature; being under the supreme local government of Congress, it +presents almost the only tangible point for the political efforts of +those hostile to slavery. Against slavery in any but their own States, +the abolitionists have neither the power nor the wish to exert that +constitutional interference which they rightfully employ in the States +of which they are citizens; but with respect to the District of +Columbia, they are, in common with the whole republic, responsible for +the exercise of political influence for the abolition of slavery within +its limits. Hence this is the grand point of attack. They have +experienced a succession of repulses, but their eventual success is +certain; the political influence of the slave-holding interest, which is +now paramount, and which controls and dictates the entire policy of the +general Government will be destroyed. Then will the abolition of +American slavery be speedily consummated. + +[Footnote A: "Human flesh is now the great staple of Virginia, In the +legislature of this State, in 1833, Thomas Jefferson Randolph declared +that Virginia had been converted into 'one grand menagerie, where men +are reared for the market, like oxen for the shambles.' This same +gentleman thus compared the foreign with the domestic traffic: 'The +trader (African) receives the slave, a stranger in aspect, language and +manner, from the merchant who brought him from the interior. But _here_, +sir, individuals whom the master has known from infancy,--whom he has +seen sporting in the innocent gambols of childhood,--who have been +accustomed to look to him for protection,--he tears from the mother's +arms, exiles into a foreign country, among a strange people, subject to +cruel task-masters. In my opinion, it is much worse.'--Mr. Gholson, of +Virginia, in his speech in the legislature of that State, January 18, +1831, says: 'The master forgoes the service of the female slave, has her +nursed and attended during the period of her gestation, and raises the +helpless and infant offspring. The value of the property justifies the +expense; and I do not hesitate to say, that in its increase consists +much of our wealth.'--Professor Dew, now President of the College of +William and Mary, Virginia, in his review of the debate in the Virginia +legislature, 1831-3, speaking of the revenue arising from the trade, +says: 'A full equivalent being thus left in the place of the slave, this +emigration becomes an advantage to the State, and does not check the +black population as much as at first view we might imagine; because it +furnishes every inducement to the master to attend to the negroes, to +_encourage breeding_, and to cause the greatest number possible to be +raised. Virginia is, in fact, a negro-raising State, for other +States.'--Mr. C.F. Mercer asserted, in the Virginia Convention of 1829, +'The tables of the natural growth of the slave population demonstrate; +when compared with the increase of its numbers in the commonwealth for +twenty years past, that an annual revenue of not less than a million and +a half of dollars is derived from the exportation of a part of this +population.'"--_Judge Jay's View_, _pages_ 88, 89.] + +Very soon after our arrival, we proceeded to the House of +Representatives, then sitting, and were favored, by introductions from a +member, with seats behind the Speaker's chair. The subject before the +House was, of course, peculiarly interesting to me, being the proposed +re-enactment of the "gag;" a rule of the House, by which petitions for +the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, are laid upon the +table, without being read or referred, and thus are virtually rejected. +One of the speakers, William Slade, of Vermont, who was opposed to the +"gag," told the pro-slavery members that they were greatly mistaken in +supposing that such a measure would suppress the anti-slavery feeling of +the country. They might, for a time, block up the Potomac, but it would +only be to direct its waters into a new channel; in the same way as the +rejection of anti-slavery petitions had resulted in the formation of a +third abolition political party, which was now regularly organized and +in the field. Having previously heard much of the virulence of the +pro-slavery members, I was particularly impressed with the silence and +attention with which they listened to this speech, and with the feeling +which seemed evidently to prevail, that the subject could no longer be +met with contempt and ridicule. One of the liberal members told me +afterwards, that they felt themselves in a different atmosphere to what +they did two years ago, both in the House and in the city, when touching +upon this subject. Before the debate closed, the House divided on the +question, whether ex-president Adams, the veteran defender of the +constitutional right of petition, and who had brought forward this +motion for the repeal of the "gag," was entitled to the right of reply. +This was decided in his favor, and the House adjourned till the +beginning of the following week. + +In the afternoon, I proceeded, by a steam packet, with one of my +friends, to Alexandria, about six miles distant, on the other side of +the Potomac. A merchant, to whom I had an introduction, kindly +accompanied us to a slave-trading establishment there, which is +considered the principal one in the District. The proprietor was absent; +but the person in charge, a stout, middle-aged man, with a good-natured +countenance, that little indicated his employment, readily consented to +show us over the establishment. On passing behind the house, we looked +through a grated iron door, into a square court or yard, with very high +walls, in which were about fifty slaves. Some of the younger ones were +dancing to a fiddle, an affecting proof, in their situation, of the +degradation caused by slavery. There were others, who seemed a prey to +silent dejection. Among these was a woman, who had run away from her +master twelve years ago, and had married and lived ever since as a free +person. She was at last discovered, taken and sold, along with her +child, and would shortly be shipped to New Orleans, unless her husband +could raise the means of her redemption, which we understood he was +endeavoring to do. If he failed, they are lost to him for ever. Another +melancholy looking woman was here with her nine children, the whole +family having been sold away from their husband and father, to this +slave-dealer, for two thousand two hundred and fifty dollars. This +unfeeling separation is but the beginning of their sorrows. They will, +in all probability, be re-sold at New Orleans, scattered and divided, +until not perhaps two of them are left together. The most able-bodied +negro I saw, cost the slave-dealer six hundred and eighty-five dollars. + +Our guide told us that they sometimes sent from this house from fifteen +hundred to two thousand slaves to the South in a year, and that they +occasionally had three hundred to four hundred at once in their +possession. That the trade was not now so brisk, but that prices were +rising. The return and profits of this traffic appear to be entirely +regulated by the fluctuations in the value of the cotton. Women are +worth one-third less than men. But one instance of complete escape ever +occurred from these premises, though some of the slaves were +occasionally trusted out in the fields. He showed us the substantial +clothing, shoes, &c., with which the slaves were supplied when sent to +the South; a practice, I fear, enforced more by the cupidity of the +buyers, than the humanity of the seller. Our informant stated, in answer +to inquiries, that by the general testimony of the slaves purchased, +they were treated better by the planters than was the case ten years +ago. He also admitted the evils of the system, and said, with apparent +sincerity, he wished it was put an end to. + +We went afterwards to the city jail, to see a youth whose case I had +heard of in Delaware, who had come to Alexandria on board a vessel, and +had here been seized and imprisoned on suspicion of being a slave, not +having any document to prove his freedom. He had now been incarcerated +for near twelve months, and though admitted by the jailer and every one +else to be free, he was about to be sold in a few days into slavery for +a term, in order to pay the jail-fees, amounting to eighty dollars. In +the evening on returning to Washington, we paid a visit by appointment +to John Quincy Adams, ex-president of the United States; who though +considerably more than seventy years of age, is yet one of the most +assiduous and energetic members of the House of Representatives, and one +of the most influential public men of the day. To this must be added the +far higher praise that his distinguished powers are employed in the +service of humanity, truth, and justice. How rare is it to witness such +a union of intellectual and moral greatness! Posterity will do justice +to his fame, when slavery shall exist only in the records of the past, +and when it shall be related with wonder, that this venerable man, +standing almost alone in his defence of the right of petition, received +daily anonymous letters threatening him with assassination. He received +us very kindly, and in the course of conversation expressed how much +importance he attached to the late repeal of the "nine months law," in +the State of New York, as a favorable indication of the current of +public feeling. He did not appear sanguinely to anticipate that he +should be in a majority on his pending motion for the repeal of the +"gag." + +One of the principal objects of my visit to Washington was to present an +Address to the President, from the Committee of the British and Foreign +Anti-Slavery Society. In the course of my inquiries of various official +persons, members of Congress, et cet., I found that to obtain an +audience for the express purpose would be very difficult, as no member +of Congress appeared willing to undertake the unpopular service of +introducing the bearer of such a document. I was not disposed to apply +to the British Ambassador, who on some occasions had shown a want of +sympathy with the anti-slavery cause. I found, however, that it was not +contrary to etiquette, in this country, for a private individual to +address a note to the President, to which, in ordinary courtesy, +according to the custom of the place, he has a right to expect a reply. +I would remark, however, that nothing is more easy than to gain access +to the President; but I felt that to avail myself of those facilities, +to place in his hands a document which he might object to receive, would +be uncandid. I therefore addressed a note to him, stating that I was the +bearer of a memorial from the Committee of the British and Foreign +Anti-slavery Society, signed by Thomas Clarkson, addressed to the +President of the United States, in which I said, "It may, perhaps, be +right to state, that the memorial refers to slavery and the slave-trade +in the United States, and that it was written before the death of +General Harrison was known in Europe." I then asked permission to +present it. + +To this I received no reply. We were afterwards introduced to the +President, by a member of Congress, who evinced an anxiety that I should +make no reference to the memorial; and the President, on his part, made +no allusion to it, or to my letter to himself. After this interview, we +proceeded to the Senate, but it had risen just as we entered. I had a +short conversation with Henry Clay, who alluded to Joseph John Gurney's +work on the West Indies, which I need scarcely add, is written in a +series of letters to this statesman. He said that the recent short crop +of sugar in Jamaica was a proof that the author had been misled in the +favorable information he had collected, and also that this deficiency in +the crop was a proof not only of the idleness, but of the immorality of +the negroes. He accused my companion, John G. Whittier, of deserting +him, after having been his warm friend; and on J.W.'s giving his reasons +for so doing, he complained that the abolitionists improperly interfered +with the affairs of the South, though he made an exception in favor of +the Society of Friends. He inquired if J.G. Whittier was a "Friend" in +regular standing, evidently intimating a doubt on that point, on account +of his being so decided an abolitionist. The praise of such men is the +strongest testimony that could be adduced to the declension of the +Society of Friends in anti-slavery zeal. To a great extent I fear their +sentiments on this subject have been held traditionally; and that in +many cases, they have not only done nothing themselves, but by example +and precept have condemned the activity of others; I trust, however, a +brighter day in regard to their labors is approaching. I feel +disinclined to take leave of Henry Clay, without some animadversions +which, on the public character of a public man, I may offer without any +breach of propriety. In early life, that is in some part of the last +century, he supported measures tending to the "eradication of slavery" +in Kentucky, and at various periods since, he has indulged in cheap +declamation against slavery, though he is not known to have committed +himself by a solitary act of manumission. On the contrary, having +commenced life with a single slave, he has industriously increased the +number to upwards of seventy. As a statesman, his conduct on this +question has been consistently pro-slavery. He indefatigably negotiated +for the recovery of fugitive slaves from Canada, when Secretary of +State, though without success. In the Senate he successfully carried +through the admission of Missouri into the Union, as a slave State. He +has resisted a late promising movement in Kentucky in favor of +emancipation; and lastly, in one of his most elaborate speeches, made +just before the late presidential election, the proceedings of the +abolitionists were reviewed and condemned, and he utterly renounced all +sympathy with their object. By way of apology for his early +indiscretion, he observes, "but if I had been then, or were _now_, a +citizen of any of the planting States--the southern or southwestern +States--I should have opposed, and would continue to oppose, any scheme +whatever of emancipation, gradual or immediate." + +In this extract, and throughout the whole speech, slavery is treated as +a pecuniary question, and the grand argument against abolition, is the +loss of property that would ensue. Joseph John Gurney, who appears to +have been favorably impressed by Henry Clay's professions of liberality, +his courteous bearing, and consummate address, manifested a laudable +anxiety that so influential a statesman should be better informed on the +point on which he seemed so much in the dark; he therefore addressed to +him his excellent "Letters on the West Indies," of which the great +argument is, that emancipation has been followed by great prosperity to +the planters, and attended with abundant blessings, temporal and +spiritual, to the other classes, and that the same course would +necessarily be followed by the same results in the United States. He has +accumulated proof upon proof of his conclusions supplied by personal and +extensive investigation in the British Colonies. But Henry Clay shews no +sign of conviction. Yet though he made to us the absurd remark, already +quoted, on Joseph John Gurney's work, I have too high an opinion of his +understanding to think him the victim of his own sophistry. He is a +lawyer and a statesman. He is accustomed to weigh evidence, and to +discriminate facts. I have little doubt that all my valued friend would +have taught him, he knew already. He could not be ignorant of the +contrast presented by his own State of Kentucky, and the adjoining State +of Ohio, and that the difference is solely owing to slavery. If J.J. +Gurney could have shewn that abolition would soon be the high road to +the President's chair, it is not improbable that he would have made an +illustrious convert to anti-slavery principles. Henry Clay's celebrated +speech before alluded to, was delivered in the character of a candidate +for the Presidency just before the last election--it was prepared with +great care, and rehearsed beforehand to a select number of his political +friends. The whig party being the strongest, and he being the foremost +man of that party, he might be looked upon as President-elect, if he +could but conciliate the south, by wiping off the cloud of abolitionism +that faintly obscured his reputation. He succeeded to his heart's desire +in his immediate object, but eventually, by this very speech, completely +destroyed his sole chance of success, and was ultimately withdrawn from +the contest. Thus does ambition overleap itself.[A] + +[Footnote A: As a practical commentary on Henry Clay's professions of a +regard for the cause of human liberty, I append the following +advertisement, which, about two years ago, was circulated in Ohio: + + "THREE HUNDRED DOLLAR'S REWARD. + + "_Run away_ from James Kendall, in Bourbon County, Ky., to whom + he was hired the present year, on Saturday night last, the 14th + instant, a negro man, named Somerset, about twenty-six years of + age, five feet, seven or eight inches high, of a dark copper + color, having a deep scar on his right cheek, occasioned by a + burn, stout made, countenance bold and determined, and voice + coarse. His clothing it is thought unnecessary to describe, as + he may have already changed it. + + "ALSO, + + "From E. Muir, of the same county, on the same night, (and + supposed to have gone in company,) a negro man, named Bob, about + twenty-nine years old, near six feet high, weighing about 180 or + 90 pounds, of a dark copper color, of a pleasant countenance, + uncommonly smooth face, and a remarkable small hand for a negro + of his size. He spells and reads a little. His clothing was a + greenish jean coat and black cloth pantaloons. + + "We will give the above reward for the delivery of said negroes + to the undersigned, or their confinement in jail, so that we get + them; or 150 dollars for either of them, if taken out of the + State, or 100 dollars for them, or 50 dollars for either, if + taken out of the county, and in the State. + + "HENRY CLAY, Senior, + + "E. MUIR. + + "_Bourbon Co. Ky., Sept_. 17, 1839." + +] + +On leaving the Senate House, we drove to a slave-dealer's establishment, +near at hand, and within sight of the _Capitol_. I have given some +particulars of this visit elsewhere, which I need not repeat. I cast my +eye on some portraits and caricatures of abolitionists, British and +American, among whom Daniel O'Connell figured in association with Arthur +Tappan, and the ex-president Adams. The young man in charge of the +establishment began to explain them, for our amusement; on which, one of +my companions pointed to me, and informed him I was an English +abolitionist. He looked uneasy at our presence, and evidently desirous +we should not prolong our stay. He told us there were five or six other +dealers in the city who had no buildings of their own, and who kept +their slaves here, or at the public city jail, at thirty-four cents per +diem, the difference in comfort being wholly on the side of the private +establishments. + +We subsequently visited the city jail, to which reference is made in the +letter below, and were able to confirm this statement from our own +observation. + +We left for Baltimore this afternoon. Although I had not succeeded in +presenting the address before-mentioned to the President, I little +regretted the failure, being convinced that it would not be less +generally read by the public on that account, and in this I have not +been disappointed. I proceeded at once, the next morning, to +Philadelphia; and here I concluded to print and publish the following +letter, which, was sent, through the post, to the President, and to each +member of the Senate and House of Representatives. + + + "_To the Abolitionists of the United States_. + + "I was commissioned by the committee of the British and Foreign + Anti-Slavery Society, to present a memorial from them to your + President, and proceeded to Washington, a few days ago, + accompanied by John G. Whittier, of Massachusetts, and a friend + from the State of Delaware. + + "It was my first visit to the seat of legislation of your great + republic. On our arrival we went to the House of + Representatives, then in session. A member from Maryland was + speaking on our entrance, who was the author of a resolution, + which had been carried in a former Congress, excluding nearly + three millions of your countrymen, on whom every species of + wrong and outrage is committed with impunity, from all right of + petition, either by them selves or their friends. He was + advocating the re-enactment of this very resolution for the + present Congress, and stated that he had a letter from your + President approving the measure. Although I believe I do not + speak too strongly when I say an attempt to enforce such a + resolution by any crowned head in the civilized world, would be + inevitably followed by a revolution, yet it seemed evident that + no small portion of your _present_ members were in favor of it. + It was with no ordinary emotion that I saw the venerable + ex-president Adams at his post, nobly contending against this + violation of the rights of his countrymen, and I could not but + regret that, with one or two exceptions, be appeared to find + little support from his younger colleagues of the free States. + + "The same day we visited one of the well-known slave-trading + establishments at Alexandria. On passing to it we were shewn the + costly mansion of its late proprietor, who has lately retired on + a large property acquired by the sale of native born Americans. + In an open enclosure, with high walls which it is impossible to + scale, with a strong iron-barred door, and in which we were told + that there were sometimes from three to four hundred persons + crowded, we saw about fifty slaves. Amongst the number thus + incarcerated was a woman with nine children, who had been + cruelly separated from their husband and father, and would + probably be shortly sent to New Orleans, where they would never + be likely to see him again, and where the mother may be for ever + severed from every one of her children, and each of them sold to + a separate master. From thence we went to the Alexandria city + jail, where we saw a young man who was admitted to be free even + by the jailer himself. He had been seized and committed in the + hope that he might prove a slave, and that the party detaining + him would receive a reward. He had been kept there nearly twelve + months because he could not pay the jail fees, and instead of + obtaining any redress for false imprisonment, was about to be + sold into slavery for a term to reimburse these fees. + + "The next morning I was desirous of handing to the President the + memorial, of which the following is a copy: + + + "'_Address to the President of the United States, from + the Committee of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery + Society_. + + "'SIR,--As the head of a great Confederacy of States, + justly valuing their free constitution and political + organization, and tenacious of their rights and their + character, the Committee of the British and Foreign + Anti-slavery Society, through their esteemed coadjutor + and representative, Joseph Sturge, would respectfully + approach you in behalf of millions of their fellow-men, + held in bondage in the United States. Those millions are + denied, not only the immunities enjoyed by the citizens + of your great republic generally, and of the equal + privileges and the impartial protection of the civil + law, but are deprived of their personal rights, so that + they cease to be regarded and treated, under your + otherwise noble institutions, as MEN, except in the + commission of crime, when the utmost rigor of your penal + statutes is invoked and enforced against them; but are + reduced to the degraded condition of "chattels personal + in the hands of their owners and possessors, to _all + intents, constructions, and purposes, whatsoever_." + + "'This is the language and the law of slavery; and under + this law, guarded with jealousy by their political + institutions, the slaveholders of the South rest their + claims to property in man But, sir, there are claims + anterior to all human laws, and superior to all + political institutions, which are immutable in their + nature,--claims which are the birthright of every human + being, of every clime, and of every color,--claims which + God has conferred, and which man cannot destroy without + sacrilege, or infringe without sin. Personal liberty is + among these, the greatest and best, for it is the root + of all other rights, the conservative principle of human + associations, the spring of public virtues, and + essential to national strength and greatness. + + "'The monstrous and wicked assumption of power by man, + over his fellow man, which slavery implies, is alike + abhorrent to the moral sense of mankind; to the + immutable principles of justice; to the righteous laws + of God; and to the benevolent principles of the gospel. + It is, therefore, indignantly repudiated by all the + fundamental laws of all truly enlightened and civilized + communities, and by none more emphatically than by that + over which, Sir, it is your honor to preside. + + "'The great doctrine, that God hath "created all men + equal, and endowed them with certain inalienable rights, + and that amongst these are life, liberty, and the + pursuit of happiness," is affirmed in your Declaration + of Independence, and justified in the theory of your + constitutional laws. But there is a stain upon your + glory; slavery, in its most abject and revolting form, + pollutes your soil; the wailings of slaves mingle with + your songs of liberty; and the clank of their chains is + heard, in horrid discord with the chorus of your + triumphs. + + "'The records of your States are not less distinguished + by their wise provisions for securing the order and + maintaining the institutions of your country, than by + their ingenious devices for riveting the chains, and + perpetuating the degradation of your colored brethren; + their education is branded as a crime against the + State--their freedom is dreaded as a blasting + pestilence--the bare suggestion of their emancipation is + proscribed as treason to the cause of American + independence. + + "'These things are uttered in sorrow; for the committee + deeply deplore the flagrant inconsistency, so glaringly + displayed between the lofty principles embodied in the + great charter of your liberties, and the evil practices + which have been permitted to grow up under it, to mar + its beauty and impair its strength. But it is not on + these grounds alone, or chiefly, that they deplore the + existence of slavery in the United States. Manifold as + are the evils which flow from it--dehumanizing as are + its tendencies--fearful as its reaction confessedly is + on its supporters,--the reproach of its existence does + not terminate on the institutions which gave it birth: + the sublime principles and benign spirit of Christianity + are dishonored by it. In the light of Divine Truth it + stands revealed, in all its hideous deformity, a crime + against God,--a daring usurpation of the prerogative and + authority of the Most High! It is as a violation of His + righteous laws, an outrage on His glorious attributes, a + renunciation of the claims of His blessed gospel, that + they especially deplore the countenance and support it + receives among you; and, in the spirit of Christian love + and fraternal solicitude, would counsel its immediate + and complete overthrow, as a solemn and imperative duty, + the performance of which no sordid reasons should be + permitted to retard--no political considerations + prevent. Slavery is a sin against God, and ought, + therefore, to be abolished. + + "'The utter extinction of slavery, and its sister + abomination, the internal slave-trade of the United + States, second only in horror and extent to the African, + and in some of its features even more revolting, can + only be argued, by the philanthropy of this country, on + the abstract principles of moral and religious duty; and + to those principles the people of your great republic + are pledged on the side of freedom beyond every nation + in the world! + + "'The negro, by nature our equal, made like ourselves in + the image of his Creator, gifted by the same + intelligence, impelled by the same passions and + affections, and redeemed by the same Savior, is reduced + by cupidity and oppression below the level of the brute, + spoiled of his humanity, plundered of his rights, and + often hurried to a premature grave, the miserable victim + of avarice and heedless tyranny! Men have presumptuously + dared to wrest from their fellows the most precious of + their rights--to intercept as far as they may the bounty + and grace of the Almighty--to close the door to their + intellectual progress--to shut every avenue to their + moral and religious improvement, to stand between them + and their Maker! It is against this crime the committee + protest as men and as Christians, and earnestly but + respectfully call upon you, Sir, to use the influence + with which you are invested, to bring it to a peaceful + and speedy close; and, may you in closing your public + career, in the latest hours of your existence on earth, + be consoled with the reflection that you have not + despised the afflictions of the afflicted, but that + faithful to the trust of your high stewardship, you have + been "just, ruling in the fear of the Lord," that you + have executed judgment for the oppressed, and have aided + in the deliverance of your country from its greatest + crime, and its chiefest reproach. + + "'On behalf of the Committee, + + "'THOMAS CLARKSON. + + "'British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, for the + Abolition of Slavery and the Slave-trade throughout the + world. + + "'27, _New Broad Street, London, March 5th_, 1841.' + + + "I thought it most candid to address a letter to the President + informing him of the character of the foregoing memorial, rather + than take advantage of a merely formal introduction to present + it, without a previous explanation. To this letter no reply was + received, and no allusion was made to it by the President at a + subsequent introduction, which we had to him. It may be proper + to mention in this connection, that memorials of a similar + character, bearing upon slavery and the slave-trade, signed by + the venerable Clarkson, have been presented to different Heads + of Governments, in other parts of the world, and have been + uniformly received with marked respect. + + "Previous to our departure, we visited a private slave-trading + establishment in the city, and looked in upon a group of human + beings herded together like cattle for the market, within an + enclosure of high brick walls surrounding the jail. The young + man in attendance, informed us that there were five or six other + regular slave-dealers in the city, who, having no jails of their + own, either placed their slaves at this establishment, or in the + public CITY PRISON. The former was generally preferred, on + account of its superior accommodations in respect to food and + lodging. On my making some remarks to the young man on the + nature of his occupation, he significantly, and as I think, very + justly replied, that he knew of no reasons for condemning + slave-traders, which did not equally apply to slave-holders. You + will bear in mind that this was said within view of the Capitol, + where slave-holders control your national legislation, and + within a few minutes' walk of that mansion where a slave-holder + sits in the presidential chair, placed there by your votes; and + it is certainly no marvel, that, with such high examples in his + favor, the humble slave-dealer of the District should feel + himself in honorable company, and really regard his occupation + as one of respectability and public utility. + + "From thence we proceeded to the city prison, an old and + loathsome building, where we examined two ranges of small stone + cells, in which were a large number of colored prisoners. We + noticed five or six in a single cell, barely large enough for a + solitary tenant, under a heat as intense as that of the tropics. + The keeper stated that in rainy seasons the prison was + uncomfortably wet. The place had to us a painful interest, from + the fact that here Dr. Crandall, a citizen of the free States, + was confined until his health was completely broken down, and + was finally released only to find a grave, for the crime of + having circulated a pamphlet on emancipation, written by one of + the friends who accompanied me.[A] On inquiry of the keeper, he + informed us that slaves were admitted into his cells, and kept + for their owners at the rate of thirty-four cents per day, and + that transfers of them from one master to another sometimes took + place during their confinement; thus corroborating the testimony + of the keeper of the private jail before mentioned, that this + city prison, the property of the people of the United States, + and for the rebuilding of which, a large sum of your money has + been appropriated, is made use of by the dealers in human beings + as a place of deposit and market; and thus you, in common with + your fellow citizens, are made indirect participators in a + traffic equal in atrocity to that foreign trade, the suppression + of which, to use the words of your President in his late + message, 'is required by the public honor, and the promptings of + humanity.' + + [Footnote A: On being released from prison, Dr. Crandall went to + Kingston, Jamaica, to recruit his health. A gentleman of that + city, W. Wemyss Anderson, found him in his lodgings, solitary + and friendless, and rapidly sinking under his disease. He took + him, though a perfect stranger, into his own house; and the last + days of Dr. Crandall were soothed by the kind sympathy and + attentions of a Christian family. It was also manifest, that he + enjoyed the sunshine of inward peace, and the rich consolations + of the gospel. His kind host, whom I count it a privilege to + call my friend, obeyed, in this instance, the apostolic + injunction, and experienced the consequent reward, "Be not + forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have + entertained angels unawares."] + + "As one who has devoted much of his humble labors to the cause + you wish to promote, I perhaps shall be excused for thus stating + these facts to you, as they all passed before my personal + observation in the course of a few hours. I shall deem it right + to publish them in Europe, where I am about shortly to return. + Recollect, they all occurred and exist within the District of + Columbia, and that those who elect the legislators who uphold + the slave system, are justly responsible for it in the sight of + God and man. Is it not all the natural consequence of your + electing slave-holders and their abettors to the highest offices + of your State and nation? Some of your most intelligent citizens + have given it as their opinion that fully two-thirds of the + whole population of the United States are in favor of the + abolition of slavery; and my own observation, since I landed on + these shores, not only confirms this opinion, but has convinced + me that there is a very rapid accession to their numbers daily + taking place; and yet we have the extraordinary fact exhibited + to the world, that about two hundred and fifty thousand + slave-holders--a large proportion of whom, bankrupt in fortune + and reputation, have involved many of the North in their + disgrace and ruin--hold in mental bondage the whole population + of this great republic, who permit themselves to be involved in + the common disgrace of presenting a spectacle of national + inconsistency altogether without a parallel. I confess that, + although an admirer of many of the institutions of your country, + and deeply lamenting the evils of my own government, I find it + difficult to reply to those who are opposed to any extension of + the political rights of Englishmen, when they point to America + and say, that where all have a control over the legislation but + those who are guilty of a dark skin, slavery and the slave-trade + remain not only unmitigated, but continue to extend; and that + while there is an onward movement in favor of its extinction, + not only in England and France, but even in Cuba and Brazil, + American legislators cling to this enormous evil, without + attempting to relax or mitigate its horrors. Allow me, + therefore, to appeal to you by every motive which attaches you + to your country, seriously to consider how far you are + accountable for this state of things, by want of a faithful + discharge of those duties for which every member of a republican + government is so deeply responsible; and may I not express the + hope that, on all future occasions, you will take care to + promote the election of none as your representatives who will + not _practically_ act upon the principle that in every clime, + and of every color, 'all men are equal?' + + "Your sincere friend, + + "JOSEPH STURGE. + + "_Philadelphia, 6th Month 7th_, 1842." + + +This letter was extensively reprinted, not only in the anti-slavery but +in pro-slavery newspapers, both in the North and South. In the numerous +angry comments upon it, no attempt that has come to my knowledge was +made to deny any one of my statements. One of the papers intimates that +the vote by which the house soon after refused to adopt a specific and +exclusive rule against abolition petitions, was brought about by "the +sinister influence of Mr. Sturge." I need not add how happy I should +have been to have possessed the influence with which this writer has so +liberally invested me, and that I should have regarded it as a talent to +be employed and improved to the very utmost. + +I spent from the 5th to the 11th of the Sixth Month, (June) in +Philadelphia and the vicinity, during which time, I made numerous calls, +and met several large parties in private. + +During this stay, in company with John G. Whittier, I paid a visit to my +excellent friend, Abraham L. Pennock, at his residence in Haverford, +Delaware county, about ten miles from the city. He is an influential +member of the Society of Friends, and until recently he has been a +resident in the city. He has, for many years, been an uncompromising +abolitionist, and an active member and officer of anti-slavery +societies; yet he appears to enjoy the respect and confidence not only +of his anti-slavery associates, but of the Society of Friends, and the +community generally. I found him a warm advocate, in practice as well as +theory, of entire abstinence from the products of slave labor, as well +as of independent political action on the part of abolitionists. He +expressed much regret that he was unable to attend the General +Anti-Slavery Convention, in London, and gave his cordial approbation to +its proceedings.[A] + +[Footnote A: See Appendix H.] + +We reluctantly bade farewell to our kind friend and his interesting +family, all the members of which appear to share his zeal and untiring +devotion to the cause of the oppressed, and returned to our lodgings in +the city. Even now I look back to this visit as among the most grateful +recollections of my sojourn in the United States. + +I may mention, in this connection, that A.L. Pennock, as well as others +with whom I conversed on the subject, spoke with much regret of the want +of faithfulness on the part of members of the Society of Friends, in +maintaining their testimony against slavery, while exercising their +civil rights as citizens and electors. From all I could learn, I have +been led to fear that "Friends" in the United States, with few +exceptions, are in the practice of voting for public officers, without +reference to their sentiments on the important subject of slavery. At +the late Presidential election it is very evident that the great body of +"Friends" who took any part in it, voted for John Tyler, the +slaveholder. + +Among the active friends of emancipation, who occupy a high station in +our society, I can scarcely omit mentioning Enoch Lewis, of Chester +county, Pennsylvania, whose talents and literary acquirements, devoted +as they are, to the maintenance and promulgation of the principles and +Christian testimonies of our religious society, deservedly command a +high degree of respect. + +Among the members of the society which have separated from "Friends" in +Philadelphia and elsewhere, I met with many warm and steady friends of +emancipation, some of whom have proved their sincerity by great +sacrifices. Amongst these I cannot omit mentioning James and Lucretia +Mott, James Wood, Dr. Isaac Parish, and Thomas Earle, of this city. + +I republished in Philadelphia, with the permission of the author, in two +separate pamphlets, for distribution amongst those to whom it was +addressed, "A Letter to the Clergy of various Denominations, and to the +Slave-holding Planters in the Southern parts of the United States of +America, by Thomas Clarkson." This remarkable production was written +after its venerable author had attained his eightieth year, and has been +pronounced by a very competent judge the most vigorous production of his +pen. As its circulation had but just commenced when I left the United +States, I could not judge of the effect produced by this energetic +appeal from one whose name must command respect, even from the +slave-holders; but I have since been informed it has been read with +interest and attention. + +I had several conferences with "Friends" who were interested in the +cause, to discuss the best mode of engaging the members of the Society +to unite their efforts on behalf of the oppressed and suffering slaves; +and though no immediate steps were resolved on, yet I found so much good +feeling in many of them, that I cannot but entertain a hope, that fruit +will hereafter appear. I had spent much of my time and labor in +Philadelphia, particularly among that numerous and influential body with +whom I am united in a common bond of religious belief, and I trust of +Christian affection. Of the kindness and hospitality I experienced I +shall ever retain a grateful recollection; yet I finally took my leave +of this city, under feelings of sorrow and depression that so many of +the very class of Christian professors who once took the lead in efforts +for the abolition of slavery, efforts evidently attended with the favor +and sanction of the Most High, should now be discouraging, and holding +back their members from taking part in so righteous a cause. Among the +warmest friends of the slave, sound both in feeling and sentiment, are a +few venerable individuals who are now standing on the brink of the +grave, and whose places, among the present generation, I could not +conceal from myself, there were but few fully prepared to occupy. I had +found in many Friends much passive anti-slavery feeling, and was to some +extent cheered by the discovery. May a due sense of their responsibility +rest upon every follower of Christ, to remember them that are in bonds, +and under affliction, not only with a passive, but with an active and +self-denying sympathy, a sympathy that makes common cause with its +object. + +Apart from the fact, that Philadelphia is one of the most beautiful +cities in the world, to a member of the Society of Friends it must ever +be an object of peculiar interest. Here William Penn made his great +experiment of a Christian government. Here, to the annual assemblies of +Friends, came Warner Mifflin, and John Woolman, and James Pemberton, and +George Dillwyn, and other worthies of the past, who have now gone from +works to rewards. A few miles distant, in Frankford, is still to be seen +the residence of the excellent Thomas Chalkley. Here Benezet +exemplified, in the simplicity, humility, and untiring benevolence of +his daily life, the lessons inculcated in his writings. And here, at +this day, are a larger number of members of our religious society than +can be found congregated elsewhere, within an equal space of territory. +They are, in general, in easy circumstances, many of them wealthy, and +occupying a high rank in the community. + +Who can recur, without a lively feeling of interest, to the hopes and +prayers of the benevolent founder of the city, as expressed in affecting +terms in his farewell letter, written as he was about taking his final +departure for England. + + + "And thou, Philadelphia, the virgin settlement of this province, + named before thou wert born, what love, what care, what service, + and what travail has there been to bring thee forth, and + preserve thee from such as would defile thee! Oh, that thou + mayest be kept from the evil that would overwhelm thee! that + faithful to the God of Mercies, in a life of righteousness, thou + mayest be preserved to the end!" + + +On the 11th, with John G. Whittier, I left for New York, and the next +day we proceeded by steam packet to Newport, on Rhode Island, to attend +the New England yearly meeting of the Society of Friends, which was to +be held the next week. We arrived about seven o'clock in the morning. I +found the change of climate particularly refreshing and agreeable. +During the last fortnight, the range of the thermometer had frequently +reached 94 degrees or 96 degrees in the shade: a tropical heat, without +those alleviations which render the heat of the tropics not only +tolerable, but sometimes delightful. In Rhode Island, the climate, while +we were there, was almost as temperate as an English summer. + +Some parts of the New England States are much resorted to by southern +families of wealth; and their annual migrations have the effect of +materially adding to the vast amount of complicated pro-slavery +interests which exist in the free States, as well as of diffusing +pro-slavery opinions and feelings throughout the entire community. We +may hope this current will soon set in the opposite direction. The +season was too early for the arrival of these visitors, and the hotels +were generally filled with "Friends," collected from near and distant +places, to attend the yearly meeting. There were upwards of a hundred +boarding at the same house with ourselves. Soon after our arrival I +addressed a letter, making the same application for the use of the +meeting house for my friend, John Candler, who was also here, and +myself, which had been complied with at New York, forwarding at the same +time my credentials. My request, however, in this instance was not +granted. Yet there was plainly a willingness on the part of many to +receive information, and we caused it to be known that we should be at +home at our hotel, on the evening of the sixteenth. About two hundred +friends assembled, and appeared interested in a brief outline of the +state and prospects of the cause in Europe which I endeavored to give +them. + +The subject of slavery was brought before the yearly meeting by a +proposition from one of its subordinate, or "quarterly meetings," to +encourage more action, on the part of the society, for its abolition. A +proposal was immediately made, and assented to without discussion, that +the consideration of it should be referred to a committee. On the +reading of the address on slavery from the London yearly meeting, it +was, in like manner, immediately proposed and agreed to, that it should +be referred to the same committee. At a subsequent sitting, this +committee reported, that they should recommend the whole subject to be +left under the care of their "Meeting for Sufferings," which was +adopted. With the exception of reading the documents, and going through +the necessary forms of business, these proceedings passed almost in +silence; yet, in the several epistles drawn up to be forwarded to the +other yearly meetings, allusion was made to the deep exercise of Friends +at this meeting, on the subject of slavery, and their strong desire and +wish to encourage others to embrace every right opening for promoting +its abolition; with a plain intimation, however, in their epistle to +Great Britain, of their disapproval of Friends uniting with any of the +anti-slavery associations of the day. These passages in the epistles +passed without remark or objection. The Meeting for Sufferings, of Rhode +Island, has thus virtually undertaken to do, or at least to originate, +all that is to be done, during the present year, by Friends of New +England, to help the helpless, and to relieve the oppressed slaves. +Sincerely do I desire, that it may not incur the responsibility of +neglecting so solemn a charge. I subsequently met, on board the steamer +in which we left Newport, many members of this body; with one of whom I +had some conversation, in the presence of other Friends, to whom I felt +it right to state, that the declarations of sympathy for the slaves, in +the epistles which had been sent out, were stronger, in my judgment, +than was justified by any thing which had been expressed, or had been +manifested, in the Yearly Meeting. This conviction I yet retain. I +afterwards obtained some authentic extracts from the laws of Rhode +Island, affecting the people of color, and under which slavery is very +distinctly recognized and sanctioned, even in this _free_ State. I felt +it my duty to forward a copy of these to the "Meeting for Sufferings," +accompanied by the following letter:-- + + + "_To the Meeting for Sufferings of New England_ + + _Yearly Meeting of Friends._ + + "On passing through Providence, from the Yearly Meeting at Rhode + Island, a solicitor of that place kindly furnished me with the + annexed extracts from the laws of the State of Rhode Island. I + thought it best to send a copy to you, as it is probable some + members of your meeting may not be aware of their precise + nature; and it is a source of regret to me, and I know it will + be so to my friends in England, to know that in the State in + which your Yearly Meeting is held, slavery is fully legalized, + if the slaves are the property of persons not actually citizens + of that place;--the most odious distinctions of color also + remain on the statute book, including one (Section 10, No. 2,) + which is a disgrace to any civilized community. I may add, that + two very respectable solicitors in Providence expressed their + decided opinion, that if Friends heartily promoted the repeal of + these obnoxious laws, which throw all the moral influence of the + State on the side of slavery, it might easily be accomplished. I + cannot but hope the subject will receive your prompt attention. + + "Truly your friend, + + "JOSEPH STURGE." + + +To soften the impression which I fear the preceding detail will give, I +may remark, that I am convinced, from extensive private communication +with Friends in New England, that there is yet among them much genuine +anti-slavery feeling, especially where the deadening commercial +intercourse with the South does not operate; and though, at present, +with some bright individual exceptions, this is a talent for the most +part hidden or unemployed, I trust that many faithful laborers in this +great cause will yet be found among them. + +During our stay in Rhode Island, we twice visited Dr. Channing, at his +summer residence, a few miles from Newport. The delicacy which ought +ever to protect unreserved social intercourse, forbids me to enrich my +narrative with any detail of his enlightened and comprehensive +sentiments; yet I cannot but add, that, widely differing from him as I +do, on many important points, I was both deeply interested and +instructed by his modest candor and sincerity, and by the spirit of +charity with which he appeared habitually to regard those of opposite +opinions. Our conversation embraced various topics. I may be allowed to +mention, that he highly approved of Judge Jay's suggestion for the +promotion of permanent international peace. He also made a practical +suggestion on the anti-slavery movement, which I trust will be acted +on--That petitions should be sent to Congress, praying that the free +States should be relieved from all direct or indirect support of +slavery. As the South has loudly complained of Northern interference, +this will be taking the planters on their own ground. + +Sixth Month, (June) 19th.--We went on to New Bedford, where, the next +day, we called on a number of persons friendly to abolition, and met a +large party of them the same evening, at the house of a Friend. A public +meeting for worship was appointed during our stay, at the request of a +minister of the Society of Friends from Indiana, which we attended. I +had the pleasure of witnessing the colored part of the audience, placed +on a level, and sitting promiscuously with the white, the only +opportunity I had of making such an observation in the United States; +as, on ordinary occasions, the colored people rarely attend Friends' +meetings. One of the waiters at our hotel told me he had escaped from +slavery some years before. The idea of running away had been first +suggested to his mind, by reflecting on his hard lot, being over-worked, +and kept without a sufficiency of food, and cruelly beaten, while his +owner was living in luxury and idleness, on the fruits of his labor. He +had been flogged for merely speaking to one of his master's visitors, in +reply to a question, because it was suspected he had divulged matter +that his master did not wish the stranger to know. + +On the 21st, we arrived at Boston, and stopped at the Marlborough hotel. +One of the first things noticed by a visitor to the States is the number +and extent of the hotels, almost all of which are on the principle of +the English boarding houses. Besides the number of casual visitors in a +population which travels from place to place, perhaps more than any +other in the world, the hotels are the permanent homes of a numerous and +important class of unmarried men, engaged in business, and often indeed +of young married persons, who choose to avoid expense and the cares of +housekeeping. At many, if not most of the hotels, cleanliness, +regularity, and order, pervade all the arrangements, and as much comfort +is to be found as is compatible with throng and publicity. Still the +domestic charm of private life is wanting, and its absence renders the +system of constant residence most uncongenial to English habits and +feelings. An unsocial reserve lies on the surface of English character, +and the love of privacy, or at least of a retirement which can be closed +and expanded at will, is an extensive and deep-seated feeling. Yet the +Anglo-American, even of the purest descent, has early lost the latter +characteristic, while he often retains the first unimpaired. What law +governs the hereditary transmission of such traits? Several first rate +hotels in New England are strictly on the temperance plan, and among +them is the Marlborough, in Boston, the second in extent of business in +this important city, and which makes up from one hundred to two hundred +beds. No intoxicating liquor of any kind can be had in the house. +Printed notices are also hung up in the bed rooms, that it is the +established rule to take in no fresh company and to receive no accounts +on the first day of the week, and the cooking and other preparations are +as much as possible performed before hand, that the servants may enjoy +the day of rest, and partake of the moral and Spiritual benefit of a +weekly pause from the whirl and turmoil of secular engagements. + +I had scarcely ventured to hope that I should ever witness a large hotel +like this, conducted on such principles; but having now seen it, it adds +additional strength to my conviction, that in proportion as Christianity +is carried out in common life, in the same proportion is the lost +happiness of man recovered. Too many in the present day, who are not +behind-hand in profession, keep their principles more for show than use. +They acknowledge the purity of them, and have some faint perception of +their moral beauty, but secretly believe, and sometimes, openly avow +them to be impracticable in the present state of the world. They who +exhibit proof of the contrary, are benefactors to their fellow men; and +among these, justly deserves to be classed Nathaniel Rogers, the +proprietor of the Marlborough Hotel, in Boston. + +We called upon several of our anti-slavery friends on the day of our +arrival, and in the evening, took tea with a number of those who approve +of the proceedings of the London Convention, and who concur in the +principles of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society. The subjects +discussed were the time and place of a future convention of the friends +of the slave of different nations. London was unanimously approved as +the place, and the preponderance of sentiment was in favor of 1842 as +the time. + +On the 22d we went on to Lynn. Here are a very considerable number of +the Society of Friends, who are desirous of taking part in active +anti-slavery exertion, when they can do so without compromise of +principle. It is greatly to be regretted that in this vicinity, a few +individuals, formerly members of our religious society, have embraced, +in connection with their abolition views, the doctrines of +non-resistance, or non-government, in church and state, and thus greatly +added to the difficulties in the way of efficient action on the part of +consistent members; but whatever may be the errors and indiscretions of +these individuals, they furnish no valid excuse for the apathy and +inaction on the part of "Friends," nor lessen, in the slightest degree, +their responsibility for the firm and faithful maintenance of our +Christian testimony against oppression. We proceeded, the same evening, +to Amesbury, where the family of my friend and companion John G. +Whittier reside, in whose hospitable and tranquil retreat we remained +till the 25th. Here I found myself in a manufacturing district, and paid +a visit to a large woollen mill, and was much pleased with the +cleanliness and order displayed, and with the evident comfort and +prosperity of the working people, who are chiefly young women, none of +whom are admitted under sixteen years of age. Any person given to +intoxication would be instantly discharged. All the manufactories in +this place are joint-stock companies, and the mills are worked by water +power, of which there is an abundant supply. + +I had agreed, on my return to Boston, to meet my abolition friends at a +tea party, and found an entertainment provided from the Marlborough +Hotel, in a large room adjoining one of the chapels, on a scale of great +profusion, a little to my disappointment, as I had anticipated one of a +social rather than of a public character, though I could not but feel +the kindness which it was intended to manifest. Charles Stewart Renshaw, +from Jamaica, was opportunely present, and his information on the state +of that Island added much interest to the evening, the proceedings of +which, I hope, gave pretty general satisfaction. In condescension to my +wish, my valued friend, Nathaniel Colver, suggested to the company to +dispense with the usual form of public prayer, and substitute an +interval of silence, after the reading of a portion of scripture, which +was kindly complied with. + +Before leaving Boston, I had a long interview with William Lloyd +Garrison. His view of "women's rights" is so far a matter of conscience +with him, as to be made an indispensable term of union; yet though +widely differing on this, and other important points, we parted, I +trust, as we met, on personally friendly terms; and certainly on my part +with a desire to promote a spirit of forbearance, and with a deeper and +stronger conviction that the friends of the bleeding and oppressed +slave, should not spend their strength in unprofitable contention upon +points in regard to which both parties claim to act conscientiously, +while the common cause requires their undivided energies. + +On the 28th I left Boston for the beautiful town of Worcester, about +forty miles distant, on the principal line of railway to New York, where +I had the pleasure of visiting, at his own residence, my friend, Cyrus +P. Grosvenor, one of the delegates to the Anti-Slavery Convention last +year. There are here a considerable number of sincere abolitionists, of +whom we met a small company in the evening, in a room used as the +Friends' meeting house. I gave them a brief account of the state of the +anti-slavery cause in other parts of the world. In company with John M. +Earle, editor of one of the Worcester papers, with whom I had formed a +previous acquaintance at the Yearly Meeting, I also called on the +Governor of the State of Massachusetts, who resides in this place. We +had some friendly conversation, but he seemed cautious on the subject of +abolition. The temperance cause in Worcester has made so much progress +that at the three largest and best hotels, which make up nearly one +hundred beds each, no intoxicating liquor of any kind is sold. A people +thus willing to carry out their convictions, to the sacrifice of +prejudice, appetite, and apparent self-interest, cannot long remain a +nation of slave-holders. In common with the rest of New England, this +town is remarkable for the number, size, and beauty of its places of +worship. I calculated, with the aid of a well-informed inhabitant, that +if the entire population were to go to a place of worship, at the same +hour, in the same day, there would be ample accommodation, and room to +spare. Yet here there is no compulsory tax to build churches, and +maintain ministers. By the efficacy of the voluntary principle alone is +this state of things produced. + +My dear friend, John G. Whittier returned home from Worcester on account +of increased indisposition, while I proceeded alone to New York. The +journey from Boston to the latter city is a remarkably pleasant one. +Leaving Boston at four in the afternoon, we proceed on one of the best +railways in the States, at the rate of upwards of twenty miles an hour, +through a very beautiful and generally well cultivated country, to the +city of Norwich, in the State of Connecticut, where the train arrives +about eight in the evening, and the passengers immediately embark on a +handsome steamer, for New York, enjoying, as long as daylight lasts, the +fine scenery on the banks of the Thames. The night I went was moonlight; +and, after long enjoying the coolness of the evening on deck, the +company retired to their berths, and arrived at New York at the +seasonable hour of six the following morning. + +I remained in New York until the 7th of the Seventh Month (July). My +friends, William Shotwell and wife, had left the city during the hot +months, but very kindly placed their town house at my service, and I +found the retirement thus at my command both refreshing and very +serviceable, in enabling me to bring up arrears of writing. During this +interval, I spent one very pleasant day with Theodore and Angelina +Grimke Weld, and their sister, Sarah Grimke, who reside on a small farm, +a few miles from Newark. To the great majority of my readers these names +need no introduction; yet, for the benefit of the few, I will briefly +allude to their past history. When the American Anti-Slavery Society was +formed, in 1833, Theodore D. Weld was at the Lane Seminary, near +Cincinnati, Ohio. He was unable to attend on that occasion, but wrote a +letter, declaring his entire sympathy with its object. Soon after, +through the influence and exertions of himself and Henry B. Stanton, a +large majority of the students at Lane Seminary, comprising several +slave-holders and sons of slave-holders, became members of an +Anti-Slavery Society. The Faculty opposed the formation of this society, +and finally expelled its members from the seminary. For two or three +years after, Theodore Weld was engaged in anti-slavery effort, +principally in the States of Ohio and New York. His voice failed at +last, and for several years he was unable to address a public assembly. +Angelina Grimke Weld, and her sister, Sarah Grimke, were natives of +South Carolina, the daughters of a distinguished Judge of that State; +for several years they resided in Philadelphia. Having long felt a deep +interest in the condition of the slaves, in the year 1837 they, in +accordance with what they believed to be a sense of religious duty, +visited New York and New England, to plead the cause of those, with +whose sorrows, degradation, and cruel sufferings, they had been familiar +in their native State. They are evidently women of superior endowments, +kind-hearted and energetic, and still retain something of the warmth and +fervor of character peculiar to the South. + +Few, even of the well informed abolitionists of England, have an +adequate idea of the extent, variety, and excellence of the anti-slavery +literature of the United States, or of the amount of intellectual power +which has been willingly consecrated to this service. Of the cause +itself, with all its exigencies, we may adopt, in a yet more limited +sense, the sentiment of the Christian poet, on the transient nature of +all sublunary things, + + "These, therefore, are occasional, and pass." + + +The time approaches when the shackles of the slave will fall off--when +his suffering and despairing cry will be no more heard. Slavery itself +is a temporary exigency; but its removal has called, and will yet call +forth, works bearing the impress of intellectual supremacy, which will +be embodied in the permanent literature of the age, and will contribute +to raise the character, and to extend the reputation, of that +literature. The names of Channing, Jay, Child, Green, and Pierpont, are +already their own passport to fame. Other names might be mentioned; but, +one instance excepted, selection might be invidious. That exception is +Theodore D. Weld, whose palm of superiority few would be disposed to +contest. His principal works are, "The Bible against Slavery;" "Power of +Congress over Slavery in the District of Columbia;" and "Slavery as it +is." + +All his writings are marked by varied excellence; yet their chief +characteristic is an irresistible and overwhelming power of argument. +Although brief and compressed in style, he exhausts his subject; and his +two principal works, though on warmly controverted topics, have never +been replied to. He would be a bold antagonist who should enter the +lists against him: he would be a yet bolder ally who should attempt to +go over the same ground, or to do better what has been done so well. + +One of the most voluminous and popular writers that ever lived, observed +to a friend, "that he was more proud of his compositions for manure, +than of any other compositions with which he had any concern." My +friend, has the same love of rural occupations, and has found severe +manual labor essential for the recovery of health, broken by labor of +another kind. I found him at work on his farm, driving his own wagon and +oxen, with a load of rails. When he had disposed of his freight, we +mounted the wagon, and drove to his home. Two or three of his +fellow-students at the Lane Seminary arrived about the same time, and we +spent the day in agreeable, and, I trust, profitable intercourse. In the +household arrangements of this distinguished family, Dr. Graham's +dietetic system is rigidly adopted, which excludes meat, butter, coffee, +tea, and all intoxicating beverages. I can assure all who may be +interested to know, that this Roman simplicity of living does not forbid +enjoyment, when the guest can share with it the affluence of such minds +as daily meet at their table. The "Graham system," as it is called, +numbers many adherents in America, who are decided in its praise. + +My friends, Theodore D. and Angelina Weld, and Sarah Grimke, sympathize, +to a considerable extent, with the views on "women's rights," held by +one section of abolitionists; yet they deeply regret that this, or any +other extraneous doctrine, should have been made an apple of discord; +and, since the rise of these unhappy divisions, they have held aloof +from both the anti-slavery organizations, though, as among the most able +and successful laborers in the field, they may justly be accounted +allies by each party. Difference of opinion on these points did not, for +a moment, interrupt the pleasure of our intercourse; and I could not but +wish, that those, of whatever party, who are accustomed to judge harshly +of all who cannot pronounce their "shibboleth," might be instructed by +the candid, charitable, and peace-loving deportment of Theodore D. Weld. + +During my visit to New York, I became acquainted with many who were +deeply interested in the abolition cause, not a few of whom were members +of my own religious society. Among these, I may particularly mention my +venerable friends, Richard Mott and Samuel Parsons. I paid a second +visit to the residence of the latter at Flushing, but regret to say, I +found him too unwell to enjoy company.[A] His sons are anxiously +desirous of furthering the abolition cause on every suitable occasion. +One evening I spent with a respectable minister, who is a man of color, +and who assured me that most of the intelligent persons of his class in +New York approve of the course pursued by the late Convention in London, +and the Committee of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society. I saw +at his house a man who had purchased his freedom for twelve hundred +dollars, intending to remain in the same State, but, as in a precisely +similar case already noticed, he afterwards found he had no alternative +but to emigrate, leaving his still enslaved family behind him, or to be +again sold into slavery himself, under the laws enacted to drive out +free people of color. He was trying to raise the large sum of fourteen +hundred dollars, to purchase his wife and four children. + +[Footnote A: This illness terminated fatally. One of his intimate +friends in this country, has favored me with the following communication +respecting him. "Samuel Parsons had been from early life, a warm friend +to the African race; his love of peace rendered him at the first +accessible to prejudice against the American Anti-Slavery Society, +through the misrepresentations respecting its violent and rash measures; +which misrepresentations it was much more easy to believe than to +investigate. Yet his interest for the negro and colored population of +the United States continued, and he extended acts of protection and +kindness towards them, whenever opportunity for it was afforded. In the +Eleventh Month, last year, I find the following paragraph in one of his +letters to us, viz. 'Though sensible that I am drawing towards the close +of time, I cannot avoid taking a deep interest in the moral reformation, +relative to slavery and intemperance, which is progressing in the earth; +my son Robert and I look at these publications as they appear, with deep +solicitude. The proceedings of the Anti-Slavery Convention of the world, +and its movements, are of great moment to the whole civilized world. The +anti-slavery cause, has not, I fear, advanced much the last year; the +separation in the National Society, and the truckling to the South of +the politicians of both sides, during the late Presidential election, +has for a time marred the work; but the anti-slavery banner of a third +party is still displayed, and it will probably continue to nominate till +it seriously influences the elections. In the mean time, the individual +States, one after another, are freeing the colored people from part of +their civil disabilities. A hard battle is to be fought, but mighty is +truth, and must prevail.'"] + +"The fourth of July," the anniversary of the independence of the United +States, fell this year on the first day of the week, and was therefore +celebrated the day following. It is still marked by extravagant +demonstrations of joy, and often disgraced by scenes of intemperance and +demoralization. The better part of the community wisely counteract the +evil, to a great extent, by holding, on the same day, temperance +meetings, school examinations, opening their places of worship, et cet. +I accompanied my friend Lewis Tappan to attend an anti-slavery meeting +at Newark, in which Theodore Weld was expected to take a part for the +first time after an interval of five years' discontinuance of public +speaking. Several years before, he had been carried away by the stream +in crossing a river, and had very narrowly escaped drowning. This +accident caused an affection of the throat, and eventually disqualified +him for public labor except with the pen, to which, though deemed a +great loss at the time by his fellow-laborers in the anti-slavery cause, +we probably owe the invaluable works before referred to. It was on the +same anniversary, five years ago, that he had spoken last, a +circumstance to which he made a touching allusion: he spoke very +impressively for more than half an hour without serious inconvenience, +and I hope it may please Providence to restore his ability to plead, as +he was wont to do with great power, for the cause of the oppressed. + +In the afternoon there was a public examination of the scholars +belonging to the place of worship in which the preceding meeting was +held, and in connection with this a little incident occurred, which may +serve to illustrate the state of public feeling. Newark, from its +extensive trade with the south, is much under pro-slavery influence. But +the congregation of this chapel are generally anti-slavery, and have +several colored children in their school. One of these, a little black +girl, was qualified to take part in the public examination; but this, in +the estimation of some of the parents of white scholars, and several +even of the trustees, could not be borne. Others, on the contrary, +resolved to battle with the prejudice of caste, and to call for her, if +she were not brought forward; and, finally, I suppose, by way of +compromise, she was brought on the platform to recite alone, after the +little scholars who could rejoice in the aristocratic complexion had +performed their parts, without suffering the indignity of a public +association with a colored child. Even this was, however, considered a +victory by the anti-prejudice party. + +I left on the seventh for Niagara, being desirous to see the celebrated +Falls, and to visit some friends living in the western part of this +State, as well as to find relief from the oppressive and tropical heat. +I hoped also to fall in with my friends and fellow laborers, J. and M. +Candler, who had gone with a party in the same direction. I need not +describe a route so often traversed by Europeans. One of its agreeable +incidents was an accidental meeting with John Curtis, of Ohio, on his +way, on a free trade mission, to Great Britain, from motives which I +believe to be disinterested and philanthropic. His labors, which are +principally intended to show the evils of our taxes upon food, will not +be in vain; though he will find many in England, as I found in America, +who have no ear for truth when it opposes their prejudices or imaginary +self-interest. He gave me a most cheering account of the march of +abolition in Ohio, and said he had lately attended a meeting held at the +invitation of the abolitionists, on the 5th of July, at which there were +three thousand persons, who had come to the place of meeting in nine +hundred vehicles of different kinds. He said he had never witnessed a +more enthusiastic meeting. Another gentleman and his wife made +themselves known to me, in the railway carriage, as warm abolitionists, +and spoke favorably of the prospects of the cause in this part of the +State of New York. The gentleman said he had lately had a discussion +with a deacon of a church he attended, who defended the admission of +slave-holders to the communion. On being asked, however, whether he +would admit sheep-stealers, he acknowledged this was not so great a +crime as man-stealing, and pleaded no further in favor of +church-fellowship with slave-holders. + +The journey from New York to the Falls of Niagara, a distance of 480 +miles, is performed in about forty-eight hours, and when the railway +communication is further completed, and the speed raised to the standard +of the best English lines, it will probably be accomplished in less than +thirty hours. The railway passed for many miles through the original +forest, in which I observed very lofty trees, but none of an +extraordinary girth. In many places the ground was crowded with fallen +trees, in every stage of decay. I found my friends at the Eagle Hotel, +at Niagara, where I remained till the twelfth, enjoying with them the +views and scenery of "the Falls," a spectacle of nature in her grandest +aspect, which mocks the limited capacity of man to conceive or to +describe. + +On the eleventh, being the first day of the week, we held a meeting for +worship, at our hotel, and were joined by an Irish lady and her three +daughters, who had been living here some months. This lady told me she +was present when M'Leod was arrested in this hotel. From all I have been +able to learn, there are a number of reckless men on both sides the +border line, who are anxious to foment war for the sake of plunder; but +the great bulk of the American people, I am persuaded, are for peace, +and especially for peace with England, a feeling which time is +strengthening. + +On the twelfth, our whole party left for Buffalo, by railway, getting a +transient view of Lake Ontario before entering the city. Here we parted +company, they proceeding to Toronto, by steam packet, and I to Syracuse +by coach. The American vehicle of this name, carries nine inside +passengers on three cross seats. It is hung on leather springs, so as to +be fitted to maintain the shocks of a _corduroy_ road. Wishing to see +the country, I mounted the box, by the side of the coachman, but at +times had some difficulty in retaining my seat. The value of land in +this part of the country, when cleared and in cultivation, I understood +to be from thirty to fifty dollars per acre. A large breadth of wheat is +grown, of which the yield is generally good; but this year there will +be, in many cases, a short crop, from the extreme drought in the two +preceding months. I went forward from Syracuse to Rochester by railway, +and thence, with the exception of twelve miles by coach, by the same +conveyance to Auburn, where we arrived at two o'clock in the morning. +One of my fellow-passengers had been a soldier in the so-called +"patriot" army, which enlisted against Santa Anna, in the revolt of +Texas. He stated, that some planters were emigrating from Mississippi, +with as many as two hundred "hands," (slaves,) and plainly said, it was +intended to plant the Anglo-Saxon flag on the walls of Mexico. If half +what he asserted was true, the worst apprehensions of the abolitionists +are too likely to be realized by the Texian revolution, and the +establishment of a new slave-holding power on the vast territory claimed +by that piratical band of robbers, and forming the South-western +frontier of the United States. + +At Auburn I paid a visit to the celebrated State Prison, and though, +from want of time to call upon a gentleman in the city for whom I had a +letter, I was unprovided with an introduction, I was politely admitted +by the superintendent, who refused to receive the fee customarily paid +by visitors, when he found, from the entry of my name and address, I was +an Englishman. I passed through the different workshops, in which nearly +all handicraft trades are carried on, and very superior work is +frequently executed by the prisoners. Besides other less complicated +machines, one complete locomotive engine has been constructed within +these walls. As the system of discipline adopted here is the same as at +Sing Sing, also in this State, I defer for the present, any remarks upon +its character and success. + +I left Auburn, in a hired carriage, for Skaneateles, to pay a visit to +my friend, James Cannings Fuller. He has a rich farm of 156 acres, with +a good house upon it, about a quarter of a mile west of the large and +flourishing village of Skaneateles, which overlooks a beautiful lake of +the same name, sixteen miles in length, and in some places two miles +wide. James C. Fuller left England about seven years ago, and has +carried his abolition principles with him to his adopted country. He +told me that there had been a great change for the better in the public +mind since his residence in this neighborhood. Abolitionism was once so +unpopular, that he has been mobbed four times in his own otherwise quiet +village. On one occasion he was engaged in a public discussion on +slavery, and a mob so much disturbed the meeting, by the throwing of +shot, and yells the most discordant the human voice could make, that his +opponent moved an adjournment, and afterwards accompanied him on his way +to his own house, with many other persons, as a body-guard. They were +followed by a large number of other persons, who attempted to throw him +down, and were very free in the use of missiles and mud; the mob were so +vociferous, that their shoutings were heard two and a half miles +distant, many persons leaving their houses to endeavor to ascertain the +cause of such an uproar. On James C. Fuller's entering his house, the +mob surrounded his parlor windows, and these would, most probably, have +been smashed in pieces, and the building defaced, had not one of the +assailants been seized with a fit, and in that state conveyed into James +C. Fuller's parlor, where he lay insensible for three quarters of an +hour. This sudden seizure diverted the attention of the mob from my +friend and his property to their own companion. + +James C. Fuller informed me that mobs in America are generally, if not +always, instigated by "persons of property and standing;" and the most +blameable, in his case, were not those who yelled, et cet., et cet., but +others who prompted the outrage. Happily this state of things is now +altered: as much order and decorum, with fixed attention, is now +witnessed at an abolition lecture as at any other lecture; and a colored +man can now collect a larger meeting in Skaneateles than a white man, +and the behavior of the audience is attentive, kind, and respectful. My +friend, John Candler, who was here a fortnight before me, collected a +large assembly to hear his account of the effects of emancipation in our +West India Islands, and many expressed themselves much gratified with +his narrative. + +Being anxious to proceed to Peterboro', to visit Gerrit Smith, I +accepted James C. Fuller's kind offer to take me in his carriage. The +distance is nearly fifty miles, and the roads were, in some parts, very +rough; but they intersect a fine country. Much wheat is grown in many +places, and here the crop appeared generally good. + +Having started rather late in the afternoon, we were benighted before we +reached Manlius Square, where we lodged. Though my kind friend would not +permit me to pay my share of the bill, yet, to gratify my curiosity, he +communicated the particulars of the charge, as follows: Half a bushel of +oats for the horses, 25 cents; supper for two persons, 25 cents; two +beds, 25 cents; hay and stable-room for the two horses, 25 cents; total, +one dollar, or about 4s. 2d. sterling. + +We arrived at Peterboro' early the following morning, where I remained +till the sixteenth, at the house of Gerrit Smith. He was once a zealous +supporter of the Colonization Society, but when convinced of the evil +character and tendency of that scheme, he withdrew from it, and became a +warm and able advocate of the immediate abolition of slavery. He is one +of the few Americans who have inherited large property from their +parents, and he has contributed to this cause with princely munificence. +Gerrit Smith and Arthur Tappan have, each on one or more occasions given +single donations of ten thousand dollars (upwards of two thousand pounds +sterling) to promote anti-slavery objects. His wife, Ann Carroll Smith, +who is a native of Maryland, and his daughter, an only child, share in +my valued friend's ardent sympathy for the sufferings of the slave. +During my stay, he received a letter from Samuel Worthington, of +Mississippi, who held in slavery Harriet Russell. Harriet was formerly +the slave of Ann Carroll Smith, having been given to her when they were +both children. Ann C. Smith was but twelve years old when, with her +father's family, she removed from Maryland to New York. Harriet was left +in Maryland. Shortly after Ann C. Smith's marriage, and when she was +about eighteen years of age, her brother, James Fitzhugh, of Maryland, +wrote to ask her to give Harriet to him, stating that she was, or was +about to be, married to his slave, Samuel Russell. She consented: and +her brother soon after emigrated to Kentucky, taking Samuel and Harriet +with him. After this Samuel and Harriet were repeatedly sold. + +Some years ago, Gerrit and Ann C. Smith having become deeply impressed +with the great sin of slavery, were anxious to learn what had become of +Harriet. But they did not succeed in ascertaining her residence, until +the letter received during my visit informed them of it, and which also +stated that Harriet and her husband were living, and that they had +several children. The price put upon the family was four thousand +dollars. + +James C. Fuller having kindly offered to go into Kentucky, where Samuel +Worthington then resided, to negotiate with him for the purchase of the +family, G. Smith gladly accepted the offer of one so well qualified for +this undertaking. James C. Fuller succeeded in purchasing the family for +three thousand five hundred dollars, exclusive of his travelling +expenses, and those of the slave family, which amounted to about two +hundred and eighty dollars. He has published a very interesting account +of his journey, in a letter addressed to myself, from which some +extracts are given in the Appendix.[A] Eighteen months ago, G. and A.C. +Smith united with other children of her father, the late Col. Fitzhugh, +in purchasing, at the cost of four thousand dollars, the liberty of ten +slaves, who, or their parents, were among the slaves of Colonel Fitzhugh +when he left Maryland. I have recently learned that they are negotiating +the purchase of the liberty of other slaves, who formerly belonged to +Colonel Fitzhugh. It is nearly seven years since Gerrit Smith and his +family adopted the practice of total abstinence from all slave produce, +thus additionally manifesting the sincerity of those convictions which +have induced him to contribute so largely of his wealth both to the +anti-slavery funds, and for the liberation of all slaves with which his +family property had the most remote connection. + +[Footnote A: See Appendix I.] + +Here, I had some expectation of again meeting my friend, James G. +Birney, who was gone on a journey to Ohio, and is well known to English +abolitionists, by his able assistance at the great Anti-Slavery +Convention, as one of its vice-presidents, and by his subsequent labors, +which are thus acknowledged, on his return to America, by the Committee +of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society:-- + + + "That this committee are deeply sensible of the services + rendered to the anti-slavery cause by their esteemed friend and + coadjutor, James Gillespie Birney, Esq., whilst in this country, + in a course of laborious efforts, in which his accurate and + extensive information, his wise and judicious counsels, and his + power of calm and convincing statement, have become eminently + conspicuous. + + "The committee also take the present occasion to record their + sense of his zealous and disinterested labors in defence of the + rights of outraged humanity in his own country, during a period + of great excitement and opposition: and of the proof he has + given of his sincerity, in having twice manumitted the slaves + that had come into his possession; a noble example, which they + trust others will not be slow to follow." + + +Whilst J.G. Birney was in this country, in addition to his arduous +labors, in addressing large assemblies in many of the cities of the +United Kingdom, he prepared and published his excellent work, "The +American Churches the Bulwark of American Slavery," which is eminently +deserving of the attentive perusal of all Christian readers. The +estimation in which James G. Birney is held by American abolitionists, +is marked by his having been twice unanimously selected by the "Liberty +Party," as a candidate for the Presidential chair. + +I found G. Smith as much interested in the subject of temperance, as in +that of slavery. No person in the whole of the township in which he +lives is licensed to sell drams. For an innkeeper to sell a glass of +spirits, or even of strong beer, is illegal, and exposes him to a heavy +fine. + +The next morning I left early for Utica, where I had the pleasure of +again meeting the friends I had parted from at Buffalo, with whom I paid +a visit to the Oneida Institute, about two miles from Utica. This +college was the first in the United States to throw open its doors to +students, irrespective of color. It was also one of the earliest +institutions to combine manual labor with instruction. The principle is +adopted partly from a motive of economy, but principally because +intellectual vigor is believed to depend on bodily health, and that +these can be best secured and preserved by exercise and labor, +especially out of door and agricultural employments. The labor of the +students defrays a considerable part of the expense of their support, +but as the severe pressure of the times has limited the means of many +liberal benefactors of Oneida, the establishment, which usually +comprises one hundred young men, is now limited to about one-third of +the number. Several of these are colored. The Oberlin Institute in Ohio +is on a much larger scale than this, and is on an equally liberal +footing with regard to color. I much regretted being unable, from want +of time, to comply with the urgent request of my friend, Wm. Dawes and +others, to visit this important and interesting establishment. The +number of students at Oberlin last year was five hundred and sixty, +including those in the department for females. + +I was much pleased to have the opportunity of becoming further +acquainted with the President of Oneida, Beriah Green, and with his +friend, Wm. Goodell, who resides in the neighborhood. Their names will +be reverenced by the abolitionists of America as long as the memory of +anti-slavery efforts shall survive. Before we left, we had an +opportunity of meeting the students together, who appeared much +interested with my friend John Candler's details of the results of +emancipation in Jamaica. I was disappointed in not finding at home Alvan +Stewart, one of the ablest and most zealous friends of the Anti-Slavery +cause; but Beriah Green kindly accompanied me to call upon several of +their abolition friends in the city. + +My limited time prevented my paying a visit to Henry B. Stanton, who was +residing not far from Utica, and whose acquaintance I had the pleasure +of making in England. He also will be remembered for his able assistance +at the Convention, and by his eloquent addresses at public meetings in +this country. The following record of his services is made by the +Committee of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society:-- + + + "That this Committee, in taking leave of their friend and + fellow-laborer in the cause of universal emancipation, Henry + Brewster Stanton, Esq., record their high estimate of the + valuable services rendered by him to that cause, whilst in Great + Britain, by his eloquent and powerful advocacy; and, in + tendering him their thanks, they express their sincere desire + for his success in the great work to which he has devoted + himself." + + +The name of Henry B. Stanton previously occurs in conjunction with that +of Theodore D. Weld, as having left Lane Seminary with many other +students, rather than be silent on the abolition question: becoming from +that time a strenuous and powerful anti-slavery advocate. + +I proceeded in the evening to Albany, and thence to New York the next +morning; where I remained from the 17th to the 26th instant, and, during +this time, I put in circulation the following address:-- + + + "_To the Members of the Religious Society of Friends in the + United States of America_. + + "Dear Friends,--Having for many years believed it my duty to + devote a considerable portion of my time and attention to the + promotion of the abolition of slavery and the slave-trade, I + have acted in cordial co-operation with the British and Foreign + Anti-Slavery Society since its formation. The principles of that + Society may be briefly explained by the following extract from + its constitution: 'That so long as slavery exists, there is no + reasonable prospect of the annihilation of the slave-trade, and + of extinguishing the sale and barter of human beings: that the + extinction of slavery and the slave-trade will be attained most + effectually by the employment of those means which are of a + moral, religious, and pacific character: and that no measures be + resorted to by this society in the prosecution of their objects, + but such as are in entire accordance with these principles.' + + "My visit to this country had reference, in a great measure, to + the objects for which this society was established; but, + although I left my native land with the general approbation and + full unity of my friends, they concurred with me in opinion, + that any _official_ document, beyond a certificate from 'my + monthly meeting,' expressive of sympathy with my engagement, + might rather obstruct than promote the end I had in view. I was + desirous of a personal interchange of sentiment with many of the + abolitionists in this land, upon matters having an important + bearing upon our future exertions. The warm attachment which I + have ever felt to the religious society with which I am + connected, and the ready co-operation of its members with their + Christian neighbors in promoting this cause in Great Britain, + inclined me to embrace every suitable opportunity to communicate + with Friends in this country. And I have been encouraged, not + only by the great personal kindness I have received from them + generally, but also by the lively interest expressed by most, on + the subject of emancipation, wherever I have introduced it. + + "A further acquaintance with Friends in the compass of the three + or four 'Yearly Meetings,' in which my lot has been cast, and my + inquiries respecting the state of the other Yearly Meetings, has + convinced me that a large number of their most consistent + members, including many aged and universally respected Friends, + are desirous of embracing every right opening, both individually + and collectively, for the promotion of the abolition cause. And + while they are fully aware that there are reasons growing out of + the existing state of things, which render great circumspection + necessary, they can see no good ground for believing that the + manner in which Friends of this country, of a former generation, + labored for the liberation of the slave, was not under the + guidance of the Spirit of truth. + + "This is now the course pursued by Friends generally in England. + That there may be no misapprehension as to the conduct of + Friends, with regard to this subject, in Great Britain, I may + mention, that I am the bearer of a document expressive of unity + with my visit, signed by William Allen, Josiah Forster, William + Forster, George Stacey, Samuel Fox, George W. Alexander, and + Robert Forster, who declare themselves fellow members with + myself of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Committee. This + committee is composed of persons of various religious + denominations, amongst whom it will be seen are many of the + prominent members of our meeting for sufferings. Upon the list + of delegates to the late Anti-Slavery Convention, in London, are + the names of nearly one hundred well known Friends, including + those of four who are, or have been clerks of the yearly + meeting; and the present clerk of that meeting, my esteemed + friend, George Stacey, took an active part, and rendered + essential service in the Convention. The meeting house in + Gracechurch Street was freely granted by Friends in London, who + have charge of it, for the use of the Convention, and the + concluding sittings of that body were held in it. + + "In fact, Friends generally in England think it their duty to + render every aid in their power to the anti-slavery cause, + whether in their collective capacity, or individually uniting + with their fellow-citizens, when they can do so without any + compromise of our religious principles and testimonies. I speak + more explicitly on this point, because I have ascertained with + much concern, that there is an influential portion of the + Society, including, I have no doubt, some sincere abolitionists, + who have been so fearful that the testimonies of the Society + might suffer by any union with others, that they have not only + avoided such a co-operation themselves, but have dissuaded those + of their brethren, who have believed it incumbent upon them to + act otherwise; and in one 'Yearly Meeting,' at least, I have too + much reason to fear they have tacitly, if not actively + sanctioned the omission of the names of Friends on meeting + appointments,--however consistent in their conduct, and + concerned for the welfare of the society--simply because they + have felt it their duty to act with persons of other + denominations in promoting the abolition of slavery; thus, in + appearance at least, throwing the whole weight and influence of + the society, in its collective capacity, against a movement, + which, although doubtless partaking of the imperfections + attendant upon all human instrumentality, has already aroused + the whole country to a sense of the wrongs of the slave, and + secured to the nominally free colored citizens, in many of the + States, rights of which they have been so long and so unjustly + deprived. + + "Though I can hardly expect that any thing from one entertaining + my view of the subject, can have much weight with those Friends, + who, with a full understanding of the heavy responsibility they + were assuming, have discountenanced anti-slavery exertions, and + the use of our meeting houses, even by consistent members, for + the purpose of giving information on the subject:[A] yet, as it + has occasioned me no small degree of anxiety, both in reference + to the anti-slavery cause, and the Society of Friends itself, I + believe I cannot return to my native land with peace of mind, + without earnestly and affectionately pressing upon such Friends, + the great importance of a careful examination of the ground + which they have taken. Our unwearied adversary is sometimes + permitted to lead us into the most fearful errors, when he + assumes the appearance of an angel of light. And is there not + great danger, in encouraging the young and inexperienced to + suppose that the maintenance of any of our testimonies may be + neglected, except when we feel a Divine intimation to uphold + them, and may it not open the door to great laxity in our + practice? While I fully believe that the true disciple of Christ + will be favored with the immediate guidance of the Holy Spirit + whenever it is needful to direct his steps; it appears to me + especially important, that, in matters of self-sacrifice and + conflicting with our worldly interest or reputation, we should + guard against being deluded into a neglect of duty, by waiting + for this direct Divine intimation, where the path of duty is + obvious and clearly understood, and when testimonies are + concerned, which we have long considered it our duty, on all + occasions, to support. If, under such a view of the subject, we + do believe it our duty to cease to act ourselves, and discourage + our brethren from laboring in the cause of the slave; a close + self-examination surely is needful, in order to ascertain if we + are consistently carrying out the same principle in our daily + walk in life--in our mercantile transactions--our investments of + property--in our connection with public institutions,--and with + political parties. + + [Footnote A: "It is right to state, that I was much encouraged + by the lively expression of sympathy in the anti-slavery cause + in the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia and New York: that at the + former place Friends opened a room at the meeting house for my + friend John Candler to give some information on the subject, and + at New York the large meeting house was not only readily granted + to him and me for the same purpose, but the clerks of the Yearly + Meeting kindly gave notice and invited Friends to attend."] + + "It should be borne in perpetual recollection, that we are in no + small danger of shrinking from a faithful maintenance of those + testimonies which are unpopular with the world, as well as of + not seeing our own neglect of duty, while censuring the zeal or + supposed indiscretion of others. Besides, if this good cause be + really endangered by popular excitement, and the indiscretion of + its imprudent advocates, the obligation of consistent Friends to + be found at their posts, faithfully maintaining the testimony of + truth on its behalf, is greatly increased; and it is under such + circumstances that I think I have seen the peculiar advantage + and protection to our young friends in England, of having their + elder brethren with them, aiding them by their sympathy, as well + as by their advice and counsel. I am persuaded that those who + are called to occupy the foremost ranks in society cannot be too + careful not to impose a burden upon tender consciences, by + discouraging, either directly or indirectly, a course of conduct + which is sanctioned by the precepts and examples of our Divine + Master, lest they alienate from us some of His disciples, and + thereby greatly injure the society they are so laudably anxious + to 'keep unspotted from the world.' + + "We are told, on the highest authority, that 'by their fruits' + we are to judge of the laborers in the Christian vineyard; and, + while I am fully aware of the greater difficulties in the way of + emancipation _here_, as compared with Great Britain, I have been + almost irresistibly led to contrast the difference in the + results of the course pursued by Friends in the two countries. + In America, during the last twenty-five years, it is evident + that slavery and the slave-trade have greatly increased; and + even where the members of our society are the most numerous and + influential, the prejudice against color is as strong as in any + part of the world,[A] and Friends themselves, in many places, + are by no means free from this prejudice. In Great Britain, + Friends, by society action, and by uniting with their + fellow-countrymen, not only contributed, under Providence, in no + small degree, to the passage of the act of 1834, for the + abolition of slavery in the British West Indies; but, when it + was found that the system of apprenticeship which this act + introduced, was made an instrument of cruel oppression to the + slaves, a renewal of similar labors for about twelve months, + resulted in the _complete_ emancipation of our colored brethren + in those colonies. + + [Footnote A: "I should, I believe, do wrong to conceal the + sorrow which I have felt that the scheme of African + colonization, the great support of which, at the present time, + appears to be hostility to anti-slavery efforts and an + unchristian prejudice against color, still has the sympathy and + the active aid of some members of our society."] + + "In closing this letter, I wish to address a few words to that + numerous and valuable class of Friends, previously alluded to, + with whom I deeply sympathize, who are only deterred from more + active exertion by their reluctance to give dissatisfaction to + those whom they respect. The sorrow which I feel, under the + consideration that, in parting with many of you, we never + probably shall meet again in mutability, is softened by the + persuasion, that the difficulties by which you are surrounded + are lessening, and that some who are now opposing you, will, ere + long, join you in efforts, which shall remove from the minds, + both of abolitionists and slave-holders, the belief so generally + entertained, that the Society of Friends in this country are not + earnestly engaged for the _total and immediate_ abolition of + slavery. No one regrets more than myself that any friends to the + cause of abolition should connect other topics with it, which, + however suitable to be discussed on their own merits, must + necessarily interfere with this simple and momentous object. You + are aware of some of the circumstances which may have led to the + state of feeling, with many in our society, which we so much + deplore. And it is my fervent desire that none of you, in any + steps you may consider it your duty to take, may afford just + cause of uneasiness, by any compromise of Christian principle, + any improper harshness of language, or by the introduction of + any subject not strictly belonging to the anti-slavery cause. + Your situation is one of peculiar difficulty and delicacy. Both + from a regard to your own religious society and the suffering + slave, you have need to exercise great watchfulness, and to + cultivate feelings of brotherly love and that 'charity which + suffereth long, and is kind.' The beautiful example of John + Woolman, in this respect, is worthy of your imitation. His + labors were, for years, far less encouraged by the leading + influences of society than your own at the present time; yet we + find, in reading his invaluable journal, no traces of bitterness + or uncharitable feeling. + + "Finally, dear friends of all classes,--In thus freely + addressing you, I have written, not only with a strong + attachment to our religious society, but, I trust, under a + feeling of a degree of that love, which is not confined to + geographical boundaries, or affected by color or by clime. The + prayer of my heart is, that each of you may be willing to be + made instrumental, in the Divine Hand, in faithfully maintaining + our Christian testimony against slavery; bearing in mind, that + the labors of your ancestors have greatly increased your + responsibility, by separating you from those influences which so + deaden the feelings and harden the heart against the claims of + our brethren in bonds. May these considerations, viewed in + connection with the difficulties which obstruct the progress of + emancipation in this land, stimulate you to increased exertion; + and when you are summoned to the bar of that final tribunal, + towards which we are all hastening, may you have the + inexpressible consolation of reflecting, that you have performed + all you could towards 'undoing the heavy burden and letting the + oppressed go free.' + + "I am, very sincerely, + + "Your friend, + + "JOSEPH STURGE." + + "New York, Seventh Month 17th, 1841." + + +The above letter so fully embodies my view of the state of the Society +in reference to the anti-slavery cause, that I shall think it needless, +after a few general observations, again recur to this subject. I feel +bound to acknowledge that this public mode of making my sentiments known +was disapproved by some Friends; yet of all the objections that were +made to the proceeding, none tended to impugn the accuracy of my +representation of the existing state of things. This is approved by +some, and deplored by others, but my statement has not been denied by +any. In consequence of a remonstrance made to me on special grounds in +the kindest and most Christian manner by two beloved friends, I felt +called upon to subject my motives and conduct, in issuing such an +address, to deliberate reconsideration; and the result was, that I not +only felt myself clear of just censure, but that in no other way could I +have discharged my duty according to my own interpretation of its +dictates. Of other objectors, I may add, that simply to enumerate their +reasons, stated to me in private conference, would be the severest +public animadversion that could be made, either on the individuals +themselves, or on the Society whose views they professed to represent. + +In the present state of this great controversy, the abolitionists may +justly say, "he that is not with us, is against us," while the +pro-slavery party can witness, "he that is not against us, is on our +side." Hence the praise bestowed on the neutrality of the Society of +Friends by the great slave-holding senator, Henry Clay. Hence also the +suspicious compliments of the late President Van Buren, the first act of +whose administration was a pledge to refuse his signature to any bill +for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. I fear it is +undeniable that in the last eight years the collective influence of the +Society has been thrown into the pro-slavery scale, and this +notwithstanding the existence of much diffused and passive sympathy and +right feeling on behalf of the slave, in the breasts of probably a large +majority of individual members. The abolitionists of the United States +have been treated by too many influential Friends, as well as by the +leading professors of other denominations, as a party whose contact is +contamination; yet to a bystander it is plainly obvious that the true +grounds of offence are not always those ostensibly alleged, but the +activity, zeal, and success with which they have cleared themselves of +participation in other men's sins, and by which they have condemned the +passive acquiescence of a society making a high profession of +anti-slavery principles. I do not intend to defend all the proceedings +of the anti-slavery societies. That they have sometimes erred in +judgment and action,--that they have had unworthy men among their +members, I have little doubt. But, the same objections might have been +raised to the old anti-slavery societies, in which the leading Friends +of the United States took an active part with their neighbors of other +denominations, and, with far greater force against the Colonization +Society, which is patronized, even to this day, both by individual +members and by at least one Meeting of Sufferings.[A] The causes that +have produced the state of things I have attempted to describe, derive +their origin, I believe, from one source--inaction. After the Society of +Friends had purified itself from slave-holding, it gradually subsided +into a state of rest, and finally lapsed into lethargy and indifference +on this question. In the world we live in, evil is the quick and +spontaneous growth, while good is the forced and difficult culture. Good +principles can only be preserved bright, pure, and efficient, by +watchful care and constant use; if laid aside, they rust and perish. +These are the necessary effects of the fall of man by disobedience from +that state of happiness and holiness in which he was formed by a +beneficent Creator. In a state of inaction, Friends have been exposed to +the influences of a corrupt public sentiment; they have, to a +considerable extent, imbibed the prejudice against color, while some of +them have been caught by the gilded bait of southern commerce. + +[Footnote A: See Appendix K.] + +In a former part of this work I have briefly alluded to that memorable +reformation, which, in the latter part of the preceding century, purged +the Society of Friends from the heinous sins of slave trading and +holding slaves. This reformation in Great Britain, with perhaps a few +individual exceptions, consisted merely in the adoption of new +convictions, and the abandonment of lax opinions; but, on the American +continent, it was sealed by the willing sacrifice of an immense amount +of property. One can scarcely avoid looking back with regret to times +when convictions of duty had such power, when Christian principle was +carried out, whatever the cost. Then, indeed, was exhibited, by the +American Friends, the fruit of a world-overcoming faith. It must be +confessed that the present position of their descendants presents an +unpleasing contrast; yet I trust, that from all I have written, the +conclusion will be drawn, that I look forward to the future with hope; +though it is a hope chastened with fear. Next to a fervent desire that +slavery may be speedily abolished, it is one of the warmest wishes of my +heart, that the "Society of Friends" in America, may be among the +chiefly honored agents in accomplishing, in the wisdom and power of +Jesus Christ, so great a work, thereby contributing to the fulfilment of +the angelic prophecy of "Glory to God, and good will to man." + +I subsequently visited, in company with a colored gentleman, one of the +principal colored schools in New York, in which there were upwards of +three hundred children present. All the departments appeared to be +conducted, under colored teachers, with great order and efficiency, and +the attainments of the higher classes were very considerable. On the +whole, this school would bear comparison with any similar school for +white children which I ever visited. + +Having received from Great Britain the minutes of a special meeting of +the Anti-Slavery Society, called to consider the time of holding a +second General Convention, I met some of the friends of the cause in New +York, together with John G. Whittier and Elizur Wright, of Boston, to +obtain an interchange of their sentiments on the same subject. After +considerable discussion, they unanimously concluded to leave the +decision as to the time of holding a future Convention to the London +Committee--the question of time being the summer of 1842 or 1843. + +The numerous persons on whom I called, before leaving New York, +concurred uniformly in the belief that public opinion was steadily, and +somewhat rapidly advancing, in favor of emancipation, and that the +prejudice against color was lessening. + +The unanimity I found in the opinion that public feeling in favor of +peace was continually strengthening, was very encouraging. All whom I +consulted, approved of the suggestion of Judge Jay, already mentioned, +though I had no suitable opportunity of obtaining the collective +sentiments of the friends of peace in New York upon it. + +The Secretary of the Vigilance Committee, an association existing in +several of the Northern cities, formed to aid runaway slaves in escaping +to a place of safety, as well as to protect the free colored people from +kidnappers, informed me that the number of slaves who applied for +assistance was constantly on the increase. He said that, only a few days +before, a man, who was a preacher of the gospel, who was escaping to +Canada, called upon him; and on being asked why he was fleeing from +slavery, he exposed his naked back, lacerated with a recent flogging, +and said that he had received that punishment for going to his place of +worship. + +On the evening of the 24th I went up the river Hudson to Sing Sing, in +company with Lewis Tappan. Our object was to spend the next day, which +was the first day of the week, in this celebrated state prison. We +lodged at a quiet hotel, on an eminence above the village; and next +morning, about eight o'clock, we went to the prison, where we were very +kindly received by the superintendent, J.G. Seymour, and by the +chaplain. Soon afterwards, we had the opportunity of seeing all the male +prisoners, about seven hundred and fifty, in the chapel, when they were +addressed by a minister of the Presbyterian persuasion, whom we had met +on board the steamer, and whom Lewis Tappan had invited to be there. We +were informed that about one-third of the prisoners were colored: these +did not sit separate, but were intermixed with the rest. In general, +however, the striking language of De Beaumont, a late French traveller +in the United States, will be found true. "The prejudice against color +haunts its victim wherever he goes,--in the hospitals where humanity +suffers,--in the churches where it kneels to God,--_in the prisons where +it expiates its offences_,--in the grave-yards where it sleeps the last +sleep." + +From hence we proceeded to the female department, where about eighty +were assembled, some of whom seemed much affected by an address from my +friend, Lewis Tappan. He told them he saw at least one present who had +been a scholar in his colored Sabbath School at New York. The white +women were placed in the front seats, and the colored behind them. We +next went to the Sabbath School for the male prisoners, held in the +chapel, where the attendance is general, though perfectly voluntary. +Twenty-five of the best educated and most orderly prisoners are allowed +to teach classes: the other teachers were officers of the prison, and +other persons attracted hither by benevolent motives; and I was told the +teachers selected among the convicts had not once been detected in the +abuse of this privilege, by entering into conversation on other topics. +On the breaking up of the school, Lewis Tappan addressed them, and I +added a few words. We were kindly invited to dine with the matron. She +mentioned one instance of complete reformation in a female, which was to +be attributed she believed, under the Divine blessing, to the ministry +of Joseph J. Gurney, who visited Sing Sing, in the course of his +religious labors in the United States. + +After dinner we were permitted to visit the male prisoners at their +cells, list shoes being provided for us that we might walk along the +galleries without noise. Those who wished to do so, were suffered to +speak to us through their grated doors, in a low voice. A number +embraced this opportunity; of the sincere repentance and reformation of +some of whom, I could scarcely doubt. One prisoner, a man of color, +appeared to enjoy a state of perfect happiness, under a sense of being +at peace with his Maker. Another manifested such a feeling of his +spiritual blessings, and especially of that change of heart he had been +favored to experience, as scarcely to have a desire for his liberation, +though his health was visibly sinking under the confinement, and there +appeared little other prospect but that of his dying in the prison, as +he had been condemned for ten years, of which three yet remained. +Several were Englishmen, who were mostly under feigned names, keeping +their real names secret, from a natural unwillingness to disgrace their +families. Some of these were men of education, and communicated to me in +confidence their family names. One referred to gentlemen standing +deservedly high in the estimation of the British public, as well knowing +him. Two or three of this class wept much, when speaking of their +situation, and of the offences that had brought them there. + +I gathered from the prisoners themselves that a great change had been +introduced, both in the affairs and in the management of the prison, +within the last eighteen months, by the present excellent superintendent +and chaplain and their coadjutors, and with the happiest effects. The +former system was one of brutal severity; now, without any relaxation of +discipline, needless severity is discarded, and the floggings have been +reduced nine-tenths, the great object being the reformation of the +prisoners. One of these, speaking of the superintendent and chaplain, +said: "there was not a prisoner in the jail, but rejoiced to hear the +sound of their feet." + +J.G. Seymour mentioned one of the English prisoners to me, whose heart +had been softened, and his reformation commenced, through the kindness +of his prosecutor, who had spent both time and money in endeavoring to +procure his release. This statement was fully confirmed in an +interesting conversation I had with the individual himself, who was +subsequently permitted, as well as another Englishman, to send letters +by me to their relations in this country. + +An extract from the correspondence of one of my unfortunate +fellow-countrymen, which I am permitted to make, will afford an +interesting view of the internal administration of the Sing Sing prison, +by one of its inmates. After alluding to the absolute monotony of prison +life, he gives one day as a specimen of every day. "Monday morning, the +large prison bell rings at five o'clock, when we all rise; half an hour +after, we all go out to work, to our respective shops, till breakfast, +the keepers all the time seated upon a high seat, overlooking--seeing +that everything is ordered and going on in a proper manner: no talking +allowed upon any occasion, or under any pretence whatever. When the +breakfast-bell rings, we all go in to breakfast, each one to a separate +room, (which are all numbered, one thousand in all;) every man's +breakfast is ready for him in his room,--one pint of coffee, with plenty +of meat, potatoes, and rye bread. After one hour, the prison opens +again, and we work in a similar manner till twelve--dinner hour--when we +go in again. Dinner is set ready as before,--an ample quantity of meat, +potatoes, and bread, with a cup of water, (the best beverage in the +world--would to God I had never drank any thing else, and I should not +have been here;) one hour allowed for dinner, when we go out and work +again till six o'clock, when we come in and are locked up for the night, +with a large bowl of mush, (hasty pudding with molasses,) the finest +food in the world, made from Indian meal. Thus passes each day of the +week. Sundays we rise at the same hour; each man has a clean shirt given +him in his room, then goes to the kitchen, brings his breakfast in with +him, the same as before, and is locked up till eight, when Divine +service is performed by a most worthy and able chaplain. After service, +through the pious and benevolent efforts of Mr. Seymour, we have an +excellent Sabbath School. Bible classes, where from three to four +hundred attend, about half to learn to read, and the others to receive +instruction in the way to attain everlasting life, under the immediate +inspection of Mr. Seymour; and I am happy to say, that the greatest +attention is paid by scholars of both classes: many, very many, know how +to appreciate the value of these privileges, and benefit by them +accordingly. Mr. Seymour has obtained a large library for us, and one of +the prisoners is librarian. At eleven o'clock we are locked up for the +day, with an extra allowance of food and water sufficient. The librarian +and an assistant are left open, to distribute the books; that is to go +to each man's cell, get the book he had the previous Sunday, and give +him another in exchange, generally supplying them with a small tract, of +which we mostly have a great plenty." + +A large proportion of the prisoners work in a stone quarry without the +walls; and the most painful sight I saw at Sing Sing were the sentinels +placed on prominent points commanding the prison, with loaded muskets +and fixed bayonets, who have orders at once to shoot a convict who may +attempt to escape, if he does not obey the order to return. I was told, +however, an occurrence of the kind had not happened for years. + +A number of the female domestics in different families in the village of +Sing Sing, have been prisoners, and are now reformed and generally +conducting themselves to the entire satisfaction of their employers. + +There are few subjects more interesting to a civilized and Christian +community, than that of prison discipline. It will scarcely, at the +present day, be denied that the only motives on which, in such a +government, criminal law can be administered, are the public safety, and +the reformation of the criminal himself. Vengeance has not been +delegated to man under the Christian dispensation. It is too evident, +nevertheless, that the principle of retaliatory punishment, irrespective +of any considerations of public safety, or the benefit of the offender, +pervades our criminal jurisprudence, both in theory and practice, and +just so far as this is the case, is the last great object defeated, for +his feelings are deadened, and his heart hardened by it. The most +depraved wretch has that within him which testifies that his fellow worm +has no right to inflict pain upon him solely as a _punishment_, and his +heart rebels against what he feels to be oppression. On the more +enlightened, the effect is equally unfavorable, for he contrasts the +practice of his persecutors with their profession, and is perhaps +conducted thereby to infidelity and despair. One of the prisoners at +Sing Sing, while contrasting the former with the present management, +said, "We used to hear the gospel preached to us on the Sabbath, but see +its doctrines trampled upon in all the conduct pursued towards us the +whole week besides." How different the result where the law of love +reigns! At Sing Sing there are numerous recent instances where +conviction on the minds of the prisoners that the authorities of the +prison have no other object than their temporal and spiritual benefit, +has softened their hearts, and thereby disposed them to the reception of +that consoling faith in a crucified Saviour, which is the only +foundation of true amendment of life. How important is it that all the +offices in a prison should be filled by persons of true piety; and where +can such be more usefully employed? + +In a former part of this work, I have expressed a somewhat unfavorable +opinion on "the separate system," adopted in the Philadelphia +Penitentiary. One of my objections to this system is this, that to +deprive man so entirely of human society, is to do violence to the +strongest instinct of his nature, and thereby to inflict suffering far +more severe than corporeal pain or privation. If the severity of this +system does not obviously tend to carry out the legitimate objects of +prison discipline, it cannot be defended. The small number of +recommittals is no proof of the efficacy of this system; since, in a +country like the United States, a liberated felon may very easily choose +another locality for his sphere of action. In favor of the "separate +system," it is occasionally pleaded that the prisoner is under a veil of +secresy; and that when he goes forth, neither the censorious public, nor +his fellow-prisoners, can point him out; and thus, his character being +comparatively unblemished, he can, with less difficulty, procure +employment. It is obvious that this would induce, in many cases, a +degree of dishonest concealment from an employer, and encourage +dissimulation. It would be much better that the prisoner should depend +for a situation on the good character which the superintendent would +give him if reformed; and I was glad to find at Sing Sing guarded +situations had been procured, in numerous instances, for the liberated +prisoners, and that their employers, with very little exception, +represented them to be most valuable servants. I could hear of no case, +in either of the prisons I visited, of any permanent injury to the +health of a prisoner from the entire disuse of intoxicating drinks, +however intemperate their previous habits might have been. The same +remark is true with regard to tobacco. I will only add, that it is +notorious that the prison discipline of Great Britain, notwithstanding +all its recent improvements, is yet lamentably deficient; and that +though the United States justly claim precedence of us in this respect, +they have, by no means reached perfection. The greatest deficiency of +all, however, in each nation, is that of institutions like the +Philadelphia Refuge, co-extensive with the wants of the community, for +the reformation of juvenile delinquency; thus suppressing crime in its +small beginnings. So long as this want is unsupplied, and the juvenile +offender is contaminated by contact with the hardened criminal, the +statesmen and those who control the legislatures of both countries, +dishonor their profession of Christianity. + +On the 26th, I accompanied my friends, J. and M. Candler, to the steamer +which was to convey them on board the "Roscius" packet, to sail for +Liverpool this afternoon. I afterwards called upon Charles Collins, who, +for many years past, has dealt exclusively in articles of free labor +produce, and for which he said he had found the demand to increase of +late. I am more and more convinced that this branch of the abolition +question has not received the attention it deserves from the friends of +the cause. Before leaving New York, I ought not to omit to record a +visit that was on a previous occasion paid us at our hotel, by William +Cullen Bryant, whose name on this side of the water is associated with +some of the most beautiful productions of American literature. He is the +editor of the _New York Evening Post_, a leading democratic paper, and, +to his credit be it said, he has always advocated the rights of the +abolitionists. He has a thin, pale, thought-worn countenance, and his +manner is quiet and unassuming. I also formed an agreeable acquaintance +with Lydia Maria Child, known in both hemispheres as one of the most +pleasing of American writers. She is editor of the _National +Anti-Slavery Standard_. Her services in the cause of the slave have +been of great value, and have been given at the risk of destroying her +interests and popularity as an author. + +I finally quitted this city, in the steamer, for Boston, on the 24th, +accompanied by John G. Whittier. + +I remained in Boston till the first of the Eighth Month, (August) when I +embarked on board the "Caledonia" steamer for England.--During the +interval, I made a number of calls upon the abolitionists in Boston; +and, among others, saw Henry and Maria Chapman and Wendell Phillips; the +former of whom had just returned from a visit to Hayti, and the latter +from Europe. I had several interviews with Martha V. and Lucy M. Ball, +secretaries of the Boston Female Emancipation Society, who have long +been faithful and laborious abolitionists. I also met, as at New York, a +number of the friends of the cause, again to consider the best time for +calling a second general Convention, to whom I read the London minutes +on that subject. A resolution was unanimously passed, of the same tenor +as those of New York, lately noticed. While in this city, I had not only +the pleasure of renewing my intimacy with my friend, Nathaniel Colver, +who is known to many of the English abolitionists as their valuable and +cordial coadjutor at the great Convention in London, but of becoming +acquainted with many zealous and able friends of the slave. One of these +was Amos A. Phelps, one of those who signed the original declaration +issued by the American Anti-Slavery Society, on its foundation at +Philadelphia, in 1833. + +We also went to Salem, and met a number of "Friends" who were +abolitionists, and who appeared desirous to embrace every suitable +opportunity of promoting the cause. + +Salem is a city of about fourteen thousand inhabitants, and I was told +that the number of its population who went and returned to and from +Boston, a distance of fourteen miles, weekly, was about five hundred--a +striking proof of the locomotive energy of the Americans. Their +gratification, in this respect, has been much facilitated of late by the +rapid extension of railways. These, with few exceptions, are by no means +so completely constructed as in England; but, owing to the cheapness of +land, timber, et cet., and by making the lines generally single, and, on +the average, the speed of travelling being about one-fourth less than is +common in England, they answer the purpose of rapid transit, while the +outlay is about as many dollars per mile as it is sovereigns with us. On +this railway, and some others in New England, the lines are double, and +the construction and speed are nearly equal to ours. + +I was informed, the proportion of severe accidents is not larger than in +Great Britain. The carriages are generally built to hold sixty or +seventy persons, who are seated two by two, one behind another, on +double rows of seats, ranged across the carriage, with room to walk +between, along the centre. The carriage in which we returned from Salem +had twenty-two seats on each side, to contain two each, or, in the +whole, eighty-eight passengers. Yet the weight of this machine would be +little more than that of an English first-class carriage, to hold +eighteen persons, and it cost probably less. Their carriages are well +ventilated in summer, and warmed by a stove in winter. Locomotive +engines approach Boston near enough to prevent the use of horses; but, +on arriving at the distance of a mile or two from New York, +Philadelphia, and Baltimore, the carriages and passengers are drawn in +by horses. One carriage is often specially reserved for the ladies on +the principal lines, into which gentlemen do not usually intrude, unless +they have ladies under their care. It is common, however, for the latter +to take their seats in any of the carriages. There is no distinction of +price, and none of accommodation, except that an inferior and more +exposed carriage, at the same fare, is purposely provided for persons of +color; but this disgraceful relic of past times cannot survive long. The +principal disadvantage that I observed on the American, as compared with +the English railways, was the delay on meeting other trains, and on +stopping for them at places where they could pass, and also the sparks +from the wood, used for fuel instead of coke. On one occasion, my coat +was set on fire in this way, though I was seated in a covered carriage. +Very efficient locomotive engines are made in the United States. I +visited a celebrated manufactory at Philadelphia, which has sent ten to +England, for the use of the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway. At the +time of my visit, they had many orders unexecuted from several European +governments. As far as my inquiries went, the cost of making them is, +upon the whole, about the same as in England. + +Having been, for several years, a director on the Birmingham and London +Railway, I felt some interest in these inquiries, and came to the +conclusion, that there are several arrangements of economy, and some of +convenience, in the construction and working of railways, which the +English might borrow with advantage from the United States. + +On the 29th instant, the secretary of the Peace Society convened a +meeting of the members of that society, and of other influential +gentlemen, including Alden Bradford, late secretary of the State of +Massachusetts; Robert Rantoul, an eloquent and prominent member of the +legislature, and S.E. Coues, of New Hampshire,[A] to take into +consideration the best means of securing permanent international peace. +A very harmonious and satisfactory discussion took place, and the +following statement of the proceedings was subsequently handed to me by +the gentleman who officiated as secretary to the meeting: + +[Footnote A: Since elected President of the American Peace Society.] + + + "A meeting of the friends of peace was held in the city of + Boston, on the evening of the 29th day of July, 1841. + + "The meeting was called for the purpose of meeting Mr. Joseph + Sturge, from England, and there were present most of the active + members of the American Peace Society. + + "Amasa Walker, Esq., was chosen chairman; and J.P. Blanchard, + secretary. + + "Mr. Sturge addressed the meeting, and suggested the expediency + of calling, at some future time, a Convention of the friends of + peace, of different nations, to deliberate upon the best method + of adjusting international disputes; and, offered, for the + consideration of the meeting, a plan proposed by Judge Jay, in + which all the friends of peace could unite. + + "The meeting was then addressed by several gentlemen, who + cordially approved the plan proposed, and, subsequently, the + following resolutions were unanimously adopted. + + "Resolved,--That this meeting receives with great pleasure the + suggestion of our friend Joseph Sturge, of England, of a general + conference of the friends of peace, at the earliest practical + opportunity, at London, to consult on the measures which are + best adapted to promote universal peace among the nations of the + earth; and they respectfully refer the subject to the executive + committee of the American Peace Society, for their decision, on + correspondence and consultation with the friends of the cause in + this and other countries. + + "Resolved,--That the suggestion by Judge Jay, of the insertion + of a clause in all conventional treaties between nations, + mutually binding the parties to submit all international + disputes, during the continuance of such treaties, to the + arbitration of some one or more friendly powers, presents a + definite and practicable object of effort, worthy of the serious + attention of the friends of peace. And this meeting recommends + to the friends of the cause, in different countries, to petition + their respective Governments in favor of the measure." + + +On the 30th, in company with John G. Whittier and C. Stewart Renshaw, I +went over to Lowell, the chief seat of the woollen and cotton +manufacture in America. Less than twenty years ago, there were not more +than forty or fifty houses on the site of this flourishing city, which +now contains upwards of twenty thousand inhabitants. Its numerous mills +are all worked by water power, and belong to incorporated joint-stock +companies. We were obligingly shown over two of the largest woollen and +cotton factories, where every stage of the manufacture was in process, +from the cotton, or sheep's wool, to the finished fabric. We also +visited works, where the printing of cottons is executed in a superior +style, besides a new process for dyeing cotton in the thread, invented +by an Englishman, now in the establishment. The following abstract of +the manufacturing statistics of Lowell, on the first of January, 1841, +will show the great importance to which this new branch of industry has +attained with such unprecedented rapidity. + +Ten joint-stock companies, with a capital of ten millions of dollars, +having thirty-two woollen and cotton factories, besides print works, et +cet., with one hundred and seventy-eight thousand eight hundred and +sixty-eight spindles, and five thousand five hundred and eighty-eight +looms, employing two thousand one hundred and seventy-two males, and six +thousand nine hundred and twenty females, who made, in 1840, sixty-five +millions eight hundred and two thousand four hundred yards of cotton and +woollen cloths, in which were consumed twenty-one millions four hundred +and twenty-four thousand pounds of cotton alone. + +The average amount earned by the male hands employed, exclusive of their +board, is four dollars and eighty cents, or about twenty shillings +sterling per week, and of the females two dollars, or about eight +shillings and sixpence per week. + +But the most striking and gratifying feature of Lowell, is the high +moral and intellectual condition of its working population. In looking +over the books of the mills we visited, where the operatives entered +their names, I observed very few that were not written by themselves; +certainly not five per cent. of the whole number were signed with a +mark, and many of these were evidently Irish. It was impossible to go +through the mills, and notice the respectable appearance and becoming +and modest deportment of the "factory girls," without forming a very +favorable estimate of their character and position in society. But it +would be difficult indeed for a passing observer to rate them so high as +they are proved to be by the statistics of the place. The female +operatives are generally boarded in houses built and owned by the +"corporation" for whom they work, and which are placed under the +superintendence of matrons of exemplary character, and skilled in +housewifery, who pay a low rent for the houses, and provide all +necessaries for their inmates, over whom they exercise a general +oversight, receiving about one dollar and one-third from each per week. +Each of these houses accommodates from thirty to fifty young women, and +there is a wholesome rivalry among the mistresses which shall make their +inmates most comfortable. We visited one of the hoarding houses, and +were highly pleased with its arrangement. A considerable number of the +factory girls are farmers' daughters, and come hither from Vermont, New +Hampshire, and other distant States, to work for two, three, or four +years, when they return to their native hills, dowered with a little +capital of their own earnings. The factory operatives at Lowell form a +community that commands the respect of the neighborhood, and of all +under whose observation they come. No female of an immoral character +could remain a week in any of the mills. The superintendent of the Boott +Corporation informed me, that, during the five and a half years of his +superintendence of that factory, employing about nine hundred and fifty +young women, he had known of but one case of an illegitimate birth--and +the mother was an Irish "immigrant." Any male or female employed, who +was known to be in a state of inebriety, would be at once dismissed. + +At the suggestion of the benevolent and intelligent superintendent of +the Boott Company, we waited to see the people turn out to dinner, at +half-past twelve o'clock. We stood in a position where many hundreds +passed under our review, whose dress, and quiet and orderly demeanor +would have done credit to any congregation breaking up from their place +of worship. One of the gentlemen with me, who is from a slave State, +where all labor is considered degrading, remarked, with emotion, "What +would I give if, (naming a near relative in the slave States,) could +witness this only for a quarter of an hour!" We dined with one of our +abolition friends at Lowell, who informed us that many hundreds of the +factory girls were members of the Anti-Slavery Society; and that, +although activity in this cause has been pretty much suspended by the +division in the ranks of its friends, yet there is no diminution of good +feeling on the subject. The following extracts, from a pamphlet +published by a respectable citizen of Lowell, will further illustrate +the moral statistics of the place, which, I believe, can be paralleled +by no other manufacturing town in the world. The work is dated July, +1839:-- + + + "There are now in the city fourteen regularly organized + religious societies, besides one or two others quite recently + established. Ten of these societies constitute a Sabbath School + Union. Their third annual report was made on the fourth of the + present month, and it has been published within a few days. I + derive from it the following facts. The number of scholars + connected with the ten schools at the time of making the report, + was four thousand nine hundred and thirty-six, and the number of + teachers was four hundred and thirty-three, making an aggregate + of five thousand three hundred and sixty-nine. The number who + joined the schools during the year, was three thousand seven + hundred and seventy, the number who left was three thousand one + hundred and twenty-nine. About three-fourths of the scholars are + females. A large proportion of the latter are over fifteen years + of age, and consist of girls employed in the mills. More than + five hundred of these scholars have, during the last year, + become personally interested in practical piety, and more than + six hundred have joined themselves to the several churches. Now + let it be borne in mind, that there are four or five Sunday + Schools in the city, some of which are large and flourishing, + not included in this statement. Let it be borne in mind, too, + that a great proportion of these scholars are the factory girls, + and furthermore, that these most gratifying results just given, + have nothing in them extraordinary--they are only the common, + ordinary results of several of the past years. There has been no + unusual excitement; no noise, no commotion. Silently, quietly, + unobtrusively, from Sabbath to Sabbath, in these little + nurseries of truth, duty and religion, has the good seed been + sowing and springing up--watered by the dews, and warmed by the + smiles of heaven--to everlasting life.... + + "I shall now proceed to enumerate some of the influences which + have been most powerful in bringing about these results. Among + these are the example and watchful care and oversight of the + boarding house keepers, the superintendents, and the + overseers.... But a power vastly more active, all pervading and + efficient, than any and all of these, is to be found in the + jealous and sleepless watchfulness, over each other, of the + girls themselves.... The strongest guardianship of their own + character, as a class, is in their own hands, and they will not + suffer either overseer or superintendent to be indifferent to + this character with impunity. + + "The relationship which is here established between the Sunday + school scholar and her teacher--between the member of the church + and her pastor--the attachments which spring up between them, + are rendered close and strong by the very circumstances in which + these girls are placed. These relationships and these + attachments take the place of the domestic ties and the home + affections, and they have something of the strength and fervency + of these." + + +The next extract shows their prosperity in a pecuniary point. + + + "The average wages, clear of board, amount to about two dollars + a week. Many an aged father or mother, in the country, is made + happy and comfortable, by the self-sacrificing contributions + from the affectionate and dutiful daughter here. Many an old + homestead has been cleared of its incumbrances, and thus saved + to the family by these liberal and honest earnings. To the many + and most gratifying and cheering facts, which, in the course of + this examination I have had occasion to state, I here add a few + others relating to the matter now under discussion, furnished me + by Mr. Carney, the treasurer of the Lowell Institution for + Savings. The whole number of depositors in this institution, on + the 23d July, was nineteen hundred and seventy-six; the whole + number of deposits was three hundred and five thousand seven + hundred and ninety-six dollars and seventy cents, (about + £60,000.) Of these depositors, nine hundred and seventy-eight + are factory girls, and the amount of their funds now in the + bank, is estimated by Mr. Carney, in round numbers, at one + hundred thousand dollars, (about £20,000.) It is a common thing + for one of these girls to have five hundred dollars (about £100 + sterling) in deposit, and the only reason why she does not + exceed this sum is the fact, that the institution pays no + interest on any larger sum than this. After reaching this + amount, she invests her remaining funds elsewhere." + + +In confirmation of this description of the state of the Lowell +population, I have obtained, through the kindness of a friend in +Massachusetts, the following parallel statistics to a recent date:-- + + + "PUBLIC SCHOOLS.--By the report of the school committee for the + year ending on the 5th of Fourth Month (April) 1841, it appears + that the whole number of pupils in the schools, who attended + during the whole or part of the year, was 5,830. The whole + amount expended by the city for these schools, during the year, + was 18,106 dollars, 51 cents. + + "SABBATH SCHOOLS.--The number of scholars and teachers in the + Sabbath Schools, connected with the various religious societies + in Lowell, during the year ending on the 5th of Seventh Month + (July) 1841, was 5,493. + + "SAVINGS BANK.--The Lowell Institution for Savings, in its + report of Fifth Month (May), 1840, acknowledges 328,395 dollars, + 55 cents, deposits, from 2,137 persons; together with 16,093 + dollars, 29 cents, nett amount received for interest on loans + and dividends in stocks, less expense and dividends paid--making + in all, 344,488 dollars, 84 cents; nett amount of interest, + 24,714 dollars, 61 cents. Within the year, 120,175 dollars, 69 + cents, had been deposited, and 70,384 dollars, 24 cents, drawn + out. + + "PAUPERS.--The whole expense of the city for the support of the + poor, during the year ending on the 31st of Twelfth Month + (December) 1840, was 2,698 dollars, 61 cents." + + +As a proof, slight yet significant, of the spread of intellectual +cultivation, I ought not to omit a notice of the "Lowell Offering," a +little monthly magazine, of original articles, written exclusively by +the factory girls. The editor of the _Boston Christian Examiner_ +commends this little periodical to those who consider the factory system +to be degrading and demoralizing; and expresses a doubt "whether a +committee of young ladies, selected from the most refined and best +educated families in any of our towns and cities, could make a fairer +appearance in type than these hard-working factory girls." + +The city of Lowell has been distinguished by British tourists as the +Manchester of the United States; but, in view of the facts above +related, an American has declared it to be "_not_ the Manchester of the +United States." + +Besides the general prosperity of the operatives, the shareholders in +the different corporations divide from eight to fifteen per cent, per +annum on their capital. + +The inquiry naturally suggests itself, why the state of things in the +manufacturing districts of Great Britain should be so widely different +from this? Some may satisfy themselves by recollecting that England is +an old and America a young country; though, to my mind, this affords no +reasonable explanation of the contrast--since, from the possession of +surplus capital, complete machinery, and facility of communication, et +cet., the advantages for _commerce and manufactures_, under a system of +perfectly unrestricted exchange, must preponderate greatly in favor of +the former. But whatever the solution of the difficulty, it is quite +evident that the statesman who would elevate the moral standard of our +working population, must begin by removing the physical depression and +destitution in which a large proportion of them, without any fault of +their own, are compelled to drag out a weary and almost hopeless +existence. To some peculiarly constituted minds, "over-production" is +the explanation of the present appalling distresses of this country; and +what they are pleased to consider a healthy state of things, is to be +restored by a diminution of production;--yet nothing is more certain, +than that the largest amount of production which has ever been reached, +is not more than adequate to supply our increasing population with the +necessaries of life, on even a very limited scale of comfort. A +diminished production implies the starving down of the population to +such a diminished number as may obtain leave to toil, and leave to +subsist, from legislators, who, either in ignorance or selfishness, set +aside nature's laws, and disregard the plainly legible ordinances of +Divine Providence. If we reflect on the part which commerce is made to +perform in the moral government of the world, on the one hand as the +bond of peace between powerful nations, by creating a perpetual +interchange of temporal benefits; and, on the other, as the channel for +the diffusion of blessings of an intellectual and spiritual kind; we are +conducted irresistibly to the conclusion, that any arbitrary +interruption of its free course must draw down its own punishment. + +Though the laws of nature may not permit the limited soil of this +country to grow food enough for its teeming population, yet while Great +Britain possesses mineral wealth, abundant capital, and the largest +amount of skilled industry of any nation in the world, the tributary +supplies of other countries would not only satisfy our present wants, +but would, I firmly believe, with an unfettered commerce, raise our +working population, the most numerous, and by far the most important +part of the community, to the same level of prosperity as the same class +in the United States. Then would there be more hope for the success of +efforts to elevate the standard of moral and intellectual cultivation +among them, for as an improvable material they are no way inferior to +any population upon earth. John Curtis of Ohio, a free trade missionary +to this country, has published a pamphlet full of important statistical +facts, illustrating the suicidal policy of Great Britain, from which I +venture to take the following extracts: + + + "England already obtains luxuries in superabundance; but these + can never supply the wants of her artizans--they demand + substantial bread and meat, and a market where their labor can + procure these necessaries. Tropical climates are not adapted to + supply their wants. For this reason trade either with the East + or West Indies cannot give effectual relief: it may furnish + luxuries, but England is overstocked with them already. The food + of tropical climates, with the exception of rice, is not + calculated for export. The people of England, if they are to + import food, need the production of a climate similar to their + own. In this respect America is well adapted to supply them. + + "All parts of the United States between thirty-seven and + forty-four degrees of north latitude will produce wheat. But + that part of the country best adapted to furnish an abundant + supply is, beyond all question, the northern part of the + Mississippi valley, and the contiguous country south of the + great lakes. It has been styled _par excellence_ the + wheat-growing region of America. Within its limits lie the six + north-western States of the American Union, Ohio, Indiana, + Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, and Wiskonsan (including as States the + two territories of Iowa and Wiskonsan, about to be admitted into + the Union.) These States, exclusive of two hundred thousand + square miles, the title to which is yet mostly in the Indian + tribes, cover an area of two hundred and thirty-six thousand and + eleven square miles. The country is, generally, an undulating + prairie, interspersed with groves of trees, and unbroken by hill + or mountain. The soil commonly rests upon a strata of limestone, + is fertile beyond description, and abundantly watered by the + finest springs and streams. Its climate is clear and salubrious, + and the country as well calculated as any other on the globe to + minister to the support and happiness of civilized man. As + already explained, for an inland country, it possesses + unequalled facilities for foreign intercourse and commerce, by + means of its great lakes and rivers. The most distant parts of + it are now reached in twenty days from Liverpool. The energies + of the American people have been chiefly expended, during the + last few years, in opening and taking possession of this region, + which they consider destined to become the future seat of + American wealth and greatness. + + "Wheat once formed a leading article in the exports of the + United States. The trade of that country with Great Britain was + then double the present amount in proportion to the number of + the population. Had the trade of the two countries continued + free, it would have increased with the increase of population + and capital. The legitimate exchange trade has decreased between + England and America for thirty years. What part has the + restrictive system had in producing this result? A few facts may + enable us not only to answer this question, but to anticipate + the consequences of a continuance of the same policy. From the + time of the revolutionary war in America until 1812, the trade + between the two countries regularly increased with the increase + of the population. The average annual consumption of foreign + merchandise in the United States for each inhabitant was, + + From 1790 to 1800, 39s. 4d. + " 1800 to 1810, 41s. 8d. + + + "In 1812 came the second American war, and in 1815 the British + corn law, which was promptly followed by the high American + tariff of 1816. For ten years prior to 1830, the annual average + consumption of merchandize had fallen to 22s. 6d., while the + population of the States was nearly double, and their capital + treble that of the ten years preceding 1810. Soon after 1830 + followed the modification of the American tariff, and the + importations based on the great transatlantic loans of that + period. But, notwithstanding the stimulation and extravagance of + the time, the average annual consumption amounted to only 31s. + per head of foreign produce during the ten years prior to 1840. + Abating the importation based on the loans of the last few + years, and the trade of England with the United States has not + increased in amount for the last thirty years, while the + population of England has increased from eighteen to + twenty-seven millions, and that of the States from seven to + seventeen millions. + + "Let the reader observe this, that in the Eastern States, in + that of Massachusetts, for instance, in which State Boston is + situated, the people bring a large part of their food from the + Western States, where they obtain it in exchange for their + manufactures. If free trade were allowed, is it possible for any + man to give a reason why the manufacturer and laborer of + Manchester would not be able to do as well as the manufacturer + and laborer of Boston now does, abating the difference of + transporting goods and grain across the Atlantic? At least, the + consequence would be an extension of trade, and employment equal + to the amount of food which would, in such case, be brought from + America; and the limit to this quantity will be found only when + the wants of Englishmen are supplied, and their ability to pay + exhausted. The ability of America to supply any required + quantity of food has already been shown. There lie the broad + lands, ready for cultivation as soon as there shall be a demand + for the produce. And if seventeen millions of people, sent + chiefly from England, or descended from those who have been + sent, are not sufficient to raise the requisite quantity of + provisions demanded of them by those who remain in the parent + country, then let more be sent, for the land lies equally open + to the people of all nations. + + "Then, as to the ability of Englishmen to pay for all they want, + let us ask, what those who produce the food, or those who bring + it, can want in exchange that England cannot furnish? Gold, it + is said.[A] But for what do they want gold but to purchase other + supplies than food? and as they would then have the means to + pay, England would be the very country which, of all others, + could supply them to advantage. Whatever was wanted which her + own artizans do not produce themselves, they could still supply. + Englishmen would not at all be confined to a direct sale or + exchange of their goods with the wheat grower, but can give him + the merchandize of India and China, and the fruits of the + tropics, for which English manufactures would pay. If the idle + mills and idle laborers of England could at once be set at work + to produce food for the people, new activity would be imparted + to trade in every part of the world--from India to the frozen + regions of Greenland and Labrador. But, on the other hand, how + is it possible for England to extend her foreign trade while the + present restrictions continue? Even with such a country as + India, reduced under British sway, it cannot be done except by + diminishing the commerce with other countries to the same + extent. England cannot, in her present condition, greatly + increase her consumption of such merchandize as India can + furnish, or dispose of such merchandize abroad, to any great + extent, for the reasons already given. + + [Footnote A: "Englishmen, reasoning from a restricted course of + trade, are constantly prone to the belief that the purchase of + foreign corn, from some unexplained necessity, must take away + their gold. Americans, from the same cause, reason in the same + manner respecting the purchase of foreign goods. Under the + action of the restrictive system, there may be some truth in the + reasonings of each party, but they certainly form a beautiful + running commentary upon each other."] + + "As to any proposed gain by the Colonial trade, it is the very + thing rejected by the restrictions on the trade with the United + States. What are these States but the greatest colonies ever + planted by Great Britain? and their independence does not at all + prevent England from deriving all the advantage from them ever + to be derived from colonies. The only good which England can + derive from her extensive colonization is not to be gained by + swaying a barren sceptre over distant colonies, but by spreading + abroad her race, her language, her civilization, and thus + enlarging the sphere of her commerce. Under a free system of + intercourse England would not derive less benefit, at present, + from the United States than if they had remained a part of the + British dominions, for if trade were free, they would not trade + the less because of their independence, or furnish less food, or + at higher prices. England, however, seems determined to + sacrifice all the advantages which naturally accrue to her from + having colonized the finest part of the New World, and to refuse + the abundance and relief thus providentially prepared by her own + offspring." + + The great importance of these extracts is the best apology for + their length--but there is yet another branch of the subject. A + country whose population is beyond its means of supply from its + own soil, has no resources but that of her manufactures and + foreign trade; if these be dried up, her people must emigrate or + starve. But the United States has an alternative;--her first and + best resource,--and the most profitable application of her + industry is in her broad and fertile lands, the superabundant + produce of which would not only feed, but, by exchange, clothe + her population, and supply them with all the comforts of + civilized life. She cannot avail herself of this to its full + extent without our aid. But, if we refuse to trade on equal + terms, her wants will not, therefore, go unsupplied. She can + manufacture for herself--her resources for manufactures and + commerce are, at least, equal to our own, with the exception of + capital and population, which the lapse of a few more years will + supply. + + "The present may justly be considered a crisis in the commercial + policy of America. If it be decided that foreign markets are to + continue closed against American corn--if England, which is the + principal corn market of the world, refuse to exchange the + produce of her mills and workshops for that of the fields of the + Americans, they have no other alternative than to erect mills + and workshops from which to supply themselves. The effect of + such a course would prove decisive on the trade with England, + and go far to complete the ruin so effectually begun by the + British corn law and corresponding restrictions. If forced from + employment on the land, which an abundant and fertile soil has + naturally made their most profitable one, it will be found that + the Americans lack neither the talent, the energy, nor the + means, at once to extend their present manufactures to the full + supply of their own wants. They have water-power, coal, and + iron, in greater natural abundance and perfection than any other + part of the world."[A] + + [Footnote A: "The United States are computed to contain not less + than eighty thousand square miles of coal, or sixteen times as + much as Europe. One of these coal fields extends nine hundred + miles in length. The State of Pennsylvania has ten thousand + square miles of coal and iron. Great Britain and Ireland have + two thousand. All the north-western States of America contain + large quantities of coal. The coal strata of the States + generally lie above the level of the streams, and the coal is + taken from the hill sides. The beds of coal and iron are to a + great extent contiguous."] + + +This is not mere theory. The developement is actually begun: + + + "A few years since, the country smiths, and the matrons with + their daughters at the household wheel and loom, were the + principal manufacturers of America. Now the cotton mills alone + are computed at one thousand, and the capital invested in + manufacturing machinery at £23,500,000. The estimated value of + some of the principal articles of manufacture is as follows: + + Woollens, £15,750,000 + Cotton, 11,250,000 + Leather, 9,000,000 + Hats and Caps, 3,575,000 + Linen, 1,350,000 + Paper, 1,350,000 + Glass, 1,125,000 + Iron and Steel, 11,250,000 + + + "Some idea of the rapidity with which the American manufactures + are now capable of being extended, may be formed from the past + progress of the cotton manufacture. The consumption of raw + cotton was, + + In 1833, 196,000 bales. + 1835, 236,700 " + 1837, 246,000 " + 1839, 276,000 " + + + "The United States already supply two-thirds of their own + consumption of cottons. At the above rate of increase--of nearly + fifty per cent, in five years--America will much more than + supply its own market in five years to come. Never has the + manufacturing interest of the United States been in as + prosperous and sound a condition as at present. They need no + high tariff to protect them against British competition. _The + English corn law is their best protection_." + + +It is the restrictive policy of Great Britain that has called into +existence Lowell and the manufacturing cities of the United States, +producing an immense amount of articles which were once the sole +products of British industry and skill. If the same policy is continued, +the prosperity of the United States will be impeded, but that of England +will be destroyed. + +The following is an extract from the memorial of Joshua Leavitt to +Congress, on the wheat interests of the North Western States: + + + "Should it, indeed, come to be settled that there is to be no + foreign market for these products, the fine country under + contemplation is not, therefore, to be despaired of. Let the + necessity once become apparent, and there will be but one mind + among the people of the North-west. The same patriotism which + carried our fathers through the self-denying non-importation + agreements of the revolution, will produce a fixed determination + to build up a home market, at every sacrifice. And it can be + done. What has been done already in the way of manufactures, + shows that it can be done. The recent application of the + hot-blast with anthracite coal to the making of iron, and the + discovery of a mine of natural steel, would be auxiliaries of + immense value. We could draw to our factories the best workmen + of Europe, attracted less by the temptation of wages, than by + the desire to leave liberty and land as the inheritance of their + children. But it would take a long time to build up a + manufacturing interest adequate to supply the wants of the + Northwest, or to consume the produce of these wide fields; and + the burden of taxation for internal improvements, uncompleted + and unproductive, would be very heavy and hard to bear: and all + the population that is concentrated upon manufactures, is so + much kept back from the occupation of that noble domain; and the + national treasury would feel the effects of the curtailment of + imports and the cessation of land sales; and the amount of + misery which the loss of the American market would occasion to + the starving operatives and factory children on the other side + of the Atlantic, is worthy to be taken into the account, by + every statesman who has not forgotten that he is a man." + + +If we refuse the Americans as customers, we compel them to become our +rivals; and, after supplying their own wants, they will compete with us +for the trade of the world, on more than equal terms. Our statesmen may +yet employ America to build up the prosperity of our country whilst +increasing her own, or they may suffer its rapidly developing and +gigantic resources to work out our ruin: the alternative is before them +and before the country--but decision must be prompt, for there is no +pause in the march of events. However unwise the policy, we cannot be +surprised that the American and Continental manufacturer are each +applying to his government to follow our example, and protect home trade +by fiscal regulations. + +This question of trade with America has also most important anti-slavery +bearings--and here, again, I find my own views anticipated by the able +writer already quoted: + + + "The present policy of restricting the traffic with America so + closely to cotton, gives a deceitful appearance to the stated + imports and exports. From these statements there should, in + fairness, be deducted the value of all the raw cotton which is + returned to America; and, in fact, if the true exchange trade + would be seen, all should be deducted that is exported from + England. That portion of cotton goods which is of English + origin, that is, their value above the raw material out of which + they were made, is, in fact, the only real part of English + export. Before exclusive importance was bestowed on cotton, the + exchange with America was in a large proportion of articles not + to be returned. It would be so again if trade were free." + + +Again: + + + "To one effect which would be produced in America by the repeal + of the corn and provision laws, no party or class in England can + profess indifference, and that is, _its effect on slavery in the + United States_. At the present time, England gives a premium to + American slavery by admitting, at low duties, the cotton of the + slave-holder, which is his staple production, and refusing corn, + which is mostly the produce of free labor. The slave-holding + States, to the productions of which Great Britain confines her + American trade, are less populous and less wealthy than the + free; yet of their produce England received in 1839, according + to the American estimates, £11,600,000, while of that of the + free States she received less than £500,000." + + "It should be remembered that the labor of the slave States, is + almost wholly expended in agriculture, under the stimulus of a + good market, while a large part of that of the free States is + otherwise employed, for the want of such market. The effective + laborers of the free States are double the number of those in + the slave States; and were an opportunity given them, they would + export in as great a proportion. Thus England, by her laws, + fosters an odious institution abroad, which, in words, she + loudly condemns, and spends millions to rid the world of; whilst + she rejects more honorable, profitable, and wealthy customers, + the fruits of whose free and active industry are in effect made + contraband in England by law. + + "Not only would England escape this inconsistency and reproach, + by repealing the corn law, but she would strike a most effectual + blow at the existence of slavery in the United States. Cotton, + at present, from being made by the corn law the principal + exchangeable article in the American trade, assumes an undue and + unnatural importance in American commerce, legislation, and home + industry. The slave-owner drives his slaves in its production, + and purchases supplies of the northern freeman, whose interests + are thus identified with those of the cotton grower, and the + slave-holding interest becomes predominant in the country. From + their habits, the people of the slave-holding States are + constantly contracting more debts in the free States than they + have the means of paying; so that, under the present system of + intercourse, the slaveholders exercise over the free population + of the north, the same control which an insolvent debtor + frequently has over his creditor, by threatening to break and + ruin him, if not allowed his own way. A repeal of the corn laws + would release the free States from their present commercial and + consequent political vassalage to the southern slave-holders, + and thereby take from American slavery, the great citadel of its + strength, and insure its overthrow by the influences which would + arise to assail it from all quarters. + + "But as free trade, in destroying the odious monopoly of the + haughty slave-holder, would benefit and not injure him, so would + its effects be found universally. It would give peace and plenty + to England and the world,--it would enlarge and secure trade, + bind the spreading branches of the Anglo-saxon race by natural + affinity to England as their acknowledged head, and promote the + liberty and civilization of the human family at large." + + +In view of the whole spirit of this discussion of one of the most +important questions bearing upon human interests, I would simply add, +that a wise Providence has bound the duty and the interest, both of +individual and social man, firmly together, but for the trial of his +virtue the bands are concealed. + +On the 31st, I took my luggage on board the steam packet "Caledonia," +for Liverpool, via Halifax, which was to sail the day following, +although it was the first day of the week. The proprietors of the +packets are bound in a heavy fine to sail on the appointed days, whether +those fall on the first day of the week or not. By this arrangement the +religious feelings of the people of Boston are offended, which is the +more inexcusable, on the part of the British Government, as it does not +suffer its own mails to depart, either from London or Halifax, on that +day. Some gentlemen, who were interested in the subject, placed in my +hands a memorial addressed to the Lords of the Admiralty in Great +Britain, praying for such an alteration of the arrangements as would +prevent this periodical violation of the first day of the week. A +gentleman, who was active in getting it signed, assured me it was +received with universal favor. The signatures, obtained on very short +notice, are those of the most influential men in their respective +stations in the city of Boston, and include the names of the mayor of +the city, an ex-lieutenant governor of the State of Massachusetts, one +bishop, upwards of forty ministers of religion, of different +denominations, nine gentleman, upwards of one hundred and twenty +merchants, seventeen presidents of insurance companies, the post-master +of Boston, five physicians, seven members of the legal profession, and +two editors of newspapers. After my arrival in this country, I presented +this document, through the Secretary of the Admiralty, to the +authorities to whom it is addressed, but regret to state that the +request was not complied with. The memorial, and the reply of the Lords +of the Admiralty are given in the Appendix[A] + +[Footnote A: .See Appendix L.] + +On leaving the shores of the United States, I left the following letter +for publication:-- + + + "_To the Friends of Immediate Emancipation in the United + States_. + + "Having visited your country as an humble fellow-laborer in the + great cause in which you are engaged, and which, through trials + and difficulties a stranger can scarcely appreciate, you have so + zealously maintained, I have had a pleasing and satisfactory + interview with many of you, with reference to future exertions, + in cooperation with those of other lands, who unite with you in + regarding slave-holding and slave-trading as a heinous sin in + the sight of God, which should be immediately abolished. It is + the especial privilege of those who are laboring in such a + cause, to feel that 'every country is their country, and every + man their brother,' and to live above the atmosphere of + sectional jealousy and national hostility; and hence I feel an + assurance, that you will receive with kindness a few lines from + me on the eve of my departure to my native land. + + "You concur generally in opinion, that in endeavoring to obtain + the great object we have in view, it is very important that the + friends of the cause should be united, not only in principle, + but, as far as may be, in the character of the measures which + they pursue; and I have been much encouraged in finding that you + have generally adopted the sentiment so rapidly spreading on the + other side of the Atlantic,--'That there is no reasonable hope + of abolishing the slave-trade, but, by the abolition of slavery, + and that no measures should be pursued for its attainment, but + those which are of a moral, religious, and pacific character.' + The progress of emancipation in Europe has been, beyond a doubt, + greatly retarded by leaving slavery and the slave-holder + unmarked by public reprobation, and concentrating all the + energies of philanthropy upon a fruitless effort to abolish the + slave-trade. And in this country the Colonization scheme, with + its delusive promise of good to Africa, and its vague + anticipations of putting an end to the slave-trade by armed + colonies on the coast of that ill-fated continent, has been the + means of obstructing emancipation at home, of unprofitably + absorbing the energies and blinding the judgment of many sincere + friends of the slave, and of strengthening the unchristian + prejudice against color. The abolitionists of Europe, with few + exceptions, have seen the error of their former course of + action, and are now striking directly at the root, instead of + lopping the branches of slavery; and if further evidence of the + evil tendency and character of colonization is needed in the + United States, the recent proceeding of a meeting of the + Maryland Society at Baltimore, must convince all who are + friendly to the true interests of the people of color, that it + is a scheme deserving only the support of the enemies of + freedom.[A] + + [Footnote A: "The following resolution was passed at the meeting + of the Maryland Society above alluded to:--'That while it is + most earnestly hoped that the free colored people of Maryland + may see that their best and most permanent interests will be + consulted by their emigration from this State; and while this + Convention would deprecate any departure from the principle + which makes colonization dependent upon the voluntary action of + the free colored people themselves--yet, if, regardless of what + has been done to provide them with an asylum, they continue to + persist in remaining in Maryland, in the hope of enjoying here + an equality of social and political rights, they ought to be + solemnly warned, that, in the opinion of this Convention, a day + must arrive when circumstances that cannot be controlled, and + which are now maturing, will deprive them of choice, and leave + them no alternative but removal,'"] + + "The rapid progress of public opinion, as to the iniquity of + slavery, and the entire safety, as well as advantage, of its + immediate abolition--the attention which has been awakened to it + in all parts of the civilized world--the movements in France, + Spain, Brazil, and Denmark, and other countries with + slave-holding dependencies, all indicating that the days of + slavery are numbered, should serve to encourage and stimulate us + to increased exertions; and while it is a cause of profound + regret, that any thing should have disturbed the harmony and + unity of the real friends of emancipation in this country--the + hardest battle field of our moral warfare--I am not without + hope, that, in future, those who,--from a conscientious + difference of opinion, not as to the object, but the precise + mode of obtaining it,--cannot act in one united band, will + laudably emulate each other in the promotion of our common + cause, and in Christian forbearance upon points of disagreement; + and that, where they cannot praise, they will be careful not to + censure those, who, by a different road, are earnestly pursuing + the same end. Without entering into the controversies which have + divided our friends on this side the water, I believe it would + be nothing more than a simple act of justice for me to state, on + my return to Europe, my conviction that a large portion of the + abolitionists of the United States, who approve of the + proceedings of the late General Anti-Slavery Convention, and are + desirous of acting in unity with the British and Foreign + Anti-Slavery Society, from the general identity of their + practice, as well as principles, with those of the British and + Foreign Society, are entitled to the sympathies, and deserving + of the confidence and co-operation of the abolitionists of Great + Britain. It has been my pleasure to meet, in a kindly + interchange of opinion, many valuable and devoted friends of + emancipation; who, while dissenting from the class + above-mentioned in some respects, are nevertheless disposed to + cultivate feelings of charity and good will towards all who are + sincerely laboring for the slaves. And in this connection I may + state, that neither on behalf of myself, or of my esteemed + coadjutors in Great Britain, am I disposed to recriminate upon + another class of abolitionists, who, on some points, have so far + differed from the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Committee, + and the great majority of the Convention above mentioned, as to + sustain their representatives in refusing to act with that + Convention, and in protesting against its proceedings; and who + have seen fit to censure the committee in their public meetings + and newspapers in this country, as 'arbitrary and despotic,' and + their conduct as 'unworthy of men claiming the character of + abolitionists.' + + "As a corresponding member of the British and Foreign + Anti-Slavery Committee, and intimately acquainted with its + proceedings, I am persuaded that its members have acted wisely, + and consulted the best interest of the cause in which they were + engaged, in generally leaving unnoticed any censures that have + been cast upon them while in the prosecution of their labors. + Yet, before leaving this country, I deem it right to bear my + testimony to the great anxiety of that committee faithfully to + discharge the duties committed to their trust; and to state that + it has never been my privilege to be united to any body more + desirous of keeping simply to the one great object of their + association--the total and immediate abolition of slavery and + the slave-trade. I am persuaded that all candid minds, making + due allowance for the imperfection pertaining to human + associations, will feel their confidence in the future integrity + of that committee increased in proportion as they closely + investigate their past acts; and that, even when the wisdom of + their course may have been questioned, they will accord to them + a scrupulous honesty of purpose. + + "The first public suggestion of a General Anti-Slavery + Convention, like the one held last year in London, originated, I + believe, on this side of the Atlantic, although the Committee of + the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society took upon + themselves the heavy responsibility of convening it. At its + close, they invited an expression of the opinion of the + delegates, as to the desirableness of again summoning such an + assembly. The expression was generally in the affirmative; and, + after discussion, a resolution was passed, leaving it to the + Committee of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, after + consulting with the friends of the cause in other parts of the + world, to decide this important question, as well as the time + and place of its meeting, should another Convention be resolved + upon. + + "Since I have been in the United States, I have found those + abolitionists who approved the principles and proceedings of the + late Convention so generally in favor of another, and of London + as its place of meeting, that the only question seemed to be + whether it should be held in 1842 or 1843. This expression of + opinion is, I know, so generally in accordance with the views of + the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Committee, and of many + other prominent abolitionists in Europe, that I have little + doubt they will feel encouraged to act upon it, probably at the + latter period. There is abundant and increasing evidence of the + powerfully beneficial influence of the late Convention upon + almost every part of the world where slavery is still tolerated; + and we are encouraged to hope that the one in anticipation will + be still more efficient for the promotion of universal liberty. + + "Painful as has been to me the spectacle of many of the leading + influences of the ecclesiastical bodies in this country, either + placed in direct hostility to, or acting as a drag upon, the + wheel of the anti-slavery enterprise--and of the manifest + preponderance of a slave-holding influence in the councils of + the State--I am not one of those who despair of a healthful + renovation of public sentiment which shall purify Church as well + as State from this abomination. There are decided indications + that all efforts of councils and synods to unite 'pure religion + and undefiled,' with a slave-trading and slave-holding + counterfeit of Christianity, must ere long utterly fail. And it + is to me a matter of joy, as it must be to every friend of + impartial liberty and free institutions, that the citizens of + this republic are more and more feeling that the plague-spot of + slavery, as with the increased facilities of communication its + horrors and deformity become more apparent in the eyes of the + world, is fixing a deep disgrace upon the character of their + country, and paralyzing the beneficial influence which might + otherwise flow from it as an example of a well-regulated free + government. May each American citizen who is desirous of washing + away this disgrace, to whatever division of the anti-slavery + host he may attach himself, ever bear in mind that the cause is + of too tremendous and pressing a nature to admit of his wasting + his time in censuring and impeding the progress of those who may + array themselves under a somewhat different standard from his + own; and that any energies thus wasted, which belong to the one + great object, so far as human instrumentality is concerned, is + not only deferring the day of freedom to two and a half millions + of his countrymen, but inasmuch as the fall of American slavery + must be the death-blow to the horrid system, wherever it exists, + the result of the struggle here involves the slavery or freedom + of millions in other parts of the world, as well as the + continuance or suppression of that slave-trade, to the foreign + branch of which alone more than _one thousand victims are daily + sacrificed_; and in reference to which it has justly been said, + 'that all that has been borne to Africa of the boasted + improvements of civilized life, is a masterly skill in the + contrivance, and an unhesitating daring in the commission of + crimes, which the mind of the savage was too simple to devise, + and his heart too gentle to execute.' There are no doubtful + indications that it is the will of Him, who has the hearts of + all at His disposal, that, either in judgment or in mercy, this + dreadful system shall ere long cease. It is not for us to say + why, in His inscrutable wisdom, He has thus far permitted one + portion of His creatures so cruelly to oppress another; or by + what instrumentality He will at length redress the wrongs of the + poor, and the oppression of the needy; but should the worst + fears of one of your most distinguished citizens, who in view of + this subject, acknowledged that he 'trembled for his country, + when he remembered that God was just,' be finally realized, may + each one of you feel that no exertions on his part have been + wanting to avert the Divine displeasure, and preserve your land + from those calamities which, in all ages, have rebuked the + crimes of nations. + + "Your sincere friend, + + "JOSEPH STURGE. + + "Boston, Seventh Month 31st, 1841." + + +My dear friend John G. Whittier, whose pleasant company and invaluable +aid I had enjoyed, as much as his health would permit, during my stay in +the United States, kindly accompanied me on board. Had he been less +closely identified with the transactions of which the present volume is +a record, I should have felt it due to his station among the earliest +and most distinguished advocates of the anti-slavery cause in America, +to attempt some delineation, however imperfect, of that rare and +consecrated union of consistent Christian character, fine talents, and +sound and impartial judgment, which give him so much weight in the +councils of his fellow-laborers. We set sail about noon on the 1st of +the Eighth month, (August,) and arrived off Liverpool about eleven +o'clock, P.M. on the 13th, which interval included ten hours delay at +Halifax. We had about ninety passengers from Halifax to Liverpool, and +with the exception of a severe gale on the 10th, almost amounting to a +hurricane, we had a very favorable voyage. The time from Halifax to +within sight of the light house off the south coast of Ireland was +announced to be only nine days and thirteen minutes. + +One of my fellow passengers had recently been traveling in the southern +States, and showed me a letter given to him as a curiosity at the post +office at Charleston, South Carolina, which was addressed by a slave to +her husband, but from insufficient direction had never reached its +destination. It was to convey the tidings that she was about to be sold +to the South, and begging him, in simple and affecting terms, to come +and see her, as they would never meet again. Another of the passengers, +who had also been a fellow voyager with my friend Joseph John Gurney, +had recently travelled in Texas. He was strongly impressed with the +evils likely to result from the proposed recognition of that government +by Great Britain. In consequence of the promising aspect of these +negotiations between General Hamilton and Lord Palmerston in favor of +Texas, the paper money issued by that piratical government, and which +had not been previously negotiable for more than one tenth of its +nominal value, rapidly rose. The Texas republic, in his opinion, could +not secure a permanence without British recognition. + +Many planters, with their slaves, have emigrated thither to escape their +creditors from the border States, and the republic has been lavish of +grants of land to men of capital and influence, to induce them to settle +within its limits. My informant considered the state of society to be as +bad as it well could be, and continue to exist. The white inhabitants +are living not only in fear of hostile Indians, but in fear of each +other. + +From a late letter of a friend in America, I make the following extract +relative to the present condition of Texas. + + + "To give thee some adequate idea of the importance of that + beautiful republic of Texas, which Lord Palmerston and the late + Whig government of England took under their especial protection, + I will just refer to the statistics of the late election of its + President. The successful candidate, General Houston, a man + notorious for his open contempt for all the decencies of + civilized society,--brutal, brawling, profane, and + licentious,--received somewhat rising five thousand votes: his + competitor, Judge Burnet, between two and three thousand,--a + vote smaller by thousands than that of our little county of + Essex, in Massachusetts. Late accounts from Texas inform us that + gangs of organized desperadoes, under the names of moderators + and regulators, are traversing its territory, perpetrating the + most brutal outrages. In one instance they seized a respectable + citizen who dared to express his dissatisfaction with their + proceedings, hurried him into the forest, and deliberately dug + his grave before his eyes, _intending to bury him alive_! The + miserable victim, horrified by the prospect of such a fate, + broke away from his tormentors, and attempted to escape, but was + shot down and instantly killed! Such a congregation as Texas + presents was never, I suspect, known, save in that city into + which the Macedonian monarch gathered and garnered, in one + scoundrel community, the vagabond rascality of his kingdom. + + "Thou would'st be amused to read an article, which has made its + appearance in the _Houston Telegraph_--a Texian paper--in which + the editor says, 'that while we deeply commiserate the situation + of our sister republic, in regard to the political scourge of + abolitionism, it is pleasing to reflect that our country enjoys + a _complete immunity from its effects_. Indeed we may with + safety declare, that throughout the whole extent of our country, + not a single abolitionist can be found.' He goes on to say that + this induces many of the southern planters to emigrate to Texas, + who, he remarks, '_will necessarily look to Texas, as the + Hebrews did to the promised land, for a refuge and home_.' It + will thus be seen that Texas is the promised land of the + patriarchal slave-holders of the southern States. When hunted + from every other quarter of the globe by the inexorable spirit + of abolition, when even Cuba and Brazil cease to afford them an + asylum--when slave-holding shall be every where else as odious + and detestable as midnight larceny, or highway robbery,--Texas + alone, uninfected and secure, is to open its gates of refuge to + the persecuted Calhouns and McDuffies, and their northern allies + in church and state--the San Marino of slavery, dissevered from + the world's fanaticism--isolated and apart, like the floating + air-island of Dean Swift." + + +The following extract from a recent New York paper gives an equally +deplorable representation of the society in Texas. + + + "The pestilent influence of the recent horrible murders on the + Arkansas, and other United States' rivers, has caused the + practice of lynching to break forth with renewed fury in Texas, + where it had apparently slept for the previous year. And we find + recorded in the Texas papers nearly a dozen of these murders + that have occurred, and undoubtedly there have been more than as + many more. In Shelby county two citizens have been shot down, + and several houses burned by a party of outlaws. In Red River + two men have been hanged as horse-thieves, without judge or + jury. In Washington county one man has been shot down, under the + pretence that he was a murderer. In Austin county two men were + killed, and two hostile parties were in arms for several days, + taking the law into their own hands. In Jefferson county two men + have been killed, and the house of one of them burnt to the + ground by a party of self-styled 'regulators.' And all this in + the space of a year." + + +Several of my fellow-passengers were from Cuba, and some of them +slave-holders by their own admission. With one or two of those who could +speak English, I had much conversation on the abolition of slavery. They +concurred with apparent sincerity in the desire that the slave trade +might be effectually suppressed. They seemed to consider that this trade +was promoted by the mother country as one means of preventing the colony +from aspiring to independence. They admitted the abstract injustice of +slavery, and one remarked, that a difference of the color of the skin +was a misfortune, not a crime. They were not, however, disposed to +entertain a thought of emancipation, without being fully compensated for +their slaves. + +I had again the pleasure of observing on this voyage, the benefits of +the change of system with regard to the supply of wines and spirits, +each passenger paying for what he consumes, instead of his fare +including the privilege of drinking _ad libitum_. One of the stewards +told me the quantity consumed was little more than one-tenth as much as +under the former system. + +I cannot conclude my narrative more gratefully to my own feelings than +by a tribute to the upright and conscientious officer who commanded the +vessel. On the first day of the week, the only one we spent at sea, the +passengers, and as many of the servants as could conveniently attend, +assembled morning and evening in the saloon, for the purpose of +religious worship. Lord Frederick Fitzclarence, one of the passengers, +officiating as a minister of the English Establishment; and every +evening a similar opportunity was offered in the fore cabin to all who +were inclined to be present. The captain firmly resisted the +introduction of cards on the first day of the week, and in his whole +conduct manifested an anxiety not only for the temporal comfort and +safety, but for the spiritual interests of those under his care. Would +that all captains of vessels, invested as they are with such authority +and influence over the passengers and crews, were like-minded with my +friend Captain McKellar. + +I disembarked at Liverpool early in the morning on the 14th of Eighth +month, (August,) 1841. + + + + + +GENERAL OBSERVATIONS + +The reader who has accompanied me thus far, will not need to be informed +that I have designedly omitted many of those remarks on scenery, +manners, and institutions, which were naturally suggested to my own mind +by a retrospect of my sojourn in the United States. On various subjects +of great interest and importance, it would be difficult for me to add +anything new or valuable to the information contained in other and well +known works; while on those points to which my attention was chiefly +directed, I have endeavored, as far as practicable, to incorporate the +results of my inquiries in the preceding narrative. There remain, +however, a few observations, for which, having found no appropriate +place, I would bespeak attention in a concluding chapter. + +In the Northern States, education, in the common acceptation of the +term, may be considered as universal; in illustration of which it may be +mentioned, that on the occasion of the late census, not a single +American adult in the State of Connecticut, was returned as unable to +read or write. Funds for education are raised by municipal taxation in +each town or district, to such an amount as the male adults may decide. +Their public schools are universally admitted to be well conducted and +efficient, and combine every requisite for affording a sound, practical, +elementary education to the children of the less affluent portion of the +community. I need scarcely add that in a republican government, this +important advantage being conceded, the road to wealth and distinction, +or to eminence of whatever kind, is thrown open to all of every class +without partiality--the colored alone excepted. + +The following extract from a letter received since my return from a +respected member of the Society of Friends, residing in Worcester, +Massachusetts, will give a lively idea of the general diffusion and +practical character of education in the New England States. + +"The public schools of the place, like those throughout the State, are +supported by a tax, levied on the people by themselves, in their primary +assemblies or town meetings, and they are of so excellent a character as +to have driven other schools almost entirely out from among us. They are +so numerous as to accommodate amply all the children, of suitable age to +attend. They are graduated from the infant school, where the A B C is +taught, up to the high school for the languages and mathematics, where +boys are fitted for the University, and advanced so far, if they choose, +as to enter the University one or two years ahead. These schools are +attended by the children of the whole population promiscuously; and, in +the same class we find the children of the governor and ex-governor of +the State, and those of their day-laborers, and of parents who are so +poor that their children are provided with books and stationery from the +school fund. Under this system, we have no children who do not acquire +sufficient school learning to qualify them for transacting all the +business which is necessary in the ordinary pursuits of life. A child +growing up without school learning would be an anomaly with us. All +standing thus on a level, as to advantages, talent is developed, +wherever it happens to be; and neither wealth nor ancestral honors give +any advantage in the even-handed contest which may here be waged for +distinction. It is thus that we find, almost uniformly, that our first +men, either in government or the professions, are the sons of +comparatively poor and obscure persons. In places where the wealthier +portion of the community have placed their children in select schools, +they are found much less likely to excel, than when placed in contact +and collision with the mass, where they are compelled to come in +competition with those whose physical condition prepares them for mental +labor, and whose situation in society holds forth every inducement to +their exertions. To this system, which is co-eval with the foundation of +the State, I attribute, in a great degree, that wonderful energy of +character which distinguishes the people of New England, and which has +filled the world with the evidences of their enterprise." + +The preceding statements refer to New England, the oldest portion of the +free States. The more recently settled Northern and Western States are +necessarily less advanced, yet their educational statistics would +probably bear comparison with any country in the world, except the most +favored portion of their own. In the slave States the aspect of things +affords a striking contrast. Not only is the slave population, with but +few exceptions, in a condition of heathen barbarism, a condition which +it is the express object of those laws of the slave States, forbidding, +under the heaviest penalties, the instruction of the slaves, to +perpetuate; but the want of common elementary education among large +numbers of the privileged class is notorious. Compare Virginia with +Massachusetts,--"The American Almanac for the year 1841, states, (page +210) there are supposed to be hardly fewer than 30,000 adult white +persons in Virginia who cannot read and write!" An able writer gives the +following facts. + +"No one of the slave States has probably so much general education as +Virginia. It is the oldest of them--has furnished one half of the +Presidents of the United States--has expended more upon her University +than any State in the Union has done during the same time upon its +colleges--sent to Europe nearly twenty years since for her most learned +professors; and in fine, has far surpassed every other slave State in +her efforts to disseminate education among her citizens; and yet, the +Governor of Virginia in his message to the legislature, (Jan. 7, 1839) +says, that of four thousand six hundred and fourteen adult males in that +State, who applied to the county clerks for marriage licences in the +year 1837, one thousand and forty seven were unable to write their +names." The governor adds, "these statements, it will be remembered are +confined to one sex: the education of females, it is to be feared, is in +a condition of _much greater neglect_."--The editor of the Virginia +Times published at Wheeling, in his paper of January 23d, 1839, +says,--"We have every reason to suppose that one fourth of the people of +the State cannot write their names, and they have not of course any +other species of education."[A] + +[Footnote A: "American Slavery as it is," page 187.] + +The destitution of the means of moral and religious improvement is in +like manner very great. A recent number of the "Monthly Extracts from +the correspondence of the American Bible Society," contains the +following extract from the 28th annual report of the Virginia Bible +Society: "The sub-sheriff of one of our Western Counties stated the +following fact to your agent. A jury was to be empannelled in a remote +settlement of this country--he happened to have left his home without a +Bible--there was no Bible in the house where the jury was to sit, and +the sheriff travelled fourteen miles calling at every house, before he +found a Bible. Pious surveyors stated to your agent that they had +traversed every settlement in a remote section of one or two of our +south western counties, that they had frequently inquired among the +settlers for a Bible, but had never seen or heard of one in a region, +say sixty miles by fifty." + +There are few things more striking in the free States than the number +and commodiousness of the places of worship. In the New England States, +however general the attendance might be, none would be excluded for want +of room. The other means or accompaniments of religious instruction are +in the same abundance. How is it possible to evade the conclusion that +Christianity flourishes most, when it is unencumbered and uncorrupted by +state patronage? What favored portion of the United Kingdom could +compare its religious statistics with New England? + +Religion and morality, viewed on the broad scale, are cause and +effect--a remark which is fully borne out in the Northern States, and in +no instance more remarkably exemplified than in the spread of +temperance. A few years ago the consumption of ardent spirits, and other +intoxicating drinks, was as general as in England, and the effects even +more conspicuous and debasing. It is now very rare, in the free States, +to see a drunken person, even in the most populous cities. At the large +hotels, as far as my observation extended, it is the exception, not the +rule, to take any spirituous or fermented beverage at or after dinner; +and no case of inebriety came under my notice in any of these +establishments. I have already remarked, that some of the first hotels +in the principal cities are established on the strictest temperance +principles. I believe, in private hospitality, intoxicating drinks are, +in like manner, very much discarded. At the tables of members of the +Society of Friends, it is very rare to see either wine or malt liquor +introduced; while, as already noticed, the selling, using, or giving +ardent spirits is so great an offence as to be made the subject of +church discipline. This is, by no means, one of the "peculiarities" of +"Friends," as I believe it may be generally stated that the same +practices, in most other Christian communities, would be considered as +quite incompatible with a profession of religion. + +The effects of this great reformation are not confined to the United +States, although the change hitherto has been much more gradual in my +native country; not so, however, in Ireland, now, by a happy reverse, a +scene of light and promise, amidst surrounding gloom and depression. Of +the American facts I have to record, connected with the temperance +movement, the most grateful is the striking contrast that is exhibited +in the Irish emigrants. By the divine blessing on Theobald Mathew's +benevolent labors, they have generally forsaken their besetting sin of +drunkenness in their native land, and if compelled to seek the means of +subsistence in another country, they now at least do not carry with them +habits that tend irresistibly to destitution and degradation. The Irish +movement is likewise re-acting most beneficially on the native Irish, +who have long been settled in America, and who are joining the total +abstinence societies in great number, though hitherto the most +intemperate part of the community. + +In short, whether I consider the religious, the benevolent, or the +literary institutions of the Northern States--whether I contemplate the +beauty of their cities, or the general aspect of their fine country, in +which nature every where is seen rendering her rich and free tribute to +industry and skill--or whether I regard the general comfort and +prosperity of the laboring population,--my admiration is strongly +excited, and, to do justice to my feelings, must be strongly expressed. +Probably there is no country where the means of temporal happiness are +so generally diffused, notwithstanding the constant flow of emigrants +from the old world; and, I believe there is no country where the means +of religious and moral improvement are so abundantly provided--where +facilities of education are more within the reach of all--or where there +is less of extreme poverty and destitution. + +As morals have an intimate connection with politics, I do not think it +out of place here to record my conviction, that the great principle of +popular control, which is carried out almost to its full extent in the +free states, is not only beautiful in theory, but that it is found to +work well in practice. It is true that disgraceful scenes of mob +violence and lynch-law have occurred; but perhaps not more frequently +than popular outbreaks in Great Britain; while, generally, the supremacy +of law and order have been restored, without troops, or special +commissions, or capital punishments. It is also true, that these +occurrences are, for the most part, directly traceable, not to the +celebrated declaration of the equal and inalienable right of all men to +life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which is the fundamental +principle of the constitution; but to the flagrant violation of that +principle in the persons of the colored population, of whom those in +most of the free states are actually or virtually deprived of political +rights; and the rest, constituting a majority of the population in some +of the Southern States, are held in abject slavery. The corruptions and +disorders that obscure the bright example of the American people, and +detract from the estimation in which their institutions and policy would +otherwise be held, generally spring from this source. So long as slavery +and distinction of color exist, America will always be pointed at with +the finger of scorn, for her flagrant violation of all truth and +consistency. But let us not forget that this odious institution is the +disgraceful legacy of a monarchy--that it is no necessary effect of +republican institutions, but the reverse. Our quarrel, therefore, is not +with the declaration of rights, but that this celebrated declaration +should be regarded, in the instance of one class in the community, as a +mere rhetorical flourish, and should thus be deprived of its legitimate +practical effect. + +The great feature of the political arrangements of the free States is, +the absence of the aristocratic element. A pure despotism in the hands +of one man has seldom been seen, except in the instances of those +renowned military chiefs, whom a retributive Providence has at intervals +employed as the scourge of guilty nations. An aristocracy under various +forms and names, has usually been the governing power, and as the too +frequent result, laws have been made and administered for the benefit of +the few, and not for the many. Yet the United States of North America +exhibit, however, notwithstanding their political theory to the +contrary, an aristocracy of the worst kind, _an aristocracy of color_; +in the free States of the many against the few, in affirming these to be +a degraded race, as long as African blood runs in their veins; and in +the slave States, for a no better reason, reducing them even when they +are the majority; to the condition of brute beasts, to be held and sold +as goods and chattels. And this leads me to observe that the writer who +mistakes the general government of the confederacy, with its limited +scope and powers, for the chief source of laws and administration in the +separate States will unavoidably present a confused and distorted +representation of existing facts. Each State constitutes within itself a +distinct republic, virtually independent of the general government, so +long as its legislation does not conflict with the specific articles of +the constitutional compact; all the rights and powers of sovereignty, +not specifically delegated to the Government in that instrument, being +retained by the States. Hence nothing can present a wider contrast than +the slavery-blackened code of South Carolina, and the statutes of +Massachusetts, characterized by republican simplicity and equality. + +The preceding observations in favor of the democratic institutions of +the northern States, are therefore to be understood as of local +application; and I would explicitly admit that a well-ordered and a +well-working government on such principles must in a great measure +depend upon the amount of virtue and intelligence in the community: but +while a government which is based upon the principles of impartial +justice requires a virtuous people properly to administer it, it has, I +believe, within itself one of the most powerful elements for the +formation of such a community. + +On the subject of peace my inquiries elicited an almost uniformly +favorable response. If we except those who would encourage the war +spirit, from hopes of sharing in the plunder, or those to whom it would +open up the path to distinction and emolument, there are comparatively +few who do not desire the maintenance of peace. In the religious part of +the community, there is a rapidly spreading conviction of the +unchristian character of war, in every shape; and the President, in his +late message to Congress, in stating that "the time ought to be regarded +as having gone by when a resort to arms is to be esteemed as the only +proper arbiter of national differences", has expressed the sentiments of +the great bulk of the intelligent citizens of the United States. I +believe also that the majority would be found willing to assent to any +reasonable and practical measure that should preclude the probability of +an appeal to arms, or of keeping up what are absurdly called "peace +establishments" of standing armies and appointed fleets for the +protection of national safety or honor. The late excitements on the +Boundary and McLeod questions were confined to comparatively few of the +population, and the report of them was magnified by distance. + +But a far stronger guaranty for the permanence of international peace +than any treaties, will be found in the interchange of mutual benefits +by commerce. For this reason he who is successful in promoting a free +and unchecked commerce, is the benefactor, not of his own country alone, +but of the world at large. There are few countries where in practice +free trade is more fully carried out than in the United States, but in +theory the true doctrine of this subject is only in part adopted by her +statesmen and leading minds. They are willing to trade on equal terms, +but will meet prohibition with prohibition. Here undoubtedly they +mistake their real interests, but though such a policy will not advance +the prosperity of America, it will inflict tremendous and lasting injury +on Great Britain. Whatever the event, _we_ cannot complain. The terms +offered by the United States, though not wise, on an enlarged view of +her own interests, are yet _reciprocal_, and therefore fair between +nation and nation. If, however, I possessed any influence with the +enlightened citizens of North America, I should be in no common degree +anxious to exert it against those false views of trade and commerce +which distort alike the maxims and the policy of her rulers. Their +manufactures flourish, not in consequence of protection, but in defiance +of it. With such an extended coast, and such facilities of internal +communication, prohibition is impossible. The manufactures of England +are excluded, not by the revenue laws of the States, but by the corn +laws of Great Britain, which forbid the British manufacturer to take in +exchange the only article of value his American customer has to spare; a +prohibition which, unhappily for the people of this country, our +government has power to enforce. The prohibitory system is, to a great +extent, impracticable in the United States; and just so far as it should +be found practicable, it would prove injurious, by creating fictitious +and dependent interests, which, in the course of time, would become +insupportably burdensome to the commonwealth, and eventually would have +to be relinquished at the cost of a fearful amount of individual +distress and national suffering. Legitimate commerce is that department +of the national welfare, in which it is the business of statesmanship to +do nothing but remove the impediments of its own creating in past times. +In all other respects, commercial legislation is a nuisance; and if +under some circumstances trade is found to flourish concurrently with +such interference, the fact is due either to the restrictions and +regulations being practically inoperative, or more frequently, to the +high profits arising from unexhausted resources, in the absence of +competition, enabling commerce to advance in spite of impediments; in +the same way as cultivation by slave labor, notwithstanding its +expensiveness and inordinate waste, enables the first planter on a +virgin soil, and with an open market for his produce, to roll in his +carriage, though beggary is to be the fate of the second or third +generation of his descendants. + +In giving the preceding representation of the religious, the moral, and +the intellectual elevation of the population of the Northern States of +the Union, I have indicated the source we must look to for the abolition +of slavery, to which it is now time to turn our attention, for no +American question can be discussed, into which this important subject +does not largely enter. + +Light and darkness, truth and falsehood, are not more in opposition than +Christianity and slavery. If the religion that is professed in the free +States be not wholly a dead letter,--if the moral and intellectual light +which they appear to enjoy be indeed light, and not darkness,--then the +abolition of slavery is certain, and cannot be long delayed. In order to +make this apparent, as well as to vindicate my own proceedings in the +United States, it is incumbent on me to show, that the great contest, +for the abolition of American slavery, is to be decided in the _free_ +States, by the power of public opinion. I have distinctly admitted, that +the confederated republics have each their independent sovereignty. +Neither the free States, nor the general Government, can perhaps +constitutionally abolish slavery in any one of the existing slave +States. Yet there are certain objects clearly within the limits of the +constitutional power of the general Government, such as the suppression +of the internal slave-trade, and the abolition of slavery in the +district of Columbia, for which it is undeniably lawful and +constitutional for every American citizen to strive; and the attainment +of which would suffice to cripple, and ultimately destroy slavery in +every part of the Union. The slave-holding power is so sensible of this, +that all its united strength is employed to retain that control over the +general Government, which it has exercised from the date of the +independence, and never more despotically than at the present time. +Amidst the difficulties which beset, and the dangers which threatened +the country, at the period of the formation of the constitution, the +southern States dictated such a compromise as they thought fit; and, +with the great principles of liberty paraded on the face of the +declaration of independence, came into the Union on the express +understanding that those principles should be perpetually violated in +their favor. Of the details of this compromise, by far the most +important, and one which has mainly contributed to consolidate the +political supremacy of the south, is the investiture of the slave +masters with political rights, in proportion to the amount of their +slave property. Every five slaves confer three votes on their owner; +though, in other points of view, a slave is a mere chattel--an article +of property and merchandize,--yet, in this instance, and in _criminal +proceedings against him_, his _personality_ is recognized, for the +express object of adding to the weight of his chains, and increasing the +power of his oppressor. + +The North, in voting away the rights and freedom of the laboring +population of the South, surrendered its own liberty. The haughty +slave-holding masters of the great confederacy have from the beginning +chosen the Presidents, and the high officers of state, and have +controlled the policy of the Government, from a question of peace or +war, to the establishment of a tariff or a bank. In the executive +department they have dictated all appointments, from a letter-carrier to +an ambassador; an amusing illustration of which I find in my recent +correspondence. A late member of the Massachusetts legislature, writes +on the Eighth Month (August) 26, 1841: + + + "One instance of the all-pervading _espionage_ of the slave + power I may mention. The newly appointed postmaster of + Philadelphia employed, among his numerous clerks and + letter-carriers, Joshua Coffin, who, some three years ago, aided + in restoring to liberty a free colored citizen of New York, who + had been kidnapped and sold into slavery. The appointment of the + postmaster not being confirmed, he wrote to his friends in + Congress to inquire the reason, and was told that the delay was + occasioned by the fact that he had employed Coffin as one of his + letter-carriers! Coffin was immediately dismissed, and the + senate in a few days confirmed the appointment! Is not this a + pitiful business?" + + +If the reader, who wishes further information, will consult William +Jay's work, entitled "A View of the Action of the Federal Government in +behalf of Slavery," he will find ample historical proof that the +internal and external administration of the Union--legislative, +executive, and diplomatic--has been employed, without any deviation from +consistency, to subserve the interests of the slave-holding States. Yet +these States are, in population, numerically weaker than those of the +North, and inferior, to a far greater degree, in wealth, intelligence, +and the other elements of political power. They are strong only in the +compactness of their union, while the citizens of the free States are +divided in interest and opinion. Here, then, is presented a distinct and +legitimate object for those of the abolitionists who regard their +political rights as a trust for the benefit of the oppressed and +helpless, to combine the scattered and divided power of the North into a +united phalanx, which shall wrest the administration of the Federal +Union from the slave-holding interest, and shall purify the general +Government from the contamination of slavery, by reversing its general +policy on that subject, and by the adoption of the specific measures +before mentioned; while, in the States in which they respectively +reside, the abolitionists feel it to be their duty to exert themselves, +to wipe away from the statute book every vestige of that barbarism which +makes political, civil, or religious rights depend upon the color of the +skin. + +Yet more important is it, however, to bring the moral force of the North +to bear against slavery, by reforming the prevailing public sentiment of +the religious, moral, and intelligent portion of the community. Here +again, one of the most sagacious leaders of the pro-slavery party, J.C. +Calhoun, has descried the danger from afar, and has publicly proclaimed +it in the senate of the United States, by vehemently deprecating the +anti-slavery proceedings, not as intended to provoke the slaves to a +servile war, but as a crusade against the _character_ of the +slave-holders. + +Although the different States are distinct governments, their +geographical boundaries are mere lines upon the map; their inhabitants +speak the same language, and enjoy a communion of citizenship all over +the Union. The North Eastern States have by far the greater part of the +whole commerce of the Union, and are the medium through which the +planter exchanges his cotton for provisions and clothing for his slaves, +implements for his agriculture, and his own family supplies. These +commercial ties create a direct and extensive pro-slavery interest in +the North. Again, the planter is yet more dependent on the North for +education for his children, and for the gratification of his own +intellectual wants, as the slave-holding region has few colleges, and +those of secondary reputation; while I believe it has no periodical of +higher pretension than the political newspapers. The pro-slavery +re-action in this way, on the seminaries of the North, and on the +literature of the United States, is most sensibly felt. + +Another powerful cause that contributes to leaven the entire population +into one mind on the subject of slavery, is the double migration that +annually takes place of people of the Southern States to the North, in +summer, and of the inhabitants of the free States to the South in +winter. Hence follow family alliances, the interchange of hospitalities, +and a fusion of sentiments, so that the slavery interest spreads its +countless ramifications through every corner of the free north. + +Another cause, and perhaps the most powerful of all, is the community of +religious fellowship in leading denominations. The Episcopalians, the +Methodists, the Baptists, and the Presbyterians of two schools, are +severally but one body, all over the Union, and as a matter of course, +all are tainted with slavery, and for consistency's sake, make common +cause against abolition. The pamphlet of James G. Birney, entitled "The +American Churches the Bulwarks of American Slavery,"[A] offers the +amplest proof that the Methodist Episcopal, the Baptist, the +Presbyterian, and the Anglican Episcopal Churches are committed, both in +the persons of their eminent ministers, and by resolutions passed in a +church capacity, to the monstrous assertion that slavery, so far from +being a moral evil, which it is the duty of the church to seek to +remove, is a Christian institution resting on a scriptural basis; this +assertion is repeated in the numerous quotations of the pamphlet, in a +variety and force of expression that show the utterers were resolved not +to leave their meaning in the smallest doubt. Indeed, it might be +supposed, from the perusal of this pamphlet, that the suppression of +abolitionism, if not the maintenance of slavery, was one of the first +duties of the Christian churches in America. + +[Footnote A: Published by Ward & Co., Paternoster-row, London.] + +The following extracts are offered in illustration:-- + + + THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.--"Resolved, That it is the sense + of the Georgia Annual Conference, that slavery, as it exists in + the United States, _is not a moral evil_." + + "The Rev. Wilbur Fisk, D.D., late President of the (Methodist) + Wesleyan University in Connecticut--'The New Testament enjoins + obedience upon the slave as an obligation _due_ to a present + _rightful_ authority.'" + + "Rev. E.D. Simms, Professor in Randolph Macon College, a + Methodist Institution--'Thus we see, that the slavery which + exists in America, _was founded in right_.'" + + "The Rev. William Winans, of Mississippi, in the General + Conference, in 1836--'Yes, sir, Presbyterians, Baptists, + Methodists, should be slaveholders,--yes, he repeated it + boldly--there should be members, and _deacons_, and ELDERS and + BISHOPS, too, who were slave-holders.'" + + "The Rev. J.H. Thornwell, at a public meeting, held in South + Carolina, supported the following resolution--'That slavery, as + it exists in the South, is no evil, and is consistent with the + principles of revealed religion; and that all opposition to it + arises from a misguided and fiendish fanaticism, which we are + bound to resist in the very threshold.'" + + "Rev. Mr. Crowder, of Virginia, at the Annual Conference in + Baltimore, 1840--'In its _moral_ aspect, slavery was not only + countenanced, permitted, and regulated by the Bible, but it was + positively _instituted_ by GOD HIMSELF--he had, in so many + words, ENJOINED IT.'" + + +THE BAPTIST CHURCH--"Memorial of the Charleston Baptist Association, to +the Legislature of South Carolina: + + + "'_The right of masters to dispose of the time of their slaves + has been distinctly recognized by the Creator of all things_, + who is surely at liberty to vest the right of property over any + object in whomsoever he pleases.'" + + "Rev. R. Furman, D.D., of South Carolina--'The right of holding + slaves is clearly established in the Holy Scriptures, both by + precept and example.'" + + "The late Rev. Lucius Bolles, D.D., of Massachusetts, Cor. Sec. + Am. Bap. Board for Foreign Missions, (1834.)--'There is a + pleasing degree of union among the multiplying thousands of + Baptists throughout the land.... Our Southern brethren are + generally, both ministers and people, slave-holders.'" + + +PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.--"Resolution of Charleston Union Presbytery--'That, +in the opinion of this Presbytery, the holding of slaves, so far from +being a SIN in the sight of God, is no where condemned in his holy +word.'" + +"Rev. Thomas S. Witherspoon, of Alabama, writing to the Editor of the +_Emancipator_, says--'I draw my warrant from the Scriptures of the Old +and New Testament, to hold the slave in bondage. The principle of +holding the heathen in bondage is recognized by God.... When the tardy +process of the law is too long in redressing our grievances, we of the +South have adopted the summary remedy of Judge Lynch--and really, I +think it one of the most wholesome and salutary remedies for the malady +of Northern fanaticism, that can be applied.'" + +"Rev. Robert N. Anderson, of Virginia--'Now _dear Christian brethren_, I +humbly express it as my earnest wish, that you _quit yourselves like +men_. If there be any stray goat of a minister among you, tainted with +the bloodhound principles of abolitionism, let him be ferreted out, +silenced, excommunicated, and left to the _public to dispose of him in +other respects_.'" + +THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.--"John Jay, himself an +Episcopalian--'She has not merely remained a mute and careless spectator +of this great conflict of truth and justice with hypocrisy and cruelty, +but her very _priests and deacons may be seen ministering at the altar +of slavery_, offering their talents and influence at its unholy shrine, +and openly repeating the awful blasphemy, _that the precepts of our +Savior sanction the system of American slavery_.'" + +In page 25 is the following:-- + + + "The Rev. James Smylie, A.M., of the Amite Presbytery, + Mississippi, in a pamphlet, published by him a short time ago, + _in favor_ of American slavery, says:--'If slavery be a sin, and + advertising and apprehending slaves, with a view to restore them + to their masters, is a direct violation of the Divine law; and + if _the buying, selling, or holding a slave, for the sake of + gain_, is a heinous sin and scandal; then, verily, + _three-fourths of all the Episcopalians, Methodists, Baptists_, + and _Presbyterians_, in _eleven States of the Union_, are of the + devil. They 'hold,' if they do not buy and sell slaves, and, + _with few exceptions_, they hesitate not to 'apprehend and + restore' runaway slaves, when in their power.'" + + +Yet, in the face of evidence so overwhelming as this, showing how the +whole moral atmosphere of the Northern States is tainted with +pro-slavery corruption, the abolitionists are frequently taunted with +the question, what has the North to do with slavery? It is, however, a +part of their vocation to bear contempt and reproach. They know they are +at the right end of the lever, though at some apparent distance from the +object to be moved. _Their mission is to correct public opinion in the +free States_. Let us suppose, for a moment, this object attained--the +whole slave-holding portion of the churches cut off, as a diseased and +corrupt excrescence; the national literature purified, and the entire +community pervaded by sound Christian feeling--a feeling which should +abhor all participation, in word or deed, with the guilt of slavery; and +how could the South maintain, for a single day, the perpetual warfare, +which would be thus waged against her from without, and seconded by +alarmed consciences in her own citadel? + +The rise of the present abolition movement dates from the year 1832, +when a few persons met at Philadelphia, and adopted and signed a +declaration of their sentiments. He, however, who would trace +anti-slavery sentiments to their source, must go back to the first era +of Christianity, and to the authoritative promulgation of the Divine law +of love by the lips of the Savior of mankind himself. In the darkest +times, since that period, the true doctrine of the unlawfulness of +slavery has never been wholly lost, being in fact a part of the +imperishable substance of vital Christianity. + +From 1832 until the division referred to in an early portion of this +work, the anti-slavery societies multiplied with extraordinary rapidity. +The following account of the present state of the cause is furnished by +my friend, John G. Whittier. + + + "He who, at the present time, judges of the progress of the + anti-slavery cause in the United States, by statistics of the + formation of new societies, or the activity and efficiency of + the old, will obtain no adequate idea of the truth. The + unfortunate divisions among the American abolitionists, and, the + difficulty of uniting, for any continuous effort, those who + differ widely as to the proper means to be used, and measures to + be pursued, have, in a great measure, changed the direction and + manifestation of anti-slavery feeling and action. Thus, while + public opinion, in all the free States, is manifestly + approximating to abolition, and new converts to its principles + are daily avowing themselves, it is exceedingly rare to hear of + the formation of a new anti-slavery society, and there are few + accessions to those which are already in existence. Yet the + fresh recipients of the truths of anti-slavery doctrine find + abundant work for their hands to do, even without the pale of + organized societies, in purifying the churches with which they + are connected, and in counteracting the pro-slavery politics of + the country. + + "The two great political parties in the United States, radically + disagreeing in almost all other points, are of one heart and + mind, in opposing emancipation; not, I suppose, from any real + affinity to, or love for the 'peculiar institution,' but for the + purpose of securing the votes of the slave-holders, who, more + consistent than the Northern abolitionists, refuse to support + any man for office, who is not willing to do homage to slavery. + The competition between these two parties for Southern favor is + one of the most painful and disgusting spectacles which presents + itself to the view of a stranger in the United States. To every + well wisher of America it must be a matter of interest and + satisfaction to know, that there is a growing determination in + the free States to meet the combination of slave-holders in + behalf of slavery, by one of freemen in behalf of liberty; and + thus compel the party politicians, on the ground of expediency, + if not of principle, to break from the thraldom of the slave + power, and array themselves on the side of freedom. + + "It is an undoubted fact, that, at the present time, the various + denominations of professing Christians in the United States are + more deeply agitated by this question than at any former period. + The publication of such books as Weld's 'Slavery as it is,' has + unveiled the monstrous features of slavery to the Christian + public in the Northern States. The blasphemous attempts of + Southern professors and ministers, to defend their abominable + practices upon Christian grounds, have powerfully re-acted + against them at the North; and church after church, especially + in New England, is taking the high stand of the late General + Convention in London, in withholding its fellowship from + slave-holders, and closing its pulpit against their preachers. + + "Recent movements in the slave States themselves encourage the + friends of freedom. In Kentucky, at the late election for state + officers, one of the candidates, Cassius M. Clay, nephew of + Henry Clay, avowed his opposition to pro-slavery principles in + the strongest terms, and staked his election upon this avowal. + He was warmly supported, and his opponent only succeeded by a + small majority. Tennessee, in her mountain region, has many + decided, uncompromising abolitionists, whose encouraging letters + and statements have been published within the last year, in the + Northern anti-slavery papers. The excellent work of Joseph John + Gurney, on the West Indies, and Dr. Channing's late pamphlet, + entitled "Emancipation," have been very widely circulated in + many of the slave States; and, so far as can be ascertained, + have been read with interest by the planters. The movements of + English and French abolitionists have attracted general + attention, and, in the Southern States, have awakened no small + degree of solicitude. + + "That baleful American peculiarity, prejudice against color, is + evidently diminishing, under the influence of anti-slavery + principles and practice; and the laws which have oppressed the + free colored citizen are rapidly yielding to the persevering + action of the abolitionists. Dr. Channing has not over-stated + the fact, that the provision in the Federal Constitution, + relative to the reclaiming of fugitive slaves, has been silently + but effectually repealed by the force of public opinion, and the + interposition of jury trial, in many of the free States. In + Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, and New York, with the exception + of its slavery-ridden commercial emporium, the recovery of a + slave by legalized kidnappers is entirely out of the question. + In any one of these States, it would, to use the language of a + New York mechanic, be exceedingly difficult to prove, to the + satisfaction of a jury of honest freemen, that a man had been + born 'contrary to the Declaration of Independence.' The + frontiers of slavery are every where very much exposed, and all + along the line of Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, Virginia, and + Missouri, the tide of self-emancipated men and women is pouring + in upon the free States. I cannot give a better idea of the + extent of this peculiar emigration, than by copying extracts + from the _Centreville Times_, a paper published in Maryland:-- + + + "'_Free Negroes and Slaves_.--When it is too late, the + people of Maryland will begin to look for the means of + protection in their slave property. We still say slave + property; although, notwithstanding slaves are + recognized as property by the constitution, without + which recognition this confederation never would have + been formed: yet such has been the effect of fanaticism + and emancipation, of the intermeddling machinations of + abolitionists, and the mischievous agency of free + negroes--that _the very owners of this species of + property seem to begin to doubt whether slaves are + property or not_; and so much has its value become + impaired, in the possession of those who reside + contiguous to the non-slaveholding States, that the + question has been raised, whether they are, in fact, + worth keeping. Either discipline must be so much + relaxed, as that the labor of the slave will scarcely + pay for his support; or, if forced to labor no more than + is even necessary to health and contentment, they + abscond, and passing over the lines into a + non-slaveholding State, are there concealed and + protected. The number and the success of elopements + leave no doubt of the establishment of a regular chain + of posts, accessary to, and of systematic plans, + deliberately organized, for their seduction and + concealment. In these escapes, the free negroes are, for + the most part, undoubtedly instrumental, as they are to + most of the robberies committed by slaves. While at + Easton, two weeks since, the slaves of two gentlemen + made their escape, being each, if not recovered, a loss + of one thousand dollars; and the firm persuasion was, + that, in both cases, the runaways were furnished with + passes by a free negro barber. Even if apprehended, + these gentlemen will have been put to an expense of not + less than three hundred dollars, and this without the + slightest pretext of ill usage or unkindness. + + "'The usual process is, when the owner is supposed to + have despaired of his recovery, for some abolition or + free negro lawyer to open a correspondence with the + owner, representing the runaway to be in Canada, or + otherwise beyond apprehension--coolly adding, with a + highwayman's impudence, "take that or nothing;" and the + owner has to put up with a total loss, or compromise for + a third of the value of his property--the result in + either case, proving an incentive to others to be off in + like manner"' + + + * * * * * + + + "'There is not an interest that is not impaired, by the + proximity of the free States, and the protection there + afforded to slaves, and by the presence and + intercommunion of the free with the slave negro. Even + the value of land is diminished by it. Maryland suffers + the disadvantages, without the advantages of a slave + State. The disadvantage consists in the reputation, (the + odium, north of the Delaware,) of being a slave State. + _The capitalists of the North refuse, on that account, + to invest in Maryland lands, though they could buy land + in Maryland for twenty dollars an acre, which is + intrinsically worth more than theirs, which they could + sell for an hundred._ Our condition is, in fact, that of + neither the one or the other; and, unless something can + be done to counteract the progress of fanaticism on this + subject, and that abuse of strength and heedless + injustice which always follows irresponsible power, + _slavery in Maryland must cease, either by sale, while + that right remains to the slave-holder, or ere long, by + forced emancipation_. + + "'Virginia--once proud and independent Virginia, already + half captive to the North--will soon take her place as + the frontier slave State;--Maryland, with her Southern + principles, eaten out by Northern men, will then assume + to her the relation that Pennsylvania now bears to + Maryland;--nay, it is but too obvious that, as things + are now working, in process of time, and that not + slowly, _slavery must cease to exist in all the + provision-growing States_,--its northernmost line will + be the line of the sugar, the rice, and the cotton + culture,--the climate alone affording to the + slave-holder that shelter which justice could not offer + from the rapacity of his pursuers. Will the Southern + still accept the shadow without the substance of equal + and confederate powers? Be his relation, then, what it + may--independent, confederate, or colonial--for one, we + say, let it be defined. To the misery of the slave, let + him not add the meanness of the dupe. Let him remember, + that time and corruption have often achieved what would + have defied the power of the sword;--in a word, let the + slave-holder think, while yet, if yet, he has power to + act.'" + + + +I have now concluded an imperfect attempt to delineate the present state +of the anti-slavery cause, on the North American continent, with +incidental notices of the past history of the efforts of its friends. In +regard to the future, my hopes are built on the continuance of these +efforts, and on the concurrent aid afforded by the march of events, both +in the United States and in the world at large, under the manifestly +over-ruling power of that gracious Being, who sometimes employs human +instrumentality to accomplish His purposes of mercy; but who works also +Himself, by His immutable laws, and by the dispensations of His +providence. + +THE END. + + +APPENDIX. + + +APPENDIX A. P. 30. + + +ANTI-SLAVERY EPISTLE OF "FRIENDS" IN GREAT BRITAIN. + + + + "From our Yearly Meeting held in London, by adjournment from the + 20th of the 5th Month to the 29th of the same inclusive, 1840. + + "_To the Yearly Meetings of Friends on the Continent of North + America_. + + "DEAR FRIENDS,--We think it a favor to us, and we accept it as + an evidence that our Lord is mindful of us, that from one time + to another, when thus assembled for mutual edification, and the + renewing of our spiritual strength, we are in any small measure + brought afresh to the enjoyment of that love which flows from + God to man, through Jesus Christ our Savior; and under its + blessed influence quickened to exercise of mind, not only for + the health and prosperity of all those professing the same faith + with ourselves, but for the coming of the kingdom of God upon + earth, and the universal prevalence of righteousness and truth + among men. This love has often brought us in Christian + compassion and tenderness of spirit, deeply to feel for that + portion of the great family of man subjected to the degradation + and cruelty of slavery. + + "We do not cease to rejoice with reverent thanksgiving to + Almighty God, for the termination of this system of iniquity in + the British Colonies. It was an act of justice on the part of + our Legislature, and it has removed an enormous load of guilt + from our beloved country; but in our rejoicing, we cannot, nor + would we wish, to forget the hundreds of thousands of our + brethren and sisters on the continent of America, and elsewhere, + still detained in this abject condition, and liable to all the + misery and oppression which it entails upon its victims. + + "We have a strong conviction of the guilt and sinfulness of + slavery, and its pernicious effects upon both the oppressed and + the oppressor. That man should claim a right of property in the + person of his fellow--that man should buy and sell his + brother--that civil governments in their legislative enactments, + should so far forget that 'God who giveth to all, life, and + breath, and all things, and hath made of one blood all nations + of men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth,' as to treat + those who differ from them in the color of their skin, or any + other external peculiarity, as beasts that perish, as chattels + and articles of merchandise,--is in such direct violation of the + whole moral law, and of the righteousness of the New Testament, + and that in a day in which the principles of civil and religious + liberty are so fully acknowledged in many of the nations of + Christendom, may well excite both indignation and sorrow. And we + cannot but regard it as such proof of hardness of heart, and + perverted understanding, that we think it can be attributed to + nothing short of the deceivableness of Satan working upon the + fallen nature of man. + + "It was, dear friends, in the gradual unfolding of that light in + which the things that are reproved are made manifest, that your + forefathers and ours, were brought to see the criminality of + slavery. Thus enlightened, they could find no peace with God, + until they had put away this evil of their doings from before + his eyes--until by a conscientious discharge of their individual + religious duty, they had restored those whom they held in + bondage, to the full enjoyment of unqualified freedom. Under the + influence of Divine wisdom, and by this faithfulness on the part + of upright Friends, our religious society were brought to a + united and settled judgment as a body, that personal slavery, + both in its origin and its results, was so great an evil, that + it could be tolerated by no mitigation of its hardship; and they + felt the demands of equity to be so urgent upon them, that they + were concerned to enjoin it upon Friends every where, by a ready + compliance with such reasonable duty, to cease to do evil, by + immediately releasing those they held as slaves. Their own hands + being cleansed from this pollution, they felt it to be laid upon + them, plainly and faithfully, to labor with their countrymen to + bring them to a full understanding of the requiring of the + Divine law, and to press it upon them to act up to its + commandments. In the love of God, they were bold, both in your + country and in ours, to plead the cause of the oppressed with + those in power. We believe, and we would wish to speak of it + with modesty and humility, that their faithfulness, in + connection with the exertions of humane and devoted men of other + Christian communities, were instrumental to bring about the + abolition of the slave trade, as well as the extinction of + slavery. + + "We are reverently impressed with a sense of the prerogatives of + the Great Head of the Church, to dispose of his servants, and to + employ their time, and every talent which he has intrusted them, + in such a way and manner as may consist with the purposes of his + wisdom and love. It is the concern of this Meeting, that all our + dear friends may carefully seek each to know his Lord's will, + and to ascertain his individual path of duty; at the same time + we desire to encourage one another to simple obedience to that + which in the true light may be made manifest to them; and each + to an unflinching and uncompromising avowal of his allegiance to + his Lord in all things. + + "We observe with satisfaction and comfort, in the epistles from + your Yearly Meetings, which have been read in this Meeting, that + there is a very general acknowledgment of concern on this + important subject. It has often been a prominent feature in the + brotherly correspondence which subsists between us. The + expression of your encouragement in times past, has been helpful + to us, and in the trials and difficulties you have had to + endure, our hearts have been brought into fellow feeling with + you. In this work of justice and love, we have long labored + together. It has helped to strengthen the bond of our union; and + in the fresh sense of this Christian fellowship, as it is now + renewed amongst us, we offer you, beloved friends, the warm + expression of our sympathy, and our strong desire for your help + and encouragement. So far removed as we are from the scene of + slavery, we are aware that we can but imperfectly appreciate + either the sufferings of the slave, or the trials of those who + live in the midst of such oppression; nor do we believe that we + can fully appreciate either the labors of faithful Friends in + your land, or the obstacles and discouragements which have been + thrown in their way. + + "The brief review we have taken of the history of our Society, + in reference to this deeply interesting subject, and the feeling + which prevails with us, under a sense of the enormity of the + evil, urges us, and we desire that it may have the same effect + upon you, still to persevere; and in every way that may be + pointed out to us of the Lord, that we may continue to expose + the evil of this unjust interference with the natural and social + rights of man. Time is short, the day is spending fast with + every one of us, and we had need to use diligence in the work of + our day. We know the high authority under which we are commanded + to 'love our neighbor as ourselves.' It is our desire on our own + account, and in this exercise of mind we believe, dear friends, + that you are one with us, that in our efforts to discharge the + duties laid upon us, we may watch against a hopeless and + distrustful spirit in times of discouragement. And O that in his + great mercy and love towards his poor afflicted and helpless + children, it might please Him to hasten the coming of that day, + even to this generation of the enslaved in your land, in which + every yoke shall be broken and the oppressed go free. + + "If, in this righteous cause, we move in the leading of our + Lord, we may humbly trust that he, with whom there is no respect + of persons, who careth for the sparrows and feedeth the ravens, + will grant to his dependent ones the help and support of his + Holy Spirit, and enable them, in the face of every opposition, + to do that which is made known to them as his will. + + "With the enlarged views entertained by Friends of the mercy and + love of our heavenly Father towards his children of every nation + and tongue all the world over, we desire to press it upon you + still to labor for the removal of all those unjust laws and + limitations of right and privilege consequent upon the + unwarrantable distinction of color--a distinction which has + brought so much suffering upon those settled in different parts + of the Union, and which we think must conduce to the + strengthening of the prejudices of former years, and to retard + the work of emancipation. + + "It is affecting to us to think with what astonishing rapidity + slavery is extending itself upon the Continent of North America, + and how from year to year the slave population is increasing + among you. Our spirits are oppressed with a sense of the + magnitude of the evil; we tremble at the awful consequence + which, in the justice and wisdom of Almighty God, may ensue to + those who persist in the upholding of it. We commend the whole + subject to your most serious attention, and desiring that divine + wisdom may be near to help in your deliberations upon it, + + "We bid you, affectionately, farewell. + + "Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by + + + "GEORGE STACEY, + + + "_Clerk to the Meeting this year_." + + + +APPENDIX B. P. 30. + + +EARLY EFFORTS OF "FRIENDS" IN BEHALF OF NEGRO SLAVES. + + +The following extract from Clarkson's "Memoirs of the Public and Private +Life of William Penn," will show how the society of Friends, at a very +early period, became unwarily entangled with the practice of slave +holding; and also that the unchristian nature of it was immediately +perceived by the more spiritual minded among them. It will serve also to +prove that the testimony of Friends against slavery is no novelty, but +is coeval with its rise as a distinct religious body. The measures +proposed by William Penn on this subject, are an honorable testimony to +the comprehensive benevolence of that truly great and magnanimous +legislator, yet they fell short of the exigencies of the case, and of +what Christian people required; consequently what good they directly +effected was local and temporary. Viewed as the germ of subsequent +anti-slavery enterprises of the last century, in Europe and America, +their interest and importance cannot be too highly estimated. + + + "I must observe, that soon after the colony (Pennsylvania) had + been planted, that is, in the year 1682, when William Penn was + first resident in it, some few Africans had been imported, but + that more had followed. At this time the traffic in slaves was + not branded with infamy, as at the present day. It was + considered, on the other hand, as favorable to both parties: to + the American planters, because they had but few laborers, in + comparison with the extent of their lands; and to the poor + Africans themselves, because they were looked upon as persons + redeemed out of superstition, idolatry, and heathenism. But + though the purchase and sale of them had been admitted with less + caution upon this principle, there were not wanting among the + Quakers of Pennsylvania those who, soon after the introduction + of them there, began to question the moral licitness of the + traffic. Accordingly, at the Yearly Meeting for Pennsylvania, + held in 1688, it had been resolved, on the suggestion of + emigrants from Crisheim, who had adopted the principles of + William Penn, that the buying, selling, and holding men in + slavery, was inconsistent with the tenets of the Christian + religion. In 1696, a similar resolution had been passed at the + Yearly Meeting of the same religious society for the same + province. In consequence, then, of these noble resolutions, the + Quakers had begun to treat their slaves in a different manner + from that of other people. They had begun to consider them as + children of the same great Parent, to whom fraternal offices + were due; and hence, in 1698, there were instances where they + had admitted them into their meeting houses to worship in common + with themselves.[A] + + [Footnote A: "I cannot help copying into a note an anecdote from + Thomas Story's Journal for this year (1698). 'On the 13th,' says + he, 'we had a pretty large meeting, where several were tendered, + among whom were some negroes. And here I shall observe, that + Thomas Simons having several negroes, one of them, as also + several belonging to Henry White, had of late come to meetings, + and having a sense of truth, several others thereway were + likewise convinced, and like to do well. And the morning that we + came from Thomas Simons's, my companion speaking some words of + truth to his negro woman, she was tendered; and as I passed on + horseback by the place where she stood weeping, I gave her my + hand, and then she was much more broken: and finding the day of + the Lord's tender visitation and mercy upon her, I spake + encouragingly to her, and was glad to find the poor blacks so + near the truth and reachable.' She stood there, looking after us + and weeping, as long as we could see her. I had inquired of one + of the black men how long they had come to meetings, and he said + 'they had always been kept in ignorance, and disregarded as + persons who were not to expect any thing from the Lord, till + Jonathan Taylor, who had been there the year before, discoursing + with them, had informed them that the grace of God, through + Christ, was given also to them; and that they ought to believe + in and be led and taught by it, and so might come to be good + Friends, and saved as well as others. And on the next occasion, + which was when William Ellis and Aaron Atkinson were there, they + went to meetings, and several of them were convinced.' Thus one + planteth and another watereth, but God giveth the increase."] + + "William Penn was highly gratified by the consideration of what + has been done on this important subject. From the very first + introduction of enslaved Africans into this province, he had + been solicitous about their temporal and eternal welfare. He had + always considered them as persons of the like nature with + himself; as having the same desire of pleasure and the same + aversion from pain; as children of the same Father, and heirs of + the same promises. Knowing how naturally the human heart became + corrupted and hardened by the use of power, he was fearful lest, + in time, these friendless strangers should become an oppressed + people. Accordingly, as his predecessor, George Fox, when he + first visited the British West Indies, exhorted all those who + attended his meetings for worship there, to consider their + slaves as branches of their own families, for whose spiritual + instruction they would one day or other be required to give an + account, so William Penn had, on his first arrival in America, + inculcated the same notion. It lay, therefore, now upon his mind + to endeavor to bring into practice what had appeared to him to + be right in principle. One of them was to try to incorporate the + treatment of slaves, as a matter of Christian duty, into _the + discipline of his own religious society_; and the other, to + secure it among others in the colony of a different religious + description, _by a legislative act_. Both of these were + necessary. The former, however, he resolved to attempt first. + The Society itself had already afforded him a precedent, by its + resolutions in 1688 and in 1696, as before mentioned, and had + thereby done something material in the progress of the work. It + was only to get a minute passed upon their books to the intended + effect. Accordingly, at the very first Monthly Meeting of the + Society, which took place in Philadelphia in the present year, + he proposed the subject. He laid before them the concern which + had been so long upon his mind, relative to these unfortunate + people; he pressed upon them the duty of allowing them as + frequently as possible to attend their Meetings for worship, and + the benefit that would accrue to both, by the instruction of + them in the principles of the Christian religion. The result + was, that a Meeting was appointed more particularly for the + negroes, once every month; so that besides the common + opportunities they had of collecting religious knowledge, by + frequenting the places of worship, there was one day in the + month, in which, as far as the influence of the Monthly Meeting + extended, they could neither be temporally nor spiritually + overlooked. At this Meeting also, he proposed means, which were + acceded to, for a more frequent intercourse between Friends and + the Indians; he (William Penn,) taking upon himself the charge + of procuring interpreters, as well as of forwarding the means + proposed."--Vol. II. pp. 218-222. + + + +APPENDIX C. P. 34. + + +REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS, HELD IN +PHILADELPHIA, APPOINTED FOR THE GRADUAL CIVILIZATION, &C., OF THE INDIAN +NATIVES, PRESENTED TO THE MEETING, FOURTH MONTH 21ST, 1841, AND DIRECTED +TO BE PRINTED FOR THE USE OF THE MEMBERS. + + + + "TO THE YEARLY MEETING. + + "The Committee charged with promoting the Gradual Improvement + and Civilization of the Indian Natives, report:-- + + "That although they have given attention to this interesting + concern, there are but few subjects in their operations, since + the last report, which require notice. The Indians have been in + a very unsettled condition during the past year, in consequence + of the embarrassment and distress produced by the ratification + of the treaty, and their uncertainty as to the best course to be + pursued by them in their trying and perplexing circumstances. + They still cling to the hope that they shall be able to ward off + the calamity which threatens them, either through the favorable + disposition of the new Administration and Senate, to give their + case a re-hearing, or by an Appeal to the Supreme Court of the + United States. Small as the hope afforded by these sources may + appear to a disinterested observer, they are buoyed up by it, + and seem as unwilling as ever, to look toward relinquishing + their present homes. + + "In a communication addressed to the committee, dated + Tunesassah, Fifth Month 24th, 1840, signed by ten chiefs, they + say, 'Although, the information of the ratification of the + treaty is distressing to us, yet it is a satisfaction to hear + from you, and to learn that you still remember us in our + troubles, and are disposed to advise and assist us. The + intelligence of the confirmation of the treaty caused many of + our women to shed tears of sorrow. We are sensible that we stand + in need of the advice of our friends. Our minds are unaltered on + the subject of emigration.' Another dated Cold Spring, Twelfth + Month 8th, 1840, holds this language: 'Brothers, we continue to + feel relative to the treaty as we have ever felt. We cannot + regard it as an act of our nation, or hold it to be binding on + us. We still consider, that in justice, the land is at this time + as much our own as ever it was. We have done nothing to forfeit + our right to it; and have come to a conclusion to remain upon it + as long as we can enjoy it in peace.' 'We trust in the Great + Spirit: to Him we submit our cause.' + + "A letter from the Senecas, residing at Tonawanda, was addressed + to the Committee, from which the following extracts are taken: + + + "'By the help of the Great Spirit we have met in open + council this 23d day of the Fifth Month, 1840, for the + purpose of deliberating on the right course for us to + pursue under the late act of the government of the + United States relating to our lands. Brothers, we are in + trouble; we have been told that the President has + ratified a treaty, by which these lands are sold from + our possession. We look to you and solicit your advice + and your sympathy under the accumulating difficulties + that now surround us. We feel more than ever, our need + of the help of the great and good Spirit, to guide us + aright. May his council ever preserve and direct us all + in true wisdom. + + "'It is known to you, brothers, that at different times + our people have been induced to cede, by stipulated + treaties, to the government of the United States, + various tracts of our territory, until it is so reduced + that it barely affords us a home. We had hoped by these + liberal concessions to secure the quiet and unmolested + possession of this small residue, but we have abundant + reason to fear that we have been mistaken. The agent and + surveyor of a company of land speculators, known as the + Ogden Company, have been on here to lay out our land + into lots, to be sold from us to the whites. We have + protested against it, and have forbidden their + proceeding. + + "'Brothers, what we want, is that you should intercede + with the United States government on our behalf. We do + not want to leave our lands. We are willing that the + emigrating party should sell out their rights, but we + are not willing that they should sell ours. + + "'Brothers, we want the President of the United States + to know that we are for peace; that we only ask the + possession of our just rights. We have kept in good + faith all our agreements with the government. In our + innocence of any violation we ask its protection. In our + weakness we look to it for justice and mercy. We desire + to live upon our lands in peace and harmony. We love + Tonawanda. It is the residue left us of the land of our + forefathers. We have no wish to leave it. Here are our + cultivated fields, our houses, our wives and children, + and our firesides--and here we wish to lay our bones in + peace. + + "'Brothers, in conclusion, we desire to express our + sincere thanks to you for your friendly assistance in + times past, and at the same time earnestly solicit your + further attention and advice. Brothers, may the Great + Spirit befriend you all--farewell.' + + + "Desirous of rendering such aid as might be in our power, a + correspondence has been held with some members of Congress, on + the subject of the treaty, and other matters connected with it; + and recently, two of our number visited Washington, and were + assured by the present Secretary of War, under whose immediate + charge the Indian affairs are placed, that it was his + determination, and that of the other officers of the government, + to give to the treaty, and the circumstances attending its + procurement, a thorough examination; and to adopt such a course + respecting it, as justice and humanity to the Indians would + dictate. + + "The friends who have for several years resided at Tunesassah + still continue to occupy the farm, and have charge of the saw + and grist mills and other improvements. The farm, during the + past year, has yielded about thirty-five tons of hay, two + hundred bushels of potatoes, one hundred bushels of oats, and + one hundred bushels of apples. Notwithstanding the unsettlement + produced by the treaty during the past season, the Indians have + raised an adequate supply of provisions to keep them comfortably + during the year; and they manifest an increased desire to avoid + the use of ardent spirits, and to have their children educated. + In their letter of the Twelfth Month last, the chiefs say, 'We + are more engaged to have our children educated than we have + heretofore been. There are at this time three schools in + operation on this reservation, for the instruction of our + youth.' + + "Our friend, Joseph Batty, in a letter dated 28th of Second + Month last, says, 'The Indians have held several temperance + councils this winter. The chiefs--with the exception of two, who + were not present--have all signed a pledge to abstain from the + use of all intoxicating liquors, and appear engaged to bring + about a reform among their people; but the influence of the + whites among them is prejudicial to their improvement in this + and other respects.' + + "By direction of the Committee, + + "THOMAS WISTAR, _Clerk_. + + "_Philadelphia, 4th Month 15th, 1841_." + + + +APPENDIX D. P. 44. + + +ELISHA TYSON. + + +The following particulars of this memorable person are chiefly taken +from a work, now very scarce, entitled "The Life of Elisha Tyson, the +Philanthropist, by a Citizen of Baltimore." + + + "The eldest known ancestor of Mr. Tyson was a German Quaker, + converted to the faith of Fox by the preaching of William Penn. + Persecuted by the government of his native country for his + religion, he gathered up his all and followed Penn to England; + with whom, and at whose request, he afterwards embarked for + America, and was among the first settlers of Pennsylvania. He + established himself within what are now called the environs of + Philadelphia, married the daughter of an English settler, and + became the happy father of sons and daughters. From these, many + descendants have been derived. + + "Elisha Tyson was one of the great grandsons in direct descent + of the German Quaker, and was born on the spot which he had + chosen for his residence. The religion and virtues of this + ancestor were instilled into the minds of his children and + children's children, to the third and fourth generation--not by + transmission of blood, but by the force of a guarded and a + Christian education. In the subject of this memoir, they blazed + forth with superior lustre. From his infancy he was conspicuous + in his neighborhood for that benevolence of heart and + intrepidity of soul, which so highly distinguished him in after + life." + + +In his early manhood he removed to Baltimore, in the slave State of +Maryland. Here, from his first residence, he took an active part in +various benevolent and public spirited enterprises, although he had to +struggle with early difficulties, having no resources for his support +but honesty, industry, and perseverance. The cause of the oppressed +slaves very soon engaged his attention, and his unwearied exertions in +their behalf ceased not till the close of a long and energetic life. In +the following quotation, describing the American slave trade, although +the past tense is employed by his biographer, yet if Louisiana be +substituted for Georgia, the whole representation is true of the present +time. That dreadful traffic has increased many fold since the date here +alluded to, at which E. Tyson's career of benevolence commenced. + +"Even the most creditable merchants felt no compunction in speculating +in the flesh and blood of their own species. These articles of +merchandize were as common as wheat and tobacco, and ranked with these +as a staple of Maryland. This state of things was naturally productive +of scenes of cruelty. Georgia was then the great receptacle of that +portion of these unfortunate beings, who were exported beyond the limits +of their native soil; and the worst name given to Tartarus itself could +not be more appalling to their imaginations than the name of that sister +State. And when we consider the dreadful consequences suffered by the +victims of this traffic; a separation like that of death between the +nearest and dearest relatives; a banishment for ever from the land of +their nativity and the scenes of their youth; the painful inflictions by +the hands of slave drivers, to whom cruelty was rendered delightful by +its frequent exercise; with many other sufferings too numerous to +mention, we cannot wonder at this horror on the part of these +unfortunate beings, and that it should cause them to use all the means +in their power to avoid so terrible a destiny. The slave-trader, aware +of all this, and fearful lest his victims might seek safety by flight, +became increasingly careful of his property. With these men, and upon +such subjects, care is cruelty; and thus the apparent necessity of the +case came in aid of the favorite disposition of their minds. They +charged their victims with being the authors of that cruelty, which had +its true origin in their own remorseless hearts. Their plea for +additional rigor, being plausibly urged, was favorably received by a +community darkened by prejudice. Few regarded with pity, and most with +stoical indifference, this barbarous correction for crimes anticipated, +and rigorous penance for offences existing only in the diabolical +fancies of their tormentors. The truth is, it was the love these poor +wretches bore their wives, children, and native soil, for which they +were punished. They were commonly bound two and two by chains, riveted +to iron collars fastened around their necks, more and more closely, as +their drivers had more and more reason to suspect a desire to escape. If +they were conveyed in wagons, as they sometimes were, additional chains +were so fixed, as to connect the right ancle of one with the left ancle +of another, so that they were fastened foot to foot, and neck to neck. +If a disposition to complain, or to grieve, was manifested by any of +them, the mouths of such were instantly stopped with a gag. If, +notwithstanding this, the overflowings of sorrow found a passage through +other channels, they were checked by the 'scourge inexorable;'--the +cruel monsters thus endeavoring to lessen the appearance of pain, by +increasing its reality. These were scenes of ordinary occurrence; troops +of these poor slaves were continually seen fettered as before described, +marching two and two, with commanders before and behind, swords by their +sides, and pistols in their belts--the triumphant victors over unarmed +women and children. The sufferings of their victims, were, if possible, +increased, when they were compelled to stop for the night. They were +crowded in cellars, and loaded with an additional number of fetters. On +those routes usually taken by them to the South, stated taverns were +selected as their resting places for the night. In these, dungeons under +ground were specially contrived for their reception. Iron staples, with +rings in them, were fixed at proper places in the walls; to these, +chains were welded; and to these chains the fetters of the prisoners +were locked, as the means of certain safety. It was usual every day for +these slave-drivers to keep a strict record of the imagined offences of +their slaves; which, if not to their satisfaction expiated by suffering +during the day, remained upon the register until its close; when, in the +midst of midnight dungeon horrors, goaded with a weight of fetters, in +addition to those which had galled them during their weary march, these +reputed sins were atoned by their blood, which was made to trickle down +'the scourge with triple thongs.'" + +Such was the evil with which Elisha Tyson, when "young, solitary, and +friendless," undertook to grapple; the means he chiefly employed, were +such as tended to purify and enlighten public opinion. + + + "He had two principal modes of operating upon the public mind; + by conversation in public and private places, and by the press. + Through the means of the first, he worked upon the feelings and + sentiments of the higher and more influential classes; by means + of the latter, he influenced in a great degree, the mass of the + community. In private conversation, his arguments were so + cogent, his appeals so energetic, and his manner so sincere and + disinterested, that few could avoid conviction. It is true, + indeed, as it regards the press, that he did not publish very + much of his own composing; but he procured the publication of a + vast deal of his own dictating. By his arguments and entreaties, + he aroused the zeal of many individuals, each of whom enlisted + himself as a kind of voluntary amanuensis, who wrote and + published his dictations. Many important essays have in this way + been communicated to the public." + + +But he undertook also, services requiring a yet sterner resolution, and +more heroic perseverance, services which demanded that he himself should +be in bondage neither to riches, honor, nor reputation, since his +exertions endangered all his personal interests in such a community as +that by which he was surrounded. + + + "Of those held in servitude, two classes of beings felt in a + peculiar manner the kindness and sympathy of Mr. Tyson--those + entitled to their freedom, and illegally held in slavery--and + those, who, though not illegally kept in bondage, yet were + treated with inhumanity by their masters. + + "Where he had reason to believe that a person claimed as a slave + was entitled to his freedom, he would, in the first place, in + order to avoid litigation, lay before the reputed owner, the + grounds of his belief. If these were disregarded, he then + proceeded to employ counsel, by whom a petition for freedom was + filed in the proper court, and the case prosecuted to a final + determination. What excited most astonishment in these trials, + was the extraordinary success which attended him. Very few were + the cases in which he was defeated; and his failure even in + these, was more generally owing to the want of testimony, than + to the want of justice on his side. To enumerate his successes, + would be as impossible, on account of their vast number, as it + would be tedious on account of their similarity to each other. + Whole families were often liberated by a single verdict, the + fate of one relative deciding the fate of many. And often + ancestors, after passing a long life in illegal slavery, sprung + at last, like the chrysalis in autumn, into new existence, + beneath the genial rays of the sun of liberty, which shed at the + same time its benign influence upon their children, and + children's children. + + "The titles of the individuals, thus liberated, to their + freedom, were variously derived. Sometimes from deeds of + manumission, long suppressed, and at last brought to light, by + the searching scrutiny of Tyson--sometimes from the genealogy of + the petitioner, traced by him to some Indian or white maternal + ancestor--sometimes from the right to freedom, claimed by birth, + but attempted to be destroyed by the rapacity of some vile + kidnapper, and sometimes from the violation of those of our laws + which manumitted slaves imported from foreign parts. + + "The labors of Mr. Tyson, were not confined to a single + district--they extended over the whole of Maryland. There is not + a county in it, which has not felt his influence, or a court of + justice, whose records do not bear proud testimonials of his + triumphs over tyranny. Throwing out of calculation the many + liberations indirectly resulting from his efforts, we speak more + than barely within bounds, when we say, that he has been the + means, under Providence, of rescuing at least two thousand human + beings from the galling yoke of a slavery, which, but for him, + would have been perpetual. + + "And here let me join my readers in expressions of wonder and + astonishment at this extraordinary display of human benevolence, + in the person of a single individual--unsupported by power, + wealth, or title, beneath the frowns of society, and against a + torrent of prejudice." + + +In the year 1789 an "Abolition Society," (see antecedent pages 23 and +24,) was formed in Baltimore, of which Elisha Tyson was a member until +its dissolution, seven years afterwards. + + + "From that time, Mr. Tyson supported alone the cause of + emancipation in Maryland. Alone, I mean, as the sole director + and prime mover of the machinery by which that cause was + maintained. Assisted, he was, no doubt, from time to time; but + that assistance was procured through his influence, or rendered + effectual under his inspection and advice.[A] + + [Footnote A: "One of the most active assistants was his brother + Jesse, much younger than Elisha. He followed him to this State a + few years after the arrival of the latter, was an active member + of the Abolition Society, and continued, to the day of his + death, to co-operate with Elisha."] + + "The slave traffic gave rise to an evil still greater--I mean + the crime of _kidnapping_. If the horrors arising from the first + were so great as I have described them, how shall I depict those + of the other! Slaves only were the victims of the slave trade. + In passing from hand to hand, they merely exchanged one + condition of slavery for another. And though on such occasions + they fell from a less degree of misery into a greater, they + could not number among their privations any thing so bitter as + the loss of liberty. It was this that made the difference + between them and the victims of the kidnapper; not that they + laid their hands exclusively upon the freeman, for sometimes + their rapacity seized upon a slave. But this was very seldom, + for the vigilance of slave owners was always alive to detect, + and their vengeance to punish such daring felony. In almost all + cases of man stealing, the stolen beings were of those who had + tasted the sweets of liberty. To the kidnapper, who made these + his prey, there were great facilities for escaping with + impunity; not only because, in the depth and darkness of a + dungeon, his limbs loaded with fetters, and utterance choked + with a gag, his suffering could not be made visible or audible, + but also because the deadness of sensibility on this subject, + which still pervaded the public, though in a less degree than + formerly, seemed to have unnerved every eye and palsied every + ear. Sights of misery passed darkly before the one and sounds of + wo fell lifeless on the other. + + "On one occasion Mr. Tyson received intelligence that three + colored persons, supposed to have been kidnapped, had been seen + under suspicious circumstances, late in the evening, with a + notorious slave-trader, in a carriage, which was then moving + rapidly towards a quarter of the precincts of Baltimore in which + there was a den of man-hunters. It was late in the day when he + received the information, which was immediately communicated to + the proper authorities. As the testimony offered to these was + not, in their opinion, sufficiently strong to induce them to act + instantaneously, Mr. Tyson was obliged to seek for aid in other + quarters. He accordingly requested certain individuals, who had + sometimes lent him their assistance, to accompany him to the + scene of suspicion, in order to obtain, if possible, additional + proof. One after another made excuse, (some telling him that the + evidence was too weak to justify any effort, and others saying + that it would be better to postpone the business for the next + morning,) until Mr. Tyson saw himself without the hope of + foreign assistance. But he did not yield or despair--one hope + yet remained, and that rested on himself. Alone he determined to + search out the den of thieves, to see and judge for himself. If + there was no foundation for his suspicions, to dismiss them; if + they were true, to call in the aid of the civil power, for the + punishment of guilt and the rescue of innocence. + + "So much time had been spent in receiving the excuses of his + friends, that it was late at night when he set out, on foot and + without a single weapon of defence. In the midst of silence and + darkness, he marched along until he arrived at the place of + destination. It was situated in the very skirts of the city--a + public tavern in appearance, but almost exclusively appropriated + to a band of slave-traders. Here they conveyed their prey, + whether stolen or purchased; here they held their midnight + orgies, and revelled in the midst of misery. The keeper of this + place was himself one of the party, and therefore not very + scrupulous about the sort of victims his companions chose to + place beneath his care. Mr. Tyson ascended the door-sill, and, + for a moment, listened, if perchance he might hear the sounds of + wo. Suddenly a loud laugh broke upon his ears, which was soon + lost in a chorus of laughter. Indignant at the sound, he reached + forth his hand and rapped with his whole might. No answer was + received. He rapped again--all was silence. He then applied + himself to the fastening of the door, and finding it unlocked, + opened it and entered. Suddenly four men made their appearance. + They had been carousing around a table which stood in the centre + of a room, and when a little alarmed by the rapping at the door, + they had gone in different directions to seize their weapons. + Mr. Tyson immediately recognised in the countenance of one of + these, who appeared to be their leader, the slave-trader whose + conduct had given rise to the suspicions that had brought him + thither. Nor was it many moments before the person and character + of Mr. Tyson became known. + + "'I understand,' said he, 'that there are persons confined in + this place entitled to their freedom?' + + "'You have been wrongly informed,' said the leader of the + quartette; 'and, besides, what business is it of yours?' + + "'Whether I am wrongly informed,' said Mr. Tyson, calmly, 'can + be soon made to appear; and I hold it my business, as it is the + business of every good man in the community, to see that all + doubts of this kind are settled!' + + "'You shall advance no further,' rejoined the leader, swearing a + tremendous oath, and putting himself in a menacing attitude. + + "With the rapidity of lightning, and with a strength that seemed + to have been lent him for the occasion, Mr. Tyson broke through + the arms of his opponent. As he had been repeatedly at this + house on similar errands, he knew the course he should steer, + and made directly for the door of the dungeon. There he met + another of the band, with a candle in one hand, and in the + other, a pistol, which, having cocked, he presented full against + the breast of Mr. Tyson, swearing that he would shoot him if he + advanced a step further. + + "'Shoot if thee dare,' said Mr. Tyson, in a voice of thunder, + 'but thee dare not, coward as thou art, for well does thee know, + that the gallows would be thy portion.' + + "Whether it was the voice and countenance of Mr. Tyson, or the + terror of the word gallows, that affected the miscreant, his arm + suddenly fell, and he stood as if struck dumb with amazement. + Mr. Tyson taking advantage of the moment, in the twinkling of an + eye, snatched the candle from the hand of the kidnapper, entered + the dungeon door, which was providentially unlocked, and + descended into the vault below. + + "There he beheld a dismal sight; six poor creatures chained to + each other by links connected with the prison wall! The + prisoners shrunk within themselves at the sight of a man, and + one of them uttered a shriek of terror, mistaking the character + of their visitor. He told them that he was their friend; and his + name was Elisha Tyson. That name was enough for them, for their + whole race had been long taught to utter it. He inquired, 'if + any of them were entitled to their freedom?' 'Yes,' said one, + 'these two boys say that they and their, mother here are free, + but she can't speak to you, for she is gagged.' Mr. Tyson + approached this woman, and found that she was really deprived of + her utterance. He instantly cut away the band that held in the + gag, and thus gave speech to the dumb. She told her tale; 'she + was manumitted by a gentleman on the eastern shore of Maryland; + her sons were born after her emancipation, and of course free. + She referred to persons and papers. She had come over the + Chesapeake in a packet, for the purpose of getting employment; + and was, with her children, decoyed away immediately on her + arrival, by a person who brought her to that house. Mr. Tyson + told her to be of good comfort, for he would immediately provide + the means of her rescue. He then left the dungeon and ascended + the stair way, when he reached the scene of his preceding + contest; he, looked around, but saw no one save the keeper of + the tavern. Fearing that the others had escaped, or were about + to escape, he hastened out of the house, and proceeded with + rapid strides in pursuit of a constable. He soon found one and + entreated his assistance. But the officer refused, unless Mr. + Tyson would give him a bond of indemnity against all loss which + he might suffer by his interference. Mr. Tyson complied without + hesitation. The officer, after summoning assistance, proceeded + with Mr. Tyson to the scene of cruelty. There meeting with the + tavern keeper, they compelled him to unlock the fetters of the + three individuals claiming their freedom. They then searched the + house for the supposed kidnappers, and found two of them; in, + bed, whom, together with the women, and children, they conveyed + that night to the jail of Baltimore county, to await the + decision of a court of justice. The final consequence was, the + mother and children were adjudged free. One of the two + slave-traders, taken as afore-mentioned in custody, was found + guilty of having kidnapped them, and was sentenced to the + Maryland penitentiary, for a term of years. + + "On another occasion, Mr. Tyson having received satisfactory + evidence that a colored person, on board a vessel about to sail + for New Orleans, in Louisiana, was entitled to his freedom, + hastened to his assistance. On reaching the wharf, where the + vessel had lain, he learned that she had cleared out the day + before, and was then lying at anchor, a mile down the river. He + immediately procured two officers of the peace, with whom he + proceeded in a batteau, with a full determination to board the + suspected ship. + + "When he arrived alongside, he hailed the captain and asked him + 'whether such a person, (naming him,) having on board negroes + destined for the New Orleans market, was not among the number of + passengers.' Before the captain had time to reply, the passenger + alluded to, who had overheard the question, stepped to the side + of the vessel, and recognising Mr. Tyson, asked what business + _he_ had with him. 'I understand,' said Mr. Tyson, 'that a + colored person,' describing him, 'now in thy possession, is + entitled to his freedom.' 'He is my slave,' said the trader; 'I + have purchased him by a fair title, and no man shall interfere + between him and me.' + + "'If these documents speak the truth,' said Mr. Tyson, holding + certain papers in his hand, 'however fairly you have purchased + him he is not your slave.' He then proceeded to read the + documents. At the same time a light breeze springing up, the + captain ordered all hands to hoist sail and be off. Mr. Tyson + seeing that there was not a minute to be lost, requested the + constables to go on board with him for the purpose of rescuing + the free man who had been deprived of his rights. The trader + immediately drew a dagger from his belt, (for this sort of men + went always armed,) and swore that 'the first man that dared set + his foot upon the deck of that ship was a dead man.' 'Then I + will be that man,' said Mr. Tyson, with a firm voice and + intrepid countenance, and sprang upon the deck. The trader + stepped back aghast. The officers followed, and descended the + hold of the ship. There they soon saw the object of their + search. Without any resistance being made on the part of a + single person on board, they led their rescued prisoner along + and safely lodged him in the boat below. Then Mr. Tyson, + addressing the trader, said, 'If you have any lawful claim to + this man, come along and try your title; if you cannot come, + name your agent, and I will see that justice is done to all + parties.' The trader, who seemed dumb with confusion, made no + answer; and Mr. Tyson requested his boatmen to row off. Ere they + had proceeded half their distance from the ship, her sails were + spread and she began to ride down the stream. Had Mr. Tyson's + visit been delayed half an hour longer, his benevolent exertions + would have been in vain. + + "No one appearing to dispute the right of the colored man to + freedom, his freedom papers were given him and he was set at + liberty. + + "The whole life of Mr. Tyson was diversified by acts such as we + have just described. Those I have given to the reader may be + considered as specimens merely, a few examples out of a vast + many, which, if they were all repeated, would satiate by their + number and tire by their uniformity. + + "The joy manifested by the poor creatures whom he thus rescued + from misery, on their deliverance, may be imagined, but cannot + well be described. Sometimes it broke forth in loud and wild + demonstrations; sometimes it was deep and inexpressible, or + expressed only by mingled tears of gratitude and ecstacy, + rolling silently but profusely down their wo-worn cheeks. + + "Mr. Tyson, it is remarkable, would always turn his eyes from + these manifestations. He would listen to no declarations of + thanks. When these were strongly pressed upon him, he would + usually exclaim, 'Well, that will do now; that is enough for + this time.' And once when one of these creatures, fearful that + Mr. Tyson would not consider him sufficiently grateful, cried + out, 'Indeed, master, I am very thankful, I would die to serve + you,' Mr. Tyson exclaimed, 'Why, man, I have only done my duty; + I don't want thy thanks;' and turned abruptly away. + + "Equalled only by the delight of the rescued victims, was the + chagrin and vexation of the slave-traders, when they saw their + prey torn from their grasp. They cursed the law; they cursed its + ministers; but above all, they invoked imprecations upon the + head of Tyson. + + "They swore that they would murder him, that they would fire his + dwelling over his head, that they would do a thousand things, + all full of vengeance. None of these threats were ever put into + execution; for though a plot was once laid to take away his + life, fear dispersed the actors long before the day of + performance. Thus does it always happen that the wickedest of + men are also the meanest, and therefore the most dastardly. And + thus did the cowardice of Mr. Tyson's enemies shield him from + the effects of their enmity. Nor did he profit less by that + individual fear of him which these slave-traders were made to + feel. They feared him because they deprecated his hostility. In + order, if possible, to lessen this hostility, they frequently + became informers on others engaged in the same traffic. This + they were further inclined to do, in consequence of the jealousy + that subsisted between them--a jealousy very natural to + competitors in the same line of business. It was always a time + of exultation with them when one of their number found his way + into the penitentiary. + + "It sometimes happened that Mr. Tyson extracted from the mouths + of these monsters, evidence which afterwards went to criminate + those who had uttered it. It was usual with him when he could + not obtain testimony against a suspected person, to send for + such person and interrogate him. No one refused his + summons--fear forbade the refusal; and after they had come, the + very fear which brought them there sacrificed them to injured + humanity. Sometimes those who came voluntarily for the purpose + of criminating others, involved themselves in toils of their own + weaving; where they were no sooner seen, by the penetrating eye + of Tyson, than he reached forth his hands and secured his + astonished prisoner, before he had a suspicion of his danger. + + "Mr. Tyson's knowledge of the sort of people with whom he had + principally to deal was perfect. His quickness of perception and + self-command were also remarkable. These qualifications gave him + an extraordinary power in the examinations just alluded to. + + "One evening the servant announced a stranger at the door, who + wished to see Mr. Tyson privately. Mr. Tyson requested that he + might be asked into the room where we were then sitting, and if + further privacy were necessary he should have it. + + "When the door opened and the stranger appeared, he was no other + than the slave-trader we have just alluded to. + + "'Your humble servant,' said the man, casting off his hat and + bowing profoundly; 'I hope you are well, sir; I have a few words + for your private ear.' + + "'Every one present may be safely trusted,' said Mr. Tyson; 'but + sit down.' + + "The man seated himself. 'Well,' said Mr. Tyson, 'what is there + new in thy way of business; I suppose it continues as usual to + be a good business?' + + "'Ah! sir,' said the man, 'I believe it to be a bad business in + more ways than one. I am resolved to quit it.' + + "'Not while thee can get two hundred dollars profit per man,' + said Mr. Tyson. + + "'Notwithstanding that,' said the trader, 'it's a bad business; + it's a hard business; I must quit it, and that very soon.' + + "'Hast thou heard of the old saying,' said Mr. Tyson, 'Hell is + paved with good intentions? I fear,' said he, 'when thee goes + there thee will find thine among the number.' + + "'I know,' said the trader, 'you think me very bad; but when you + hear what I have to communicate, perhaps your opinion will alter + a little.' + + "'I wish it may; but,' said Mr. Tyson, 'thy progress down hill + has been so rapid, and thou hast got so far, that thee will find + it rather hard to turn about and ascend.' + + "These doubtings, attended with a shrewd, suspicious, yet + satirical look, had the effect intended; for the man became + doubly anxious to do what he had come to do, and what he thought + would be esteemed a great favor by Mr. Tyson. Accordingly, after + a word or two of preface, he stated that he 'had reason to + believe that ----', naming a certain trader, 'had kidnapped two + free blacks.' + + "'Thee is certainly mistaken,' said Mr. Tyson, affecting great + surprise; 'it is hardly possible that so worthy a man could have + been guilty of so great a crime.' + + "This apparent doubt on the part of Mr. Tyson, made the man more + anxious to bring out all his testimony. + + "'But who told thee this piece of news?' said Mr. Tyson. There + was a breach at once into the man's order and arrangement and he + hesitated for a reply. 'Mr. ----, Mr. ----, Mr. ----, what do ye + call him, spoke to me about it.' 'Who?' said Mr. Tyson. 'Mr. + ----,' said the man; mentioning the name of a veteran dealer in + human flesh. + + "'Is he engaged in the traffic now?' asked Mr. Tyson. + + "'Yes, sir; very deep in it.' + + "'By himself, or in partnership?' asked Mr. Tyson carelessly. + + "'Why, I believe he is in partnership with some body.' + + "'Is he not in partnership,' said Mr. Tyson, 'with ----?' naming + the person whom the man was anxious to inculpate. + + "'I believe he was, but I don't know that he is now.' + + "'Thee don't know of their having dissolved?' asked Mr. Tyson at + the same time, as if thoughtlessly lighting his pipe. + + "'No, I do not. But as I was going to say,' said the trader-- + + "'Ah, true,' said Mr. Tyson, 'we must not forget. Thee was + talking about a case of kidnapping; well?' + + "'Last night,' said the trader, 'a hack drove up to the tavern + where I lodge. The hackman inquired the way to ----'s tavern, + which is the place of rendezvous for ---- and his gang;' naming + the person whose guilt _seemed_ to be the principal object of + inquiry. 'I looked into the carriage, and saw two boys.' + + "'Did thee speak to them?' + + "'No, they were gagged, and that made me think they were + kidnapped.' + + "'Was any body with them?' + + "'Nobody but the driver, and he was black.' + + "'Did thee direct him as he requested?' asked Mr. Tyson. + + "'Yes.' + + "'And they arrived accordingly?' + + "'Yes.' + + "'Did thee follow them?' + + "'No sir, not immediately--but I went this morning, and inquired + whether a hack with two boys and a black driver, had not arrived + late last night, and they said there had.' + + "'What o'clock last night was it when thee saw the carriage?' + + "'About ten, sir.' + + "'Was the hack close, or were the curtains down?' + + "'The curtains were down, and that increased my suspicion.' + + "Mr. Tyson had now heard enough to convince him that if there + was any kidnapping in this case, the trader who stood before him + had a much nearer connection with it than that of a mere + spectator. + + "He had said in the first place that he obtained his knowledge + from a trader who had been partner with the party implicated. He + then stated that he derived it from seeing the kidnapped persons + in a hack. And though it was ten o'clock at night, (at a time, + too, as Mr. Tyson knew, when there was no moon,) yet he could + not only see that these two persons were in the hack, but that + they were gagged. He could not have done this by the light of a + candle or the moon, because 'the hack was tight, and the + curtains were down.' + + "Fearing lest the suspicions of the trader might be excited as + to the sentiments of Mr. Tyson towards him, an end was put to + the part of the dialogue which related to the kidnapping, by + saying, 'Well, I am much obliged to thee for thy information; + we'll see this ----, and settle the matter with him;' and then + turned the tide of conversation into a different direction. + + "The same day Mr. Tyson sent for the person who was first + mentioned as the person communicating the knowledge of the + transaction, and asked him as to the fact of such communication. + It was positively denied. He had 'not seen the informer for six + weeks, except the last evening, when he brought a hack load of + negroes to the tavern where he and his partner were lodgers.' + + "'Were two boys among the number?' + + "'Yes.' + + "'Were they gagged?' + + "'Yes.' + + "The moment this man left his house, Mr. Tyson went in search of + bailiffs and civil process. With these he proceeded to the place + where the two boys were confined, and had them and all three of + the traders taken into custody. + + "It turned out afterwards, in the further prosecution of this + investigation, (by what testimony we do not distinctly + recollect,) that the informer who first came to Mr. Tyson had + himself kidnapped the two boys. He sold them to the person upon + whom he had endeavored, in the manner we have detailed, to affix + the whole crime; who, refusing afterward to pay their price, and + yet determined to retain them, exasperated the seller to such a + degree that he resolved to sacrifice him; in attempting which he + sacrificed himself, for he was afterward convicted and sentenced + to the penitentiary. + + "During the progress of any investigation originated by Mr. + Tyson in behalf of individual freedom, his anxiety about the + final issue, though concealed from the world, burned with + intensity. His days were restless, his nights were sleepless, + and himself, except when in company, which he avoided at those + times, lost in the abstractions of hope or of despondency. + + "When he succeeded, his joy was strong, but invisible or + inaudible, save to the Father of all mercies. To him he never + failed 'to pour out his soul' in pious thanksgivings for that he + made him a humble instrument in the restoration of a fellow + being to light and liberty. + + "When he failed, which was seldom, after he had seriously + undertaken a case, his sorrow was equally great, and as + inscrutable to human observation, excepting that of the + unfortunate objects of his care, who saw him mingling tears of + sympathy with theirs of suffering. + + "Though Mr. Tyson seldom failed in those cases which he had + commenced in legal form, yet very many persons were turned + hopelessly away whose cases were too groundless for + adjudication; and often those who knew they had no cause for + hope,--condemned to be torn from their connections and sold, as + if to death, never to be heard of more,--would call merely to + obtain his sympathies, as if the universe had no other friend + for them. + + "A man who lived with his master, in Anne Arundel county, came + late one evening to Mr. Tyson, and begged that he would listen + to his case. His master had promised him his freedom, provided + he would raise and pay him the sum of five hundred dollars in + six years; and he had earned half of the money, which he had + given his master. The six years were not expired, yet he was + about to be sold to Georgia. Mr. Tyson asked if 'there was any + receipt for the money.' 'No.' 'Was there any witness who could + prove its payment?' 'Nobody but his master's wife.' 'Then,' said + Mr. Tyson, 'the law is against thee, and thou must submit. I can + do nothing for thee.' Never, said Mr. Tyson, when relating this + story, shall I forget the desperate resolution which showed + itself in the countenance and manner of this man when he said, + with clenched fist, his eyes raised to Heaven, his whole frame + bursting with the purpose of his soul, while a smile of triumph + played around his lips, 'I will die before the Georgia man shall + have me.' And then suddenly melting into a flood of tears, he + said, 'I cannot live away from my wife and children.' After this + poor fellow had left me, said Mr. Tyson, I said to a person + present, 'That is no common man; he will do what he has + resolved.' + + "A short time afterwards, the remains of a colored person who + had been drowned in the basin at Baltimore were discovered. The + fact coming to the knowledge of Mr. Tyson, he went to see the + body, and recognized in its features and from its dress, the + remains of the unfortunate man who, a short time before, had + breathed the dreadful resolution in his presence." + + +Such are a few of the memorials which this friend of the human race has +left behind him. He was not less persevering, and scarcely less +successful in his endeavors to obtain the mitigation of the slave laws +in Maryland. Some of the most repulsive of these were repealed or +altered, particularly those restricting manumissions. Thus the condition +and the prospects of the whole body of slaves was improved, in addition +to _more than two thousand_ delivered by his immediate instrumentality +from illegal bondage. Hundreds of free and happy families have cause at +this day to bless the memory of "Father Tyson." + +He also deeply interested himself on behalf of the Indian tribes; and +once in company with another individual, as a deputation from the +Society of Friends in Baltimore, undertook a dangerous journey to visit +several tribes 1000 miles distant, to the north-west of the Ohio. The +main object of the mission was to induce the Indians to refrain from the +use of ardent spirits--of whose destructive effects the chiefs were +themselves fully sensible. The following affecting address was made to +an assembly of "Friends" in Baltimore, by Little Turtle, a chief famous +for courage, sagacity and eloquence: + + + "Brothers and Friends:--When our forefathers first met on this + great Island, your red brethren were very numerous! But since + the introduction among us of what you call spirituous liquors, + and what we think may justly be called poison, our numbers are + greatly diminished. It has destroyed a great part of your red + brethren. + + "My Brothers and Friends:--We plainly perceive, that you see the + very evil which destroyed your red brethren; it is not an evil + of our own making; we have not placed it among ourselves; it is + an evil placed among us by the white people; we look to them to + remove it out of our country. We tell them, 'Brethren, bring us + useful things; bring goods that will clothe us, our women and + our children; and not this evil liquor, that destroys our + reason, that destroys our health, and destroys our lives.' But + all we can say on this subject is of no service, nor gives + relief to your red brethren. + + "My Brother and Friends:--I rejoice to find that you agree in + opinion with us, and express an anxiety to be, if possible, of + service to us, in removing this great evil out of our country; + an evil which has had so much room in it; and has destroyed so + many of our lives, that it causes our young men to say, 'we had + better be at war with the white people.' This liquor, which they + introduce into our country, is more to be feared than the gun + and the tomahawk. There are more of us dead, since the treaty of + Greenville, than we lost by the six years war before. It is all + owing to the introduction of this liquor amongst us. + + "Brothers:--When our young men have been out hunting, and are + returning home, loaded with skins and furs, on their way if it + happens that they come along where some of this whiskey is + deposited, the white man who sells it, tells them to take a + little drink; some of them will say 'no, I do not want it;' they + go on till they come to another house, where they find more of + the same kind of drink; it is there offered again; they refuse; + and again the third time. But finally, the fourth or fifth time, + one accepts of it and takes a drink; and getting one, he wants + another; and then a third, and a fourth, till his senses have + left him. After his reason comes back to him again, when he gets + up and finds where he is, he asks for his peltry. The answer is, + 'You have drank them,' 'Where is my gun?' 'It is gone?' 'Where + is my blanket?' 'It is gone.' 'Where is my shirt?' 'You have + sold it for whiskey!!' Now, Brothers, figure to yourselves, the + condition of this man. He has a family at home; a wife and + children, who stand in need of the profits of his hunting. What + must be their wants, when he himself is even without a shirt?" + + +The journey of Elisha Tyson and his companion, James Gillingham, +occurred a few years subsequent to the interview at which the preceding +speech was made. They met a council of the Indians at Fort Wayne, whom +Elisha Tyson addressed to the following effect: + + + "He painted in glowing colors the dreadful effects of + intemperance--both upon civilized and savage life--told them + that they must resolve to abstain entirely from it. If they + admitted it at all among them, it would soon conquer them, and + reduce them to a condition worse than that of the brute + creation. That not until they abandoned altogether the use of + ardent spirits would they be fit subjects for civilization. If + they were ready to do this he would then unfold to them the + blessings of civilization--the superiority of such a condition + over the one in which they then subsisted. He traced their + history from the earliest period to the present time--shewed + them how, as the white population had expanded itself, they had + retreated into the western wilderness--that if they did not + remain, but continued to retreat, in a few years they would have + no territory upon this continent. In order, therefore, to their + permanent establishment, he recommended to them the practice of + agriculture, as a substitute for hunting. He advised them to + mark out their lands, and ask advice of the agents established + by the Society of Friends among them, with respect to their + cultivation. They stood ready, not only with their advice, but + with their assistance; they were furnished for their use with + all the necessary implements of husbandry, with beasts of the + plough also, and beasts of burden. + + "They had come a great distance, endured much privation and + fatigue in order to see them, and must endure a great deal more + before they could again behold their wives and their children. + But they could bear it all with patience, nay with joy, if they + could only have the satisfaction of seeing them adopt the + disinterested advice which he had thus given them." + + +The following is one of the speeches made in reply, by White Loon, an +influential chief: + + + "Brothers:--Ever since your great father Onas, (William Penn,) + came upon this great island, the Quakers have been the friends + of red men. They have proved themselves worthy of being the + descendants of their great father. And now, when all the whites + have forgotten that they owe any thing to us, the Quakers of + Baltimore, though so far distant from us, have remembered the + distressed condition of their red brethren, and interceded with + the Great Spirit in our behalf. + + "Brothers:--You have travelled very far to see us--you have + climbed over mountains--you have swam over deep and rapid + torrents--you have endured cold, and hunger, and fatigue, in + order that you might have an opportunity of seeing your red + brethren. For this, so long as life exists within us, we shall + be very grateful. + + "Brothers:--That wide region of country over which you have + passed, was once filled with red men. Then was there a plenty of + deer and buffalo, and all kinds of game. But the white people + came from beyond the great water; they landed in multitudes on + our shores; they cut down our forests; they drove our warriors + before them, and frightened the wild herds, so that they sought + security in the deep shades of the west. + + "Brothers:--These white men were not your grandfathers; for, as + I said before, the sons of Onas were always the friends of red + men. + + "Brothers:--The whites are still advancing upon us. They have + reached our territory, and have built their wigwams within our + very hunting grounds. Our game is vanishing away. + + "Brothers:--Formerly our hunters pursued the wild deer, and the + buffalo, and the bear; and when they killed them they ate their + flesh for food, and used their skins as covering for themselves, + their old men, their women, and their children. But now, they + kill them that they may have plenty of skins and furs to sell to + the white men. The consequence of this is, the game is destroyed + wantonly, and faster than our necessities require. + + "Brothers:--We would not mind all this, provided these skins and + furs were exchanged for useful articles--for implements of + husbandry, or clothes for our old men, our women, and our + children. But they are too often bartered away for whiskey, that + vile poison, which has sunk even Wapakee into the dust. + + "Brothers:--We shall soon be under the necessity either of + leaving our hunting grounds or of converting them into pastures + and fields of corn. Under the kind assistance of our brothers, + the Quakers, we have already proceeded a great way. You have + witnessed, as you have passed among us, the good effects of the + kindness of our brothers. We are disposed to go on as we have + begun, until our habits and manners, as well as the face of our + country, shall be changed and look like those of the white + people. + + "Brothers:--Accept from us this belt of wampum and pipe of + peace. And may the Great Sasteretsy, who conducted you here in + safety, still go with you and restore you in peace and happiness + to the arms of your women and children." + + +After this, with ceremonies such as those already described, but, if +possible, accompanied with more solemnity, the chiefs dissolved the +council. + +It is a melancholy reflection, that soon such memorials as these will be +the only remains of that noble but unfortunate race who once peopled the +continent of North America. _War_ has slain its thousands, but _alcohol_ +its tens of thousands; and the fortitude which could bear without +shrinking the most cruel inflictions of torture, has proved powerless to +resist the seductions of strong drink. It is to be feared a heavy +retribution awaits the white man, the pitiless author of their +extermination. + +The biographer of E. Tyson has taken great pains to represent him as a +friend to the Colonization Society, but in this respect I am informed, +by one who well knew him, he has done him great injustice. It is +confessed, indeed, that for a long period E. Tyson viewed this scheme +with great jealousy. "When we saw," remarks this writer, "domestic +tyrants, and men who had actually, in the southern slave-trade, +speculated in the flesh and blood of their fellow creatures, united with +their betters in a society, the professed object of which was the +peopling of a continent with freemen by the depopulation of a continent +of slaves, he argued, as he had a right to argue, mischief to the +cause." No evidence is adduced to show that this same distrust of the +Colonization Society was ever removed, beyond the fact that, having been +the means of liberating eleven native Africans from a slave-ship, he +cooperated with Gen. Harper, an influential colonizationist, in +restoring them to their native country, which bordered upon the colony +of Liberia. This was the last public act of his life. + + + "The great concern in which he had spent his life was the + constant topic of his conversation; and he continued with his + latest breath to enforce the claims of the unhappy sons of + slavery upon the humanity of their brethren. It was natural that + he should feel a strong anxiety about the fate of those who, + through his exertions, had been restored to their friends in + Africa. He was on the alert to hear intelligence of their + fate--his spirit seemed to follow them across the mighty waters. + On one occasion he was heard to say, 'If I could only hear of + their safe arrival I should die content;' and on another, that + he 'had prayed to the Father of Mercies that he would be pleased + to spare his life until he could receive the pleasing + intelligence.' His prayer was heard. The news reached his ears + amid the last lingerings of life. He shed tears of joy on the + occasion; and when he had sufficiently yielded to the first + burst of feeling, exclaimed, like one satiated with earthly + happiness, 'Now I am ready to die; my work is done.' His + expressions were prophetic; for in the short space of + forty-eight hours, on the 16th of February, 1824, at the age of + 75 years, he breathed his soul into the hands of God Almighty." + + +The following are some notices of his personal appearance and mental +characteristics: + + + "The person of Mr. Tyson was about six feet in height, though + the habit of leaning forward as he walked, gave a less + appearance to his stature. The rest of his frame was suited to + his height. + + "The features of his countenance were strong. His forehead was + high; his nose large, and of the Roman order; his eyes were dark + and piercing; his lips so singularly expressive, that even in + their stillest mood they would almost seem to be uttering the + purposes of his mind. Indeed his whole face was indicative, to a + striking degree, of the passions and feelings of his soul. + + "The mind of Mr. Tyson was strong, rather than brilliant. With + scarcely any imagination, he possessed a judgment almost + infallible in its decisions; great powers of reason, which were + more conspicuous for the certainty of its conclusions than + remarkable for displaying the train of inferences by which it + arrived at them. He possessed wonderful acuteness of + understanding, quickness of perception, and readiness of reply. + + "For these qualities he was indebted more to nature than to art. + He was not educated for the exalted station of a philanthropist, + but for the business of the world; and yet he seemed fitted + exactly for the part he acted. He possessed not the refinements + of education; he had not learned to soar into the regions of + fancy, his destiny was upon the earth; and he knew no flight but + that which bears the soul to heaven." + + + +APPENDIX E. P. 68. + + + +THE "AMISTAD CAPTIVES." + + +The following statements are drawn from a "History of the Amistad +Captives, &c., by John W. Barber, member of the Connecticut Historical +Society;" from the authentic reports of the proceedings in the courts of +law, and from a letter of my friend, Lewis Tappan, to the public papers. + +"During the month of August, 1839, the public attention was somewhat +excited by several reports stating that a vessel of suspicious and +piratical character had been seen near the coast of the United States, +in the vicinity of New York. This vessel was represented as a 'long, +low, black schooner,' and manned by blacks. The United States steamer +Fulton and several revenue cutters were despatched after her, and notice +was given to the collectors at various sea ports." + +This suspicious looking schooner proved to be the "Amistad," which was +eventually captured off Culloden Point, by Lieut. Gedney, of the U.S. +brig "Washington." At this time, however, the Africans, who were in +possession of the vessel, were in communication with the shore, and +peaceably trafficking with the inhabitants for a supply of water for +their intended voyage to their own country. They had spontaneously +submitted to the command of one of their number, Cinque, a man of +extraordinary natural capacity. When they were taken, he was separated +from his companions and conveyed on board the brig. + +"Cinque having been put on board of the 'Washington,' displayed much +uneasiness, and seemed so very anxious to get on board the schooner that +his keepers allowed him to return. Once more on the deck of the +'Amistad,' the blacks clustered around him, laughing, screaming, and +making other extravagant demonstrations of joy. When the noise had +subsided, he made an address, which raised their excitement to such a +pitch, that the officer in command had Cinque led away by force. He was +returned to the 'Washington,' and was manacled to prevent his leaping +overboard. On Wednesday, he signified by motions that if they would take +him on board the schooner again, he would show them a handkerchief full +of doubloons. He was accordingly sent on board. His fetters were taken +off, and he once more went below, where he was received by the Africans +in a still more wild and enthusiastic manner than he was the day +previous. Instead of finding the doubloons, he again made an address to +the blacks, by which they were very much excited. Dangerous consequences +were apprehended. Cinque was seized, taken from the hold, and again +fettered. While making his speech, his eye was often turned to the +sailors in charge: the blacks yelled, leapt about, and seemed to be +animated with the same spirit and determination of their leader. Cinque, +when taken back to the 'Washington,' evinced little or no emotion, but +kept his eye steadily fixed on the schooner." + +An event so extraordinary and unprecedented as the capture of the +"Amistad," excited the most lively interest among all classes. The +Africans, forty-four in number, were brought to New Haven and secured in +the county jail. A number of gentlemen formed themselves into a +committee to watch over their interests, and immediately there was begun +a long and complicated series of judicial proceedings, to determine how +they should be disposed of. Ruiz and Montez, the two white men, late the +prisoners, but claiming to be the owners of the Africans, caused them to +be indicted for piracy and murder. This was almost immediately disposed +of, on the ground that the charges, if true, were not cognizable in the +American courts, the alleged offences having been perpetrated on board a +Spanish vessel. The Africans therefore were in no immediate danger of +capital punishment. Ruiz and Montez on their part seem to have met with +sympathy and kindness, and to testify their gratitude caused the +following to be inserted in the New York papers: + + + "A CARD. + + "NEW LONDON, AUGUST 29, 1839. + + "The subscribers, Don Jose Ruiz, and Don Pedro Montez, in + gratitude for their most unhoped for and providential rescue + from the hands of a ruthless gang of African bucaneers and an + awful death, would take this means of expressing, in some slight + degree, their thankfulness and obligation to Lieut. Com. T.R. + Gedney, and the officers and crew of the U.S. surveying brig + Washington, for their decision in seizing the Amistad, and their + unremitting kindness and hospitality in providing for their + comfort on board their vessel, as well as the means they have + taken for the protection of their property. + + "We also must express our indebtedness to that nation whose flag + they so worthily bear, with an assurance that this act will be + duly appreciated by our most gracious sovereign, her Majesty the + Queen of Spain. + + DON JOSE, RUIZ, + + DON PEDRO MONTEZ." + + +Ruiz and Montez are thus described by a correspondent of the New London +Gazette, who visited the Amistad immediately after its capture: + + + "Jose Ruiz, is a very gentlemanly and intelligent young man, and + speaks English fluently. He was the owner of most of the slaves + and cargo, which he was conveying to his estate on the Island of + Cuba. The other, Pedro Montez, is about fifty years of age, and + is the owner of three of the slaves. He was formerly a ship + master, and has navigated the vessel since her seizure by the + blacks. Both of them, as may be naturally supposed, are most + unfeignedly thankful for their deliverance. Pedro is the most + striking instance of complacency and unalloyed delight we have + ever witnessed, and it is not strange, since only yesterday his + sentence was pronounced by the chief of the bucaneers, and his + death song chanted by the grim crew, who gathered with uplifted + sabres around his devoted head, which, as well as his arms, bear + the scars of several wounds inflicted at the time of the murder + of the ill-fated captain and crew. He sat smoking his Havana on + the deck, and to judge from the martyr-like serenity of his + countenance, his emotions are such as rarely stir the heart of + man. When Mr. Porter, the prize master, assured him of his + safety, he threw his arms around his neck, while gushing tears + coursing down his furrowed cheek, bespoke the overflowing + transport of his soul. Every now and then he clasped his hands, + and with uplifted eyes, gave thanks to 'the Holy Virgin' who had + led him out of his troubles." + + +It will be necessary to contrast the deeds of these "gentlemanly and +intelligent" _Christians_ with that of the "ruthless gang of African +bucaneers," from whose grasp they were so providentially rescued. In +giving the subsequent detail, I would not be understood as compromising +for a single instant my belief in the inviolability of human life, +though it must I think be confessed that in the instance related below, +the heathen and barbarous negroes contrast very favorably with the +civilized and Christian Spaniards. + + + "The following communication from Mr. Day, of New Haven, gives a + summary account of the African captives, as stated by + themselves, from the time they left Africa, till the time they + obtained possession of the Amistad: + + "NEW HAVEN, OCT. 8, 1839. + + [To the Editor of the Journal of Commerce.] + + "Gentlemen--The following short and plain narrative of one or + two of the African captives, in whose history and prospects such + anxious interest is felt, has been taken at the earliest + opportunity possible, consistently with more important + examinations. It may be stated in general terms, as the result + of the investigations thus far made, that the Africans all + testify that they left Africa about six months since; were + landed under cover of the night at a small village or hamlet + near Havana, and after ten or twelve days were taken through + Havana by night by the man who had bought them, named Pipi, who + has since been satisfactorily proved to be Ruiz; were cruelly + treated on the passage, being beaten and flogged, and in some + instances having vinegar and gunpowder rubbed into their wounds; + and that they suffered intensely from hunger and thirst. The + perfect coincidence in the testimony of the prisoners, examined + as they have been separately, is felt by all who are acquainted + with the minutes of the examination, to carry with it + overwhelming evidence of the truth of their story. + + Yours respectfully, + + "GEORGE E. DAY." + + "MONDAY, OCT. 7. + + "This afternoon, almost the first time in which the two + interpreters, Covey and Pratt, have not been engaged with + special reference to the trial to take place in November, one of + the captives named Grabeau, was requested to give a narrative of + himself since leaving Africa, for publication in the papers. The + interpreters, who are considerably exhausted by the examinations + which have already taken place, only gave the substance of what + he said, without going into details, and it was not thought + advisable to press the matter. Grabeau first gave an account of + the passage from Africa to Havana. On board the vessel there was + a large number of men, but the women and children were far the + most numerous. They were fastened together in couples by the + wrists and legs, and kept in that situation day and night. Here + Grabeau and another of the Africans named Kimbo, lay down upon + the floor, to show the painful position in which they were + obliged to sleep. By day it was no better. The space between + decks was so small,--according to their account not exceeding + four feet,--that they were obliged, if they attempted to stand, + to keep a crouching posture. The decks fore and aft were crowded + to overflowing. They suffered (Grabeau said) terribly. They had + rice enough to eat, but had very little to drink. If they left + any of the rice that was given to them uneaten, either from + sickness or any other cause, they were whipped. It was a common + thing for them to be forced to eat so much as to vomit. Many of + the men, women, and children died on the passage. + + "They were landed by night at a small village near Havana. Soon + several white men came to buy them, and among them was the one + claiming to be their master, whom they call Pipi, said to be a + Spanish nick-name for Jose. Pipi, or Ruiz, selected such as he + liked, and made them stand in a row. He then felt each of them + in every part of the body; made them open their mouths to see if + their teeth were sound, and carried the examinations to a degree + of minuteness of which only a slave dealer would be guilty. + + "When they were separated from their companions who had come + with them from Africa, there was weeping among the women and + children, but Grabeau did not weep, 'because he is a man.' + Kimbo, who sat by, said that he also shed no tears--but he + thought of his home in Africa, and of friends left there whom he + should never see again. + + "The men bought by Ruiz were taken on foot through Havana in the + night, and put on board a vessel. During the night they were + kept in irons, placed about the hands, feet and neck. They were + treated during the day in a somewhat milder manner, though all + the irons were never taken off at once. Their allowance of food + was very scant, and of water still more so. They were very + hungry, and suffered much in the hot days and nights from + thirst. In addition to this there was much whipping, and the + cook told them that when they reached land they would all be + eaten. This 'made their hearts burn.' To avoid being eaten, and + to escape the bad treatment they experienced, they rose upon the + crew with the design of returning to Africa. + + "Such is the substance of Grabeau's story, confirmed by Kimbo, + who was present most of the time. He says he likes the people of + this country, because, to use his own expression, 'they are good + people--they believe in God, and there is no slavery here.' + + "The story of Grabeau was then read and interpreted to Cinque, + while a number of the other Africans were standing about, and + confirmed by all of them in every particular. When the part + relating to the crowded state of the vessel from Africa to + Havana was read, Cinque added that there was scarcely room + enough to sit or lie down. Another showed the marks of the irons + on his wrists, which must at the time have been terribly + lacerated. On their separation at Havana, Cinque remarked that + almost all of them were in tears, and himself among the rest, + 'because they had come from the same country, and were now to be + parted for ever.' To the question, how it was possible for the + Africans when chained in the manner he described, to rise upon + the crew, he replied that the chain which connected the iron + collars about their necks was fastened at the end by a padlock, + and that this was first broken, and afterwards the other irons. + Their object, he said, in the affray, was to make themselves + free. He then requested it to be added to the above, that 'if he + tells a lie, God sees him by day and by night.'" + + +The interpreters alluded to in the preceding extract were two Africans +belonging to the crew of the British brig of war Buzzard, which +providentially arrived at New York, from a cruise on the coast of +Africa. They were found to speak the same language as the prisoners, and +with the consent of Captain Fitzgerald, their services were immediately +secured by the indefatigable committee for the African captives. By +their aid much information was elicited respecting the native country +and previous history of these negroes, with many incidental particulars +of great interest, some of which will appear in the following account. +The criminal proceedings against the Mendians being quashed, there +remained the claim of Ruiz and Montez to have the negroes returned to +them as their property. To sustain this claim they produced the license, +signed by the proper authorities at Havana, permitting the removal of +these negroes from that port to Principe, in the same island. This +document is signed by General Espelata, Captain-General of Cuba, and +countersigned by Martinez, one of the most extensive slave-traders in +the known world. This pass or license described the negroes as +_ladinos_, a term used to designate Africans who have been long settled +in Cuba. It was proved, however, that they were _Bozal_ negroes, that +is, such as had been very lately introduced, and the testimony on both +sides, on this point, established a fact that is but too notorious, that +the slave trade to Cuba is openly carried on with the connivance, and +even with the corrupt participation of the authorities. One of the +witnesses, D. Francis Bacon, gives the following account of the slave +trade:-- + + + "Mr. Bacon stated that he left the coast of Africa on the 13th + of July, 1839. He knew a place called Dumbokoro [Lomboko] by the + Spaniards: it was an island in the river or lagoon of Gallinas. + There is a large slave factory or depot at this place, which is + said to belong to the house of Martinez in Havana; there are + also different establishments on different islands. Mr. Bacon + stated that he had seen American, Russian, Spanish, and + Portuguese vessels at Gallinas. The American flag was a complete + shelter; no man-of-war daring to capture an American vessel. The + slave trade on that part of the coast is the universal business + of the country, and by far the most profitable, and all engaged + in it who could raise the means. Extensive wars take place in + Africa, for obtaining slaves from the vanquished. Different + towns and villages make war upon each other for this purpose. + Some are sold on account of their crimes, others for debts. The + slaves are all brought on to the coast by other blacks, and sold + at the slave factories, as no white man dare penetrate into the + interior. Some of the blacks who have been educated at Sierra + Leone, have been principal dealers in the slave trade." + + +The decision of the District Court of Connecticut on this question of +property, was to the effect that since their original introduction into +Cuba was plainly illegal, they were free by the law of Spain, and of +course could not be the property of Spanish subjects. + +The subsequent proceedings were undertaken on behalf of the United +States' Government. "The District Attorney, Mr. Holabird, filed his +claim under Lieut. Gedney's libel, on two distinct grounds; one that +these Africans had been claimed by the Government of Spain, and ought to +be retained till the pleasure of the Executive might be known, as to +that demand; and the other, that they should be held subject to the +disposition of the President, to be re-transported to Africa, under the +act of 1819." The Court finally decreed that the Africans should be +delivered to the President of the United States, to be transported to +Africa, there to be delivered to an agent appointed to receive and +conduct them home. Against this decision, though it is what he had asked +for, Holabird appealed on behalf of the United States' Government, and +through a protracted series of law proceedings, it was finally carried +before the Supreme Court of the United States, the highest tribunal in +the nation. The counsel employed on both sides, in the different stages, +were of the highest reputation; and finally the venerable John Quincy +Adams, after an absence from the Courts of nearly forty years, during +which interval he had filled the highest offices of state, at home and +abroad, in the service of his country, did not think it beneath him to +defend the Mendians before the Supreme Court, against the _conspiracies_ +of Forsyth, the Secretary of State, and the Spanish Ambassador. In his +first communication to the latter, Forsyth says: + + + "All the proceedings in the matter, on the part of both the + executive and judicial branches of the government, have had + their foundation in the assumption that Montez and Ruiz alone + were the parties aggrieved; and that their claim to the + surrender of the property was founded in fact and in justice." + + +The Spanish minister and his successor, complained bitterly, in the +course of a long correspondence, of the delay in giving up the Africans, +on the ground, as emphatically stated in one of their letters to the +Department of State, that "the public vengeance had not been satisfied; +for be it recollected that the legation of Spain does not demand the +delivery of slaves, but of assassins." In a previous communication it +was intimated that "the infliction of capital punishment in this case +(in the United States,) would not be attended with the salutary effects +had in view by the law, when it resorts to this painful and terrible +alternative, namely, to prevent the commission of similar offences." +Notwithstanding these dreadful intimations of the fate awaiting the +Africans in Cuba, the American Government deliberately adopted the +design of delivering them up, either as _property_ or as assassins. That +Government found willing agents in the United States' Marshal, and the +District Attorney of Connecticut. The following extracts from the +argument of John Quincy Adams, will explain these disgraceful +transactions: + + + "On the 7th of January, the Secretary of State writes to the + Secretary of the Navy, acknowledging the receipt of his letter + of the 3d, informing him that the schooner Grampus would receive + the negroes of the Amistad, 'for the purpose of conveying them + to Cuba, in the event of their delivery being adjudged by the + Circuit Court, before whom the case is pending.' This singular + blunder, in naming the Court, shows in what manner and with how + little care the Department of State allowed itself to conduct an + affair, involving no less than the liberties and lives of every + one of my clients. This letter enclosed the order of the + President to the Marshal of Connecticut for the delivery of the + negroes to Lieut. Paine. Although disposing of the lives of + forty human beings, it has not the form or solemnity of a + warrant, and is not even signed by the President in his official + capacity. It is a mere order. + + + "'The Marshal of the United States for the District of + Connecticut will deliver over to Lieut. John S. Paine, + of the United States Navy, and aid in conveying on board + the schooner Grampus, under his command, all the + negroes, late of the Spanish schooner Amistad, in his + custody, under process now pending before the Circuit + Court of the United States for the District of + Connecticut. For so doing, this order will be his + warrant. + + "'Given under my hand, at the city of Washington, this + 7th day of January, A.D. 1840. + + "'M. VAN BUREN. + + "'By the President: + + "'JOHN FORSYTH, Sec. of State.' + + + "That order is good for nothing at all. It did not even describe + the Court correctly, under whose protection those unfortunate + people were. And on the 11th of January, the District Attorney + had to send a special messenger, who came, it appears, all the + way to Washington in one day, to inform the Secretary that the + negroes were not holden under the order of the Circuit Court, + but of the District Court. And he says, 'Should the pretended + friends of the negroes'--the pretended friends!--'obtain a writ + of Habeas Corpus, the Marshal could not justify under that + warrant.' And he says, 'the Marshal wishes me to inquire'--a + most amiable and benevolent inquiry--'whether in the event of a + decree requiring him to release the negroes, or in case of an + appeal by the adverse party, it is expected the Executive + warrant will be executed'--that is, whether he is to carry the + negroes on board of the Grampus in the face of a decree of the + Court. And he requests instructions on the point." + + +On the 12th of January, the very next day after the letter of the +District Attorney was written at New Haven, the Secretary of State +replies in a despatch which is marked 'confidential.' + + + "'[CONFIDENTIAL.] + + "'DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Jan. 12,1840. + + "'SIR,--Your letter of the 11th inst. has just been received. + The order for the delivery of the negroes of the Amistad is + herewith returned, corrected agreeably to your suggestion. With + reference to the inquiry from the Marshal, to which you allude, + I have to state, by direction of the President, that if the + decision of the Court is such as is anticipated, the order of + the President is to be carried into execution, unless an appeal + shall actually have been interposed. YOU ARE NOT TO TAKE IT FOR + GRANTED THAT IT WILL BE INTERPOSED. And if, on the contrary, the + decision of the Court is different, you are to take out an + appeal, and allow things to remain as they are until the appeal + shall have been decided. + + I am, sir, your obedient servant + + "'JOHN FORSYTH. + + "'W.S. HOLABIRD, Esq., + + + "'_Attorney U.S. for District of Conn._' + + + "But after all the order did not avail. The District Judge, + contrary to all these anticipations of the Executive, decided + that the thirty-six negroes taken by Lieut. Gedney and brought + before the Court on the certificate of the Governor-General of + Cuba, were FREEMEN; that they had been kidnapped in Africa; that + they did not own these Spanish names; that they were not + _ladinos_; and were not correctly described in the passport, but + were new negroes bought by Ruiz in the depot of Havana, and + fully entitled to their liberty." + + +At a public meeting held subsequent to their liberation, the teacher of +the Africans made a statement as follows:--Their ruling passion was a +love for home; and their desire to return thither was constantly +manifesting itself. One day, a short time ago, Fohlee came to his +teacher, with his cap in his hand, and said, "If Merican men offer me as +much gold as fill this cap full up, and give me houses, land and every +ting, so dat I stay in dis country, I say no! Is dat like my father? Is +dat like my mother? Is dat like my sister? Is dat like my brother? No! I +want to see my father, my mother, my brother and sister." This feeling +manifested itself in many ways; and they expressed themselves willing to +undergo any thing short of losing their lives, if by so doing they could +be at liberty to return to the Mendi country. + +I now introduce the lively narrative of my friend Lewis Tappan: + + + "EXCURSION WITH THE AMISTAD AFRICANS. + + "_On board Steam Boat, L.I. Sound, Nov_. 15, 1841. + + "BROTHER LEAVITT:--As the committee had chartered a ship to take + the Mendians to Sierra Leone about the middle of this month, and + as the funds contributed by a benevolent public were about all + expended, it appeared necessary, in addition to an appeal + published in the newspapers, to take some prompt and efficient + measures to procure funds sufficient to pay for their outfit and + passages, and, if possible, something to sustain the + contemplated mission in Mendi. One of the committee being sick + and another absent, it devolved upon me to perform the + excursion. I was assisted essentially by Mr. Samuel Deming, one + of the committee at Farmington, and by Mr. William Raymond and + Mr. Needham. On arriving at Hartford, the third instant, I + learned that Mr. Deming had proceeded to Boston, accompanied by + ten of the Mendians, viz., Cinque, Banna, Si-si, Su-ma, Fu-li, + Ya-bo-i, So-ko-ma, Kin-na, Ka-li and Mar-gru. These were + selected not on account of being the best scholars, but with + reference to their being the best singers, although some of them + are among the best scholars. None of them, however, have had + instruction in music. Arriving in Boston, the city was, as I + anticipated, full of excitement, on account of the approaching + election,--a circumstance unknown to the committee at + Farmington, who had sent off the Mendians sooner than we had + calculated,--and it seemed almost impossible to procure a + suitable place in which to hold meetings, or to arrest the + attention of the people, as the whole--democrats, whigs and + abolitionists--had every nerve strained for the political + contest. However, preparation had been made for a meeting at the + Melodeon, late Lion Theatre, on Thursday evening. A few hundreds + assembled, and appeared to be highly gratified with the + performances. It seemed to them marvellous that these men and + children, who, less than three years since, were almost naked + savages in the interior of Africa, should, under the untoward + circumstances in which they have been placed for the largest + part of the time since they have been in a civilized and + Christian country, appear so far advanced in civilization and + knowledge. Only forty-six dollars were received, the proceeds of + tickets and a collection, but a strong desire was expressed that + there should be another meeting. + + "Saturday evening was the only evening we could have Marlboro' + Chapel, the largest church in the city. Preliminary to this + meeting, a private meeting of invited gentlemen was held during + the afternoon, at the Marlboro' Hotel, the Mendians being + present. The meeting was well attended and a good impression was + made. In the evening there was a large meeting in the Chapel; + Rev. Dr. Anderson opened it with prayer, concluding with the + Lord's prayer, each sentence being repeated in our language by + the Mendians. A statement was then made of their past and + present condition, of their good conduct, their proficiency, of + their ardent desire to return to Mendi, and the favorable + prospects of establishing a mission in their country. Three or + four of the best readers were then called upon to read a passage + in the New Testament. They then read and spelled a passage named + by the audience. One of the Africans next related, in 'Merica + language,' their condition in their own country, their being + kidnapped, the sufferings of the middle passage, their stay at + Havana, the transactions on board the Amistad, &c. The story was + intelligible to the audience, with occasional explanations. They + were next requested to sing two or three of their native songs. + The performance afforded great delight to the audience. As a + pleasing contrast, however, they sang immediately after, one of + the songs of Zion: + + "'When I can read my title clear + To mansions in. the skies, + I'll bid farewell to every fear, + And wipe my weeping eyes.' + + + "This produced a deep impression upon the audience; and while + these late pagans were singing so correctly and impressively a + hymn in a Christian church, many 'weeping eyes,' bore testimony + that the act and its associations touched a chord that vibrated + in many hearts. Cinque was then introduced to the audience, and + addressed them in his native tongue. It is impossible to + describe the novel and deeply interesting manner in which he + acquitted himself. The subject of his speech was similar to that + of his countryman who had addressed the audience in English, but + he related more minutely and graphically the occurrences on + board the Amistad. The easy manner of Cinque, his natural, + graceful and energetic action, the rapidity of his utterance, + and the remarkable and various expressions of his countenance, + excited the admiration and applause of the audience. He was + pronounced a powerful natural orator, and one born to sway the + minds of his fellow men. Should he be converted and become a + preacher of the cross in Africa, what delightful results may be + anticipated! + + "The amount of the statements made by Kin-na, Fu-li and Cinque, + and the facts in the case, are as follows:--These Mendians + belong to six different tribes, although their dialects are not + so dissimilar as to prevent them from conversing together very + readily. Most of them belong to a country which they call Mendi, + but which is known to geographers and travellers as Kos-sa, and + lies south-east of Sierra Leone; as we suppose, from sixty to + one hundred and twenty miles. With one or two exceptions, these + Mendians are not related to each other; nor did they know each + other until they met at the slave factory of Pedro Blanco, the + wholesale trafficker in men, at Lomboko, on the coast of Africa. + They were stolen separately, many of them by black men, some of + whom were accompanied by Spaniards, as they were going from one + village to another, or were at a distance from their abodes. The + whole came to Havana in the same ship, a Portuguese vessel named + Tecora, except the four children, whom they saw, for the first + time, on board the Amistad. It seems that they remained at + Lomboko several weeks, until six or seven hundred were + collected, when they were put in irons and placed in the hold of + a ship, which soon put to sea. Being chased by a British + cruiser, she returned, landed the cargo of human beings, and the + vessel was seized and taken to Sierra Leone for adjudication. + After some time, the Africans were put on board the Tecora. + After suffering the horrors of the middle passage, they arrived + at Havana. Here they were put into a barracoon, one of the + oblong enclosures, without a roof, where human beings are kept, + as they keep sheep and oxen near the cattle markets, in the + vicinity of our large cities, until purchasers are found, for + ten days, when they were sold to Jose Ruiz, and shipped on board + the Amistad, together with the three girls and a little boy who + came on board with Pedro Montez. The Amistad was a coaster, + bound to Principe, in Cuba, distant some two or three hundred + miles. The Africans were kept in chains and fetters, and were + supplied with but a small quantity of food or water. A single + banana, they say, was served out as food for a day or two, and + only a small cup of water for each daily. When any of them took + a little water from the cask, they were severely flogged. The + Spaniards took Antonio, the cabin-boy and slave to Captain + Ferrer, and stamped him on the shoulder with a hot iron; then + put powder, palm oil, &c. upon the wound, so that they 'could + know him for their slave.' The cook, a colored Spaniard, told + them that on their arrival at Principe, in three days, they + would have their throats cut, be chopped in pieces, and salted + down for meat for the Spaniards. He pointed to some barrels of + beef on the deck, then to an empty barrel, and by significant + gestures,--as the Mendians say, by 'talking with his + fingers,'--he made them understand that they were to be slain, + &c. At four o'clock that day, when they were called on deck to + eat, Cinque found a nail, which he secreted under his arm. In + the night they held a counsel as to what was best to be done. + 'We feel bad,' said Kin-na, 'and we ask Cinque what we had best + do. Cinque say, "Me think, and by and by I tell you."' He then + said, 'If we do nothing, we be killed. We may as well die in + trying to be free as to be killed and eaten.' Cinque afterwards + told them what he would do. With the aid of the nail and the + assistance of Grabeau, he freed himself from the irons on his + wrists and ancles, and from the chain on his neck. He then, with + his own hands, wrested the irons from the limbs and necks of his + countrymen. It is not in my power to give an adequate + description of Cinque when he showed how he did this and led his + comrades to the conflict and achieved their freedom. In my + younger years I saw Kemble and Siddons, and the representation + of Othello, at Covent Garden, but no acting that I ever + witnessed came near that to which I allude. When delivered from + their irons, the Mendians, with the exception of the children, + who were asleep, about four or five o'clock in the morning, + armed with cane-knives, some boxes of which they found in the + hold, leaped upon the deck. Cinque killed the cook. The captain + fought desperately. He inflicted wounds on two of the Africans, + who soon after died, and cut severely one or two of those who + now survive. Two sailors leaped over the side of the vessel. The + Mendians say 'they could not catch land--they must have swum to + the bottom of the sea,' but Ruiz and Montez supposed they + reached the island in a boat. Cinque now took command of the + vessel; placed Si-si at the helm; gave his people plenty to eat + and drink. Ruiz and Montez had fled to the hold. They were + dragged out, and Cinque ordered them to be put in irons. They + cried and begged not to be put in chains, but Cinque replied, + 'You say fetters good for negro--if good for negro good for + Spanish man too: you try them two days, and see how you feel.' + The Spaniards asked for water, and it was dealt out to them in + the same little cup with which they had dealt it out to the + Africans. They complained bitterly of being thirsty. Cinque + said, 'You say little water enough for nigger. If little water + do for him, a little do for you too.' Cinque said the Spaniards + cried a great deal; he felt very sorry; only meant to let them + see how good it was to be treated like the poor slaves. In two + days the irons were removed; and then, said Cinque, we give them + plenty water and food, and treat them very well. Kin-na stated + that as the water fell short, Cinque would not drink any, nor + allow any of the rest to drink any thing but salt water, but + dealt out daily a little to each of the four children, and the + same quantity to each of the two Spaniards! In a day or two Ruiz + and Montez wrote a letter, and told Cinque that when they spoke + a vessel, if he would give it to them, the people would take + them to Sierra Leone. Cinque took the letter and said, 'Very + well;' but afterwards told his brethren, 'We have no letter in + Mendi. I don't know what is in that letter--there may be death + in it. So we will take some iron and a string, bind them about + the letter, and send it to the bottom of the sea.' + + "When any vessel came in sight, the Spaniards were shut down in + the hold, and forbidden to come on deck on pain of death. One of + the Africans, who could talk a little English, answered + questions when they were hailed from other vessels. + + "It is unnecessary to narrate here subsequent facts, as they + have been published throughout the country. After Cinque's + address a collection was taken, and the services were concluded + by the Mendians singing Bishop Heber's missionary hymn: + + "'From Greenland's icy mountains.' + + "At the conclusion of the meeting some linen and cotton table + cloths and napkins, manufactured by the Africans, were + exhibited, and eagerly purchased of them by persons present, at + liberal prices. They are in the habit of purchasing linen and + cotton at the shops, unravelling the edges about six to ten + inches, and making, with their fingers, neat fringes, in + imitation, they say, of 'Mendi fashion.' Large numbers of the + audience advanced, and took Cinque and the rest by the hand. The + transactions of this meeting have thus been stated at length, + and the account will serve to show how the subsequent meetings + were conducted, as the services in other places were similar. + + "These Africans, while in prison, (which was the largest part of + the time they have been in this country) learned but little + comparatively, but since they have been liberated, they have + been anxious to learn, as they said 'it would be good for us in + our own country.' Many of them write well, read, spell and sing + well, and have attended to arithmetic. The younger ones have + made great progress in study. Most of them have much fondness + for arithmetic. They have also cultivated as a garden fifteen + acres of land, and have raised a large quantity of corn, + potatoes, onions, beets, et cet., which will be useful to them + at sea. In some places we visited, the audience were astonished + at the performance of Kali, who is only eleven years of age. He + would not only spell any word in either of the Gospels, but + spell sentences, without any mistake, such sentences as 'Blessed + are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth,' naming each + letter and syllable, and recapitulating as he went along, until + he pronounced the whole sentence. Two hundred and seven dollars + were received at this meeting. + + "'On Sabbath evening a meeting was attended in Rev. Mr. Beman's + Church, (colored.) It was impossible for all to gain + admittance--collected sixteen dollars and fifty-one cents. The + same evening a meeting was held at Elder N. Colver's. A very + warm interest was manifested by this congregation, and the sum + of ninety dollars was contributed. The next morning a + respectable mechanic, a member of this church, offered to go to + Mendi with his wife and child, to take up their permanent abode + there. On Monday we proceeded to Haverhill. It was a rainy day, + and town meeting was held at the same hour. The audience was + small, but a deep interest was felt, and fifty-six dollars + contributed. Rev. Charles Fitch opened the meeting with prayer. + The Mendians and their friends will long remember the + hospitality and generosity of their friends in this place. After + a stay of two hours, we proceeded to Lowell. The heavy rain + prevented a general attendance. Only thirty-one dollars was + collected, beside some private donations. Mr. John Levi, a + colored citizen, rendered important services to us, and several + of the clergymen and other inhabitants rendered efficient aid. + On Tuesday we went to Nashua, N.H., and remained two hours. + Owing to some untoward circumstances, the inhabitants generally + had not been notified of the meeting. A small number only + attended. The collection was twenty-seven dollars. In the + evening at Lowell, the large Methodist Church, St. Paul's, was + crowded, one thousand five hundred people being present, it was + said, and many hundreds unable to get admission. The meeting was + opened with an appropriate prayer by Rev. Luther Lee. In order + to give an opportunity to the audience to see and hear Cinque, + he was invited into the pulpit, where he made an energetic + address. One hundred and six dollars were collected. At the + close of the services, nearly the whole congregation came + forward and took the Mendians by the hand, with kind words and + many presents. The ministers of all denominations attended the + meeting, with many of the most respectable citizens. During the + day the Africans were invited to visit the 'Boott Corporation,' + and were conducted over the whole establishment (cotton mills,) + by the agent, Mr. French. As might be supposed, they were + astonished beyond measure. After inspecting the machinery, the + fabrics, and the great wheel, one of them turned to me and said, + 'Did man make this?' On receiving a reply, he said, 'He no live + now--he live a great while ago.' Afterwards they visited the + carpet factory, and expressed great delight at the beauty and + excellence of the carpets and rugs. Cinque wished to purchase a + miniature hearth rug, but the agent allowed him to select one of + the large and beautiful rugs to take to Mendi, which he + generously presented to him. The workmen here--chiefly + Englishmen--made a collection of fifty-eight dollars and fifty + cents on the spot, and presented it to the Mendi Fund. + + "In pursuance of previous arrangements, we turned aside, + Wednesday, November 12, to attend a meeting in the large South + Church in Andover, at 9 o'clock, A.M. The house was crowded in + every part. Dr. Edwards led in prayer, and Dr. Woods + interrogated some of the Mendians. After a stay of two hours we + returned to the cars, followed by a large multitude. Collected + eighty-four dollars. It was remarked at the meeting here, as in + other places, that the contemplated mission to Mendi was to be + an anti-slavery mission; that no money would be solicited or + received of slave holders; that the committee were not connected + with any other missionary associations, and would not assume a + hostile attitude towards any. A young gentleman here offered to + go to Mendi as a teacher. + + "In the afternoon a meeting was held in Boston, at the Marlboro' + Chapel. The scholars in the Sabbath and week-day schools had + been notified of it and attended in large numbers, together with + several respectable inhabitants of Boston and the neighboring + towns. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. W.B. Tappan. + The collection was one hundred and ten dollars. In the evening a + meeting was held at the Melodeon, and was attended by a large + number of persons. Collection one hundred and thirty-three + dollars. The next day, Thursday the 11th, we left for + Springfield. The meeting was held in the evening, at the Town + Hall, as some of the Parish committee objected to its being held + in the church, fearing it would desecrate the place. The Hall + was crowded, and many could not gain admittance. Dr. Osgood + opened the meeting with prayer, took several of the Mendians to + his own house, and manifested a deep interest on their behalf, + as did many of the other inhabitants. The Mendians were all + hospitably entertained in this place without expense. Some + 'fellows of the baser sort' insulted Kin-na and others as they + went to the Hall; and in the introduction of his speech, Kin-na + spoke of the treatment he had received. But there are many + warm-hearted and generous friends of the colored race in this + town. 'We said nothing to them,' said Kin-na; 'why did they + treat us so? What can we do? We are few and feeble. What can the + dog do when the lion attacks him; or what can be done when the + cat and the mouse come together!' Collection seventy-three + dollars. The Mendians were invited by Mr. Burleigh to see a + large picture exhibiting here--'The Descent of Christ from the + Cross,' copied from Rubens--and were highly gratified. + + "Here we received a cordial invitation from two of the ministers + of Northampton and several of their people to visit that place, + with the assurance that the First Church, the largest in the + county, should be opened for the Mendians. On the 12th we rode + to N. in the rain. Mount Tom and the Connecticut River were + pointed out to Cinque, who said, 'In my country we have very + great mountain--much bigger than that--and river about so wide, + but very deep.' The weather cleared away towards night, and the + church was nearly filled. Rev. Mr. Pennington, colored minister + of Hartford, opened the meeting with prayer. Collection + seventy-five dollars, in addition to seventeen dollars from the + Female Abolition Society; fifty-three dollars collected before + we arrived, and eighty-five contributed by 'a friend,' a short + time since. The reception here was warm-hearted. Mr. Warner, + keeper of the principal hotel in that place, furnished the + Mendians with one of his best rooms, seated them at the table + with his family and boarders, and, on being asked for his bill + the next day, he replied, 'There is nothing to pay!' The agents + of the Nashua and Andover rail roads also declined taking pay + for the passages of the Mendians. On Saturday, we rose at 3 + o'clock, P.M., and returned to Springfield. Here we took the + steam boat for Hartford. On arriving, application was made to + Mr. Colton, keeper of the Temperance Hotel, to accommodate the + Mendians. He demurred. Mr. Warner's noble treatment of them was + mentioned. Mr. C. said he could not place them at his table. He + was told that this was not insisted upon; that if he would + furnish me a room they could eat there, and sleep wherever it + was convenient to Mr. C. But he absolutely refused to entertain + them any how. As this house has been patronized by + abolitionists, they ought to know this fact. After remaining in + the cold on the wharf about an hour, the Mendians were received + and hospitably entertained by several families without charge. + + "On the Sabbath, November 14, they attended public worship in + Rev. Mr. Pennington's church. In the afternoon the church was + filled. An address was made by the writer, and the Mendians read + in the Testament and sang a hymn. Collection eight dollars. In + the evening a meeting was held in the Centre Church, Rev. Dr. + Hawes's. Notices were read in the other churches, and handbills + had been posted the previous day. The church, in every part, was + crowded, and large numbers were unable to obtain admittance. Dr. + Hawes opened the meeting with prayer. The services were of an + interesting character. Collection eighty dollars. Dr. Hawes + interrogated Kin-na. He said, 'The Mendi people believe in a + Great Spirit, although they do not worship him. They know they + have souls. We think,' said Kin-na, 'we make clothes. Dog can't + do this. He no soul, but we have.' He said on another occasion, + when asked if his people believed in a future state, 'The Mendi + people all Sadducees.' Kin-na said that they 'owe every thing to + God. He keep them alive, and give them free. When he go home to + Mendi, they tell their brethren about God, Jesus Christ, and + heaven.' Fu-li, on a former evening, being asked, 'What is + faith?' replied, 'Believing in Jesus Christ, and trusting in + him.' Their answers to questions show that they have read and + that they understand the Scriptures, and hopes are entertained + that one or two at least know experimentally the value of + religion. The fact that there is no system of idolatry in Mendi + for missionaries to oppose and the natives technically to adhere + to, is an encouraging fact with regard to the contemplated + mission. Another pleasing and remarkable fact exists: labor is + suspended every seventh day, and has been from time immemorial. + They do not engage in any religious services, but dress in their + best apparel, feast on that day,--as some do here,--visit, &c. + This day, 15th, Rev. Mr. Gallaudet and Mr. Brigham have invited + the Mendians to visit the Deaf and Dumb Asylum and the Insane + Institution. On a person's giving, by signs, the deaf and dumb + alphabet to Mar-gru, one of the girls, she, in a few minutes, + repeated nearly the whole. They told Mr. Brigham that there were + insane people and idiots in Mendi, and described their actions + and the treatment of them. Two of the Mendians will be detained + as witnesses in Hartford this day, in a cause appealed from a + lower court. Some of the Mendians were grossly assaulted at + Farmington some time since, on a training day; and those who + committed the assault and battery were convicted and fined. An + appeal was taken. When thus assailed, the Mendians, as usual, + exhibited their peaceful disposition, and said, 'We no fight.' + On Wednesday there is to be a large fare meeting at + Farmington--on which occasion Dr. Hawes is to preach. In a few + days the Mendians will embark from New York. May the Lord + preserve them, and carry them safely to their native land, to + their kindred and homes. Su-ma, the eldest, has a wife and five + children. Cinque has a wife and three children. They all have + parents or wives, or brothers and sisters. What a meeting it + will be with these relations and friends, when they are descried + on the hills of Mendi! We were invited to visit other places, + but time did not allow of longer absence. I must not forget to + mention that the whole band of these Mendi are teetotallers. At + a tavern where we stopped, Ban-na took me aside, and with a + sorrowful countenance, said, 'This bad house--bar house--no + good.' But the steam boat is at the wharf, and I must close. The + collections in money, on this excursion of twelve days, is about + one thousand dollars, after deducting travelling expenses. More + money is needed to defray the expenses of the Mendians to their + native land, and to sustain their religious teachers. Very truly + yours, + + "LEWIS TAPPAN." + + +But to conclude the narrative of these interesting Africans. After all +the trickery on the part of the U.S. government, it was finally decreed +by the Supreme Court, that the Mendians were free persons, and might go +whither they pleased. They were unanimous for returning to their native +country. The Mendian negroes, thirty-five in number, embarked from New +York for Sierra Leone, on the 27th of the 11th month, (November,) 1841, +on board the barque Gentleman, Captain Morris, accompanied by five +missionaries and teachers. The British government has manifested a +praiseworthy interest in their welfare, and will assist them to reach +their own country from Sierra Leone. Their stay in the United States has +been of immense service to the anti-slavery cause, and there is reason +to hope that under their auspices, Christianity and civilization may be +introduced into their native country. + + +APPENDIX F. P. 76. + + +EXTRACT FROM AN ESSAY BY WILLIAM JAY, "_On the Folly and Evils of War, +and the Means of Preserving Peace._" + + + + "But, after all that can be said against war, and after the + fullest admission of its folly, cruelty, and wickedness, still + the question recurs, how can it be prevented? It would be an + impeachment of the Divine economy to suppose that an evil so + dreadful was inseparably and inevitably connected with human + society. We are informed, by Divine authority, that wars proceed + from our lusts; but our lusts, although natural to us, are not + invincible. He who admits the free agency of man, will not + readily allow that either individuals or nations are compelled + to do evil. The universal prevalence of Christian principles + must, of necessity, exterminate wars; and hence we are informed, + by revelation, that when righteousness shall cover the earth, + 'the nations shall learn war no more.' + + "And are we to wait, it will be inquired, till this distant and + uncertain period for the extinction of war? We answer, that + revelation affords us no ground to expect that all mankind will + previously be governed by the precepts of justice and humanity; + but that experience, reason, and revelation, all unite in + leading us to believe that the regeneration of the world will be + a gradual and progressive work. Civilization and Christianity + are diffusing their influence throughout the globe, mitigating + the sufferings and multiplying the enjoyments of the human + family. Free institutions are taking the place of feudal + oppressions--education is pouring its light on minds hitherto + enveloped in all the darkness of ignorance--the whole system of + slavery, both personal and political, is undermined by public + opinion, and must soon be prostrated; and the signs of the times + assure us that the enormous mass of crime and wretchedness, + which is the fruit of drunkenness, will, at no very remote + period, disappear from the earth. + + "And can it be possible, that, of all the evils under which + humanity groans, war is the only one which religion and + civilization, and the active philanthropy of the present day, + can neither remove nor mitigate? Such an opinion, if general, + would be most disastrous to the world, and it will now be our + endeavor to prove that it is utterly groundless. * * + * * + + "We have often seen extensive national alliances for the + prosecution of war, and no sufficient reason can be assigned why + such alliances might not be formed for the preservation of + peace. It is obvious that war might instantly be banished from + Europe, would its nations regard themselves as members of one + great Society, and erect a court for the trial and decision of + their respective differences. + + "But we are told that such an agreement among the nations is + impossible. It is unquestionably so at present, for the obvious + reason, that time is necessary to enlighten and direct public + opinion, and produce a general acquiescence in the plan, as well + as to arrange the various stipulations and guaranties that would + be requisite. It is certainly not surprising, that those who + suppose a congress of nations for the maintenance of peace, can + only be brought about by a simultaneous movement of the various + states and kingdoms of the earth, who are to continue to battle + with each other till the signal is given for universal peace and + harmony, should be startled at the boldness and absurdity of the + project. But this boldness and absurdity belong not to the + project we advocate. We have no expectation whatever of any + general, much less simultaneous effort of mankind in behalf of + peace. A congress for the decision of national differences, + instead of arising in the midst of the present military policy + of Europe, must be preceded by an extensive, although partial + abandonment of war, and will be the _effect_ and not the cause + of the general diffusion of pacific sentiments. + + "Hence it is in vain to look for a sudden and universal + cessation of war, even among civilized and Christian nations. + But reason and experience warrant the hope that some one State + may be led to adopt a pacific policy, and thus set an example + which through the blessing of Providence, and the prevalence of + Christian principles, may usher in the reign of universal peace. + + "But by whom, and in what way it will be asked, is this example + to be set? It may be a feeling of national vanity, and it may be + a reference to the peculiarities of our local, social, and + political condition, that inspires the hope, that to the United + States is to be reserved the glory of teaching to mankind the + blessings of peace, and the means of preserving them. * + * + + "But in _what way_ are we to make the experiment? Certainly in + the way least likely to excite alarm and opposition. In every + effort to promote the temporal or spiritual welfare of others, + we should consider things as they really are, and not merely as + they ought to be, and we should consult expediency as far as we + can do so, without compromising principle. * * * + + "Of all the nations with whom we have relations, none probably + enjoy in an equal degree our good will, as France. No spirit of + rivalry in commerce or manufactures exists between us, no + adjacent territory furnishes occasion for border aggressions and + mutual criminations, while our past relations afford subjects of + pleasing and grateful recollection, and at present we see no + prospect of the interruption of that harmony which has so long + subsisted between the two nations. + + "Let us suppose that under these propitious circumstances, a + convention should now be concluded between the two governments, + by which it should be agreed, that if unhappily any difference + should hereafter arise between us, that could not be adjusted by + negociation, neither party should resort to arms, but that they + should agree on some friendly power, to whom the matter in + difference should be referred, and whose decision should be + final; or that if it should so happen that the parties could not + concur in selecting an umpire, that then each party should + select a friendly power, and that the sovereigns or states thus + selected, should, if necessary, call to their aid the assistance + of a third. + + "To what well founded objections would such a treaty be subject? + It is true that treaties of this kind have been of rare + occurrence, but all experience is in their favor. Vattel remarks + (Law of Nations, book II., chap. 18,) 'Arbitration is a method + very reasonable, very conformable to the law of nature, in + determining differences that do not directly interest the safety + of the nation. Though the strict right may be mistaken by the + arbitrator, _it is still more to be feared that it will be + overwhelmed by the fate of arms_. The Swiss have had the + precaution in all their alliances among themselves, and even in + those they have contracted with the neighboring powers, to agree + beforehand on the manner in which their disputes were to be + submitted to arbitrators, in case they could not adjust them in + an amicable manner. _This wise precaution has not a little + contributed to maintain the Helvetic Republic in that + flourishing state which secures its liberty, and renders it + respectable throughout Europe_.' + + "But it may be said, a nation ought not to permit others to + decide on her rights and claims. Why not? Will the decision be + less consistent with justice, from being impartial and + disinterested? It is a maxim confirmed by universal experience, + that no man should be judge in his own cause; and are nations + less under the influence of interest and of passion than + individuals? Are they not, in fact, still less under the control + of moral obligation? Treaties have often been violated by + statesmen and senators, who would have shrunk from being equally + faithless in their private contracts. Is it to be supposed that + the government of a friendly power, in a controversy between us + and France, in which it had no interest, and with the + observation of the civilized world directed to its decision, + would be less likely to pronounce a fair and impartial judgment + than either France or ourselves? + + "But we can decide our own controversies for ourselves, it is + said; that is, we can go to war and take our chance for the + result. Alas, 'it is an error,' says Vattel, 'no less absurd + than pernicious, to say that war is to _decide_ controversies + between those who, as in the case of nations, acknowledge no + judge. It is _power_ or _prudence_ rather than right that + victory usually declares for.'--Book III. Chap. 3. + + "The United States chose to decide for themselves the + controversy about impressment, by appealing to the sword. In + this appeal they of course placed no reliance on the propriety + and justice of their claims, since such considerations could + have no influence on the fate of battle; but they depended + solely on their capacity to inflict more injury than they would + receive themselves, and this difference in the amount of injury + was to turn the scale in our favor. Our expectations, however, + were disappointed. Our commerce was annihilated, our frontier + towns were laid in ashes, our capital taken, our attempts upon + Canada were repulsed, with loss and disgrace; our people became + burthened with taxes, and we were at last glad to accept a + treaty of peace which, instead of containing, as we had fondly + hoped, a formal surrender on the part of Great Britain of the + right of impressment, made not the slightest allusion to the + subject. + + "Let us now suppose that a treaty similar to the one we have + proposed with France had, in 1812, existed between Great Britain + and the United States; the question of impressment would then + have been submitted to one or more friendly powers. + + "It is scarcely possible that the umpires could have given any + decision of this question that would have been as injurious to + either party as was the prosecution of the war. Had the claims + of Great Britain been sanctioned, some American seamen would, no + doubt, have been occasionally compelled to serve in the British + navy; but how very small would have been their number compared + with the thousands who perished in the war; and how utterly + insignificant would have been their sufferings resulting from + serving on board a British instead of an American vessel, when + weighed against the burdens, the slaughters, the conflagrations, + inflicted on their country in the contest? If, on the other + hand, the decision had been in our favor, Great Britain would + have lost a few seamen from her navy, but she would have saved + the lives of a far greater number, and she would have been + spared an amount of treasure which would have commanded the + services of ten times as many sailors as she could ever hope to + recover by impressment. + + "It is not, however, probable, that the umpires, anxious to do + right, and having no motive to do wrong, would have sanctioned, + without qualification, the claims of either party. + + "We can scarcely anticipate any future national difference which + it would not be more prudent and expedient to submit to + arbitration than to the chance of war. However just may be our + cause, however united our people, we cannot foresee the issue of + the contest, nor tell what new enemies we may be called to + encounter, what sacrifices to bear, what concessions to make. + + "We have already partially commenced the experiment of + arbitrament, by referring no less than three of our disputes to + the determination of as many friendly powers. A difference as to + the meaning of an article, in our last treaty of peace with + Great Britain, was referred to the Emperor of Russia, who + decided it in our favor. The question of our northern boundary + was referred to the King of the Netherlands; and although the + line he assigned was not the one claimed by either party, it was + vastly less injurious to each, than would have been one month's + hostility on account of it. Our disputes with Mexico were + verging rapidly to open war, when they were happily submitted to + the King of Prussia, and are now in the course of satisfactory + adjustment. + + "A treaty with France of the character proposed, would greatly + increase our importance in the estimation of all Europe--as it + would permanently secure us from her hostility. It would be seen + and felt, that whatever other nation might enter into collision + with us, it could not expect the aid of France, but that under + all circumstances we should enjoy the friendship and commerce of + our ancient ally. These considerations would not be without + their influence on England. She has colonies near us which we + may capture, or essentially injure, and which cannot be defended + by her, but at very inconvenient expense. A war with us must + ever be undesired by her, for the obvious reason that in such a + contest she has little to gain and much to lose. Our treaty also + with France would deprive England of the aid of the only nation + that could afford her effectual assistance in a war against us. + She would therefore, find it her interest to avail herself of a + similar treaty, and thus to secure herself from hostilities + which on many accounts she must wish to avoid. Once assured by + such treaties of permanent peace with France and England, we + should find our alliance courted by the other powers of Europe, + who would not readily consent that those two nations should have + exclusively the uninterrupted enjoyment of our great and growing + commerce. They would think it a matter of prudence also, to + avoid the risk of collision with a powerful republic, that had + already secured the permanent friendship of France and England; + and they would hasten to contract similar treaties. Under such + circumstances, every consideration of policy would prompt our + South American neighbors to desire that their amicable relations + with us might remain uninterrupted; and to them we might offer + the same stipulations with full confidence of their cordial + acceptance. + + "And will it be said that all this is visionary and impossible? + The plan we propose rests on no supposed reformation in the + passions and propensities of mankind; but upon obvious + principles of national interest, deduced from reason and + experience, and susceptible of the plainest demonstration. It is + a plan adapted to the existing state of civilized society, and + accommodated to the passions and prejudices by which that + society is influenced. It is indeed perfectly consistent with + the precepts of Christianity, but it is also in accordance with + the selfish dictates of worldly policy. + + "To this plan we can imagine only one plausible objection, which + is, that the treaties would not be observed. It is readily + admitted that if the only guaranty for the faithful observance + of these treaties consisted in the virtue and integrity of those + who signed them, the confidence to be reposed in them would be + faint indeed. Happily, however, we have a far stronger guaranty + in national interest and in public opinion. * * * + + "Dismissing then all idle fears that these treaties, honestly + contracted and obviously conducive to the highest interests of + the parties, would not be observed, let us contemplate the rich + and splendid blessings they would confer on our country. + Protected from hostile violence and invasion by a moral defence, + more powerful than armies and navies, we might indeed beat our + swords into ploughshares and our spears into pruning hooks. The + millions now expended in our military establishments could be + applied to objects directly ministering to human convenience and + happiness. Our whole militia system, with its long train of + vices and its vexatious interruptions of labor, would be swept + away. The arts of peace would alone be cultivated, and would + yield comforts and enjoyments in a profusion and perfection of + which mankind have witnessed no example. In the expressive + language of Scripture, our citizens would each 'sit under his + own vine and under his own fig tree, with none to make him + afraid,' and our peaceful and happy republic would be the praise + and glory of all lands. * * * * * + + "It is impossible that a scene so bright and lovely should not + attract the admiration and attention of the world. The extension + of education in Europe, and the growing freedom of her + institutions, are leading her population to think, and to + express their thoughts. The governments of the eastern + continent, whatever may be their form, are daily becoming more + and more sensitive to public opinion. The people already restive + under their burdens, would soon discover that those burdens + would be greatly diminished by the adoption of the American + policy. Before long, some state would commence the experiment on + a small scale, and its example would be followed by others. In + time these conventions would give way to more extended pacific + alliances, and a greater number of umpires would be selected; + nor is it the vain hope of idle credulity, that at last a union + might be formed, embracing every Christian nation, for + guarantying the peace of Christendom, by establishing a tribunal + for the adjustment of national differences, and by preventing + all forcible resistance to its decrees. + + "It is unnecessary to discuss, at this time, the character and + powers with which such a tribunal should be invested. Whenever + it shall be desired, little difficulty will be experienced in + devising for it a satisfactory organization; that it is possible + to form such a court, and that next to Christianity it would be + the richest gift ever bestowed by Heaven upon our suffering + world, will be doubted by few who have patiently and candidly + investigated the subject. + + "But many who admit the advantages and practicability of the + plan we have proposed, will be tempted to despair of success, by + the apparent difficulty of inducing an effort for its + accomplishment. Similar difficulties, however, have been + experienced and overcome. The abolition of the slave trade, and + the suppression of intemperance were once as apparently hopeless + as the cessation of war. Let us again recur for instruction and + encouragement to the course pursued by the friends of freedom + and temperance. Had the British abolitionists employed + themselves in addressing memorials to the various courts of + Europe, soliciting them to unite in a general agreement to + abandon the traffic, they would unquestionably have labored in + vain, and spent their strength for nought. They adopted another + and a wiser course. They labored to awaken the consciences of + their own countrymen, and to persuade them to do justice and to + love mercy; and thus to set an example to the rest of Europe, + infinitely more efficacious than all the arguments and + remonstrances which reason and eloquence could dictate. + + "In vain might moralists and philanthropists have declaimed for + ages on the evils of drunkenness, had no temperance society been + formed till all mankind were ready to adopt a pledge of total + abstinence. The authors of the temperance reformation did not + lavish their strength and resources in attempting to convince + the world of the blessings of temperance, but forming themselves + into a temperance society, gave a visible and tangible proof + that the principle they recommended was not merely expedient but + practicable. And surely if we desire to persuade mankind that + war is an unnecessary evil, it is indispensable that we should + be able to point them to some instance in which it has been + safely dispensed with; nor can we hope to effect a change in the + opinion of Europe, while our own people remain unaffected by our + assertions and arguments. + + "Here then must be the field of our labors; and let those labors + be quickened by the reflection, that while they are aimed at the + happiness of the human race, they are calculated to confer on + our beloved country a moral sublimity which no worldly glory can + approach. + + "But what are the means we shall use? The same by which the + commerce in human beings was destroyed, and which are now + driving intemperance from the earth--_voluntary associations and + the press_. + + "Let the friends of peace concentrate their exertions in Peace + Societies; and let the press proclaim throughout our land, in + all its length and breadth, the folly, the wickedness, and the + horrors of war; and call on our rulers to provide for the + amicable adjustment of national differences. In the first treaty + that shall be formed for this purpose we shall behold the dawn + of that glorious day, the theme of prophets and the aspirations + of saints, when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, + neither shall they learn war any more. + + "The present age is propitious to the enterprise. It is an age + of energy and of freedom. All the powers of mind are in full + activity, and every eye and every ear is open to the reception + of new truths. Science and philanthropy are daily achieving + triumphs which the past century dared not imagine. The world is + no longer governed by princes and senates, but by public + opinion, and at the fiat of this mighty potentate, ancient + institutions are levelled in the dust. Let this despot wield + only a delegated authority, and each individual, however humble, + can enhance or diminish his power. Who, then, will refuse to + lend his assistance to enable public opinion to say to the + troubled nations, 'peace--be still;' and to compel the rulers of + the earth to refer their disputes to another tribunal than the + sword. + + "In this cause every man can labor, and it is a cause in which + every man is called to labor, by interest and by duty. But it is + a cause that peculiarly claims the zeal and devotion of + Christians. They are the servants of Him who is not only the + mighty God and the everlasting Father, but the Prince of Peace. + They know that war is opposed to all his attributes, and + contradicts the precepts of his word. Conscience gives her + sanction to the means we have proposed, and prophecy assures us + of the accomplishment of the object to which they are directed. + Why, then, will not Christians use the talents and influence + given them from above to effect this consummation? Let them not + plead, in excuse for listlessness and indifference, that it is + God alone who 'maketh wars to cease to the end of the earth.' In + the moral government of the world, the purposes of its Almighty + Ruler are accomplished by his blessing upon human means. He has + promised that righteousness shall cover the whole earth; and in + reliance on this promise, his servants are now bearing the + everlasting Gospel to every nation and kindred, and tongue and + people. He has also promised that nations shall learn war no + more, and in his faithfulness we have all the incentive which + certainty of ultimate success can give to human exertion. And in + what cause can the energies of Christian benevolence be more + appropriately exercised? To prevent war is to avoid the effusion + of human blood, and the commission of innumerable crimes and + atrocities;--it is to diffuse peace, and comfort, and happiness, + through the great family of man,--it is to foster the arts and + sciences which minister to the wants of society,--it is to check + the progress of vice,--to speed the advance of the gospel,--to + rescue immortal souls from endless misery,--and to secure to + them a felicity as durable as it is inconceivable. + + "To him who in faith and zeal labors in this great and holy + cause a rich reward is secured. While doing good to others, he + is himself a sharer in the blessing he bestows. The very + exercise of his benevolent affections affords a pure and + exquisite delight, and when he enters the world of peace and + love, he shall experience the full import of those cheering, but + mysterious words--Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall + be called the children of God."' + + + +APPENDIX G. P. 89. + + +OPIUM WAR WITH CHINA. + + +"TO THE CHRISTIAN PUBLIC OF GREAT BRITAIN. + +"In again appealing to you in reference to the opium war in China, I +will begin by quoting the following extracts from a letter which I +addressed to you on the 19th of the Third Month, 1840. + + + "'It is now too notorious to render needful entering at large + into the subject, that the guilty traffic in opium, grown by the + East India Company, to be smuggled into China, at length + compelled the Chinese Government to vindicate the laws of the + Empire, which prohibit its introduction, and to take decisive + measures for the suppression of the traffic, by the arrest of + the parties concerned in it at Canton, and the seizure and + destruction of the opium found in the Chinese waters.[A] It is + also well known that the superintendent of the British trade, + (Capt. Elliott) so far compromised his official character and + duty, as to take under his protection one of the most extensive + opium smugglers, and thus rendered himself justly liable to the + penalties to which they were obnoxious; and at the same time + gave, as far as was in his power, the sanction of the British + nation to this unrighteous violation of the Chinese laws. + + [Footnote A: "See 'Thelwall's Iniquities of the Opium Trade,' + and 'King's Opium Crisis,'"] + + "'The following fact is, however, not so generally known. An + individual,[B] now in this country, who has acquired immense + wealth by this unlawful trade, has been in communication with + the Government, and his advice, it is presumed, has in no small + degree influenced the measures they have adopted; though a + leading partner in a firm to which a large proportion of the + opium that was destroyed belonged; and at the very time he was + claiming compensation, or urging a war with China, his house in + India was sending armed vessels loaded with opium, along the + coast of China, and selling it in open defiance of the laws of + that Empire. This information, with the names of the vessels and + the parties concerned, the number of chests of opium on board, + the enormous profits they were realizing, et cet., was some time + ago communicated to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, + on authority which he did not and could not dispute.' + + [Footnote B: "This individual is in the new House of Commons, + professedly as a reformer, and represents a borough which + formerly sent to that House one of its most upright members, who + has now retired from public life.] + + "On the 7th of April, Sir James Graham brought forward a motion + in the House of Commons, in reference to this subject, but in a + manner which gave it so much of a party character, that our + cruel injustice to the Chinese, and the disgraceful conduct of + our Government in attacking them, was lost sight of by many, + whose professed principles ought to have made them foremost in + condemning these proceedings. The Whig Ministry having intimated + they would resign if Sir J. Graham carried his motion, every + other consideration was forgotten in anxiety lest a political + party should be injured or lose office. + + "This feeling not only pervaded the supporters of the Government + in the House of Commons, but also extended to many leading + religious professors of various denominations; and thus no + public feeling sufficiently strong could be raised to counteract + in Downing-street, the combined and powerful influence of the + East India Company and the wealthy opium smugglers; though + public meetings were held in London and many places in the + country, and petitions forwarded justly deprecating this war, as + one of almost unparalleled iniquity. At the meeting in the + metropolis, which was held at Freemason's Hall, and at which the + Earl of Stanhope presided, the following resolutions were + passed:-- + + + "'1. That this meeting, whilst it most distinctly + disavows any party or political objects, and deprecates + most strongly any such construction being put upon its + efforts, deeply laments that the moral and religious + feeling of the country should be outraged--the character + of Christianity disgraced in the eyes of the world--and + this kingdom involved in war with upwards of three + hundred and fifty millions of people, in consequence of + British subjects introducing Opium into China, in direct + and known violation of the laws of that Empire. + + "'2. That, although the Chinese have not been heard in + their defence, the statements adduced by the advocates + of the war, clearly establish the fact, that the East + India Company, the growers of and traffickers in opium, + and British subjects who received the protection of the + laws of China, have been, throughout, the wrong doers; + therefore this meeting (without reference to the + conviction of many, that all war is opposed to the + spirit and precepts of the gospel,) holds it to be the + bounden duty of the government immediately to effect an + equitable and pacific settlement of the existing + differences with China. + + "'3. That all traffic in opium with the Chinese being + contraband, the opium which was surrendered to their + government was justly confiscated; and that to demand + payment from the Chinese, to make reprisals upon them, + or, for this country to give compensation to the British + merchants thus engaged in smuggling, would be to + sanction and even grant a premium on crime. + + "'4. That the petition now read be adopted by this + meeting, and presented to both Houses of Parliament; and + that the Right Honorable Earl Stanhope be requested to + present the same to the House of Lords, and Lord Sandon + to the House of Commons. + + "'5. That the resolutions of this meeting be published + at the discretion of the Committee; and that a copy of + them in the Chinese language be transmitted, through the + High Commissioner Lin, to the Emperor of China.' + + + "Since this period, I have been in company with several + Englishmen who were at Canton at the time of the seizure of the + opium; and though some of them were concerned in the trade + themselves, and were naturally biassed in favor of their own + country, they all agreed in condemning the proceedings of the + English. I have recently spent some time in the United States, + whose intercourse with China is extensive and frequent, and + where the merits of this case are clearly understood by many of + the most intelligent and candid-minded citizens; and these, + without any exception, considered the acts of the British + government in this matter as some of the most flagrant that ever + disgraced a civilized, much less a Christian people. + + "On my return to this country I found a new administration + entering upon office; the members of which have, for the most + part, condemned the conduct of their predecessors in relation to + this war; and I again, therefore, venture to appeal to the + _Christian_ public of my country that they may, without delay, + forward petitions, or memorials, strongly urging a reference of + the existing differences with China to commissioners mutually + appointed, who shall be authorized to adjust them, and also to + determine upon the best means of entirely suppressing the guilty + traffic in opium. The present government are not yet committed + to this cruel war; and may no difference of political views + deter you from the faithful discharge of this Christian duty! + Even should you not succeed in inducing our rulers to adopt this + course, or the overtures of this country be rejected by the + Chinese, you will have satisfaction in having made the attempt. + + "One-third of the human race are now receiving their impressions + of the Christian religion, by its professors waging a murderous + war to compel them to make restitution to the contraband opium + dealers, for the destruction of this deadly poison, which + continues to be grown by the East India Company, and poured into + China in defiance of all laws, human and divine. Besides the + loss of life sustained by the Chinese, and the fearful mortality + amongst the British troops, from the unhealthiness of the + climate, it is probable that little short of ten millions + sterling has already been expended in naval and military + armaments, and the enhanced price of tea and sugar,[A] in the + monstrous attempt to force the Chinese to pay about two millions + to those opium smugglers. All this, be it remembered, is added + to the burdens upon the industry of our own oppressed + population. + + [Footnote A: It is well known that the high rate of freights + from Calcutta, in consequence of the shipping required for the + Chinese expedition, greatly contributed to the late extravagant + price of sugar.] + + "Earnestly desiring that you may be induced to discharge your + duty as Christians, and whatever may be the result, acquit + yourselves of your share of the national guilt, I conclude with + the words of a friend: 'For my own part, I think the present + distress of the nation may be the retributive chastisement of + our recent atrocious war in China and the East. * * + * All history, and the daily march of events, demonstrate + the perpetual retributive interference of an overruling + providence. Yet this doctrine, proclaimed as loudly by + experience as by revelation, and as legibly written on the page + of history as in the Bible, appears to have not the smallest + practical influence on the most enlightened statesmen, and the + most Christian and enlightened nation in the world.' + + "Very respectfully, + + "JOSEPH STURGE. + + "_Birmingham, 9th Month 30th_, 1841." + + "_10th Month 9th_, 1841. + + "Since writing the foregoing, the intelligence has arrived that + Canton has been seized; that 'Gen. Sir Hugh Gough calculates the + loss of the Chinese, in the different attacks, at one thousand + killed and three thousand wounded;' that the British have + extracted six millions of dollars as a ransom for evacuating the + city, which the Chinese call 'opium compensation;' and it is but + too evident that the work of the wholesale murder of this + unoffending people has but begun, for Capt. Elliot, who appears + to have been too tender of shedding human blood to please his + employers, is recalled, and is succeeded by Sir H. Pottenger, + who, it is reported, has instructions from Lord Palmerston to + demand _fifteen millions_ of dollars for the opium smugglers, + and the whole of the expenses of the war, and to secure the + right to the British of planting armed factories in the + different Chinese ports. + + "Shall history record that no voice was raised by the Christians + of Britain against the employment of their money, and that of + their starving countrymen, in deeds like these!!" + + + +APPENDIX H. P. 119. + + + +LETTER OF A.L. PENNOCK. + + +The following letter was addressed by Abraham L. Pennock, conveying his +resignation of the office of Vice President of the American Anti-Slavery +Society, (old organization,) after the occurrence of the painful +divisions in the anti-slavery body, which have been already noticed. +This letter is written in an excellent spirit, and clearly developes the +cause of the separation. + + + "TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY + SOCIETY. + + "Other reasons than those which will be presented in this + letter, made it desirable to me to be released from any official + connection with the Anti-Slavery Society. I thought those + reasons so well known to some of the delegates from the + Pennsylvania Society, and withal they were deemed by me of so + much value, that I felt both surprise and regret at + understanding that my name was continued as one of the vice + presidents of the Parent Society. Thus saying, I am, + nevertheless, bound to express my indebtedness for the kind + feeling toward me, and confidence in my love for the slave, + which, doubtless, induced the appointment. + + "By an accident to my anti-slavery newspapers, I have just + received the proceedings of the society at the above meeting. I + am sorry to find in them superadded reasons for regret at my + appointment, as that appointment seems to place me in the false + position of appearing to be in favor of its leading measures; + some of which, denunciatory of co-laborers in the abolition + cause, have not my unity. + + "In the heavy responsibilities of the former Executive + Committee, I find a sufficient reason for their transfer of the + 'Emancipator' and other property for which they stood personally + engaged; and I therefore cannot join in affirming such transfer + to be 'a flagrant breach of trust;' and their answer in + justification of their course, 'an attempt to defend which + betrays an utter disregard of the rights of abolitionists.' + + "Believing in the intellectual equality of the sexes, I go fully + for women's rights and duties. They possess a moral force of + immense power, which they are bound to exert for the good of + mankind; including emphatically so, those who are in the + hopeless and most wretched condition of slaves. The belief of + the value of female co-operation is common to the anti-slavery + community; and the only question regarding it which has arisen, + is, whether it shall be exerted in societies and conventions of + women, or in societies and conventions of men and women, + irrespective of sex. The question is of recent date, not even + coeval with the modern anti-slavery enterprise; and the + practice, at the origination of this enterprise, that of + separate action. We can all bear testimony to the powerful + impression upon the public mind, made by women, acting singly or + in societies and conventions, before it was thought of merging + their influence in a joint stock community with their brethren. + Where can we find an anti-slavery organization more potential, + and so dignified, as was the convention of American women? Is it + therefore surprising that the question has not been conclusively + settled by American abolitionists, that women ought to act + identically on the same platform and in the same society with + men; and that the practice, founded on this plan, still remains + measurably local, and, by many conforming to it, is deemed + experimental? + + "In convening a World's Convention, no innovation upon the + general social usages was contemplated by our brethren in + England who called it. The convention was meant to be a + convention of men; and what was deficient of explicitness in the + first notice was amply made up in the reiteration of the call. + It was fully known before the appointment of delegates by the + American Anti-Slavery Society that the intention of the + committee of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society was + such as is above explained. The views of the inviting party + being known, it was competent to the invited to accept or reject + the invitation, but not to modify its terms. The American + Society, however, in face of the invitation, with a knowledge of + the extreme sensitiveness of that portion of the British people + whom the Convention would deem it important to conciliate, to + any innovation upon established forms, and itself not united in + discarding the distinctions of sex, resolved to send female + delegates to the Convention, and thus, in effect, to appeal from + the Committee to the paramount authority of the Convention, and + with it to settle the American question. + + "In exercising this authority we are to suppose, from the high + moral, intellectual, and philanthropic standing of its members, + the Convention, in adhering to the general usages of society, + meant to perpetuate no injustice; and we know, from their very + respectful attention to the rejected delegates, that they were + influenced by no want of courtesy--I am satisfied that they + acted according to their best impressions of duty, the carrying + out of which was their high aim; and that the Convention was not + the less a World's Convention because it did not embrace both + sexes as its members, or any reforms without the scope of its + call. I cannot unite, therefore, in the resolutions declaring + the proceedings of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society + 'arbitrary and despotic;' or the act of the London Conference, + excluding the female delegates of the American Society appointed + in contradiction to the terms of the invitation, as 'highly + disrespectful to the delegates, and to us, their constituents, + tyrannical in its nature, mischievous in its tendencies, and + unworthy of men claiming the character of abolitionists.' + + "Thus my views not being in harmony with the action of the + society, in the particulars above referred to, my duty to it and + myself is, to tender you this as my resignation of the office of + Vice President for Pennsylvania, and not to await another + election for withdrawing from it. + + "With no heart for the controversies which have got in among my + brethren, the common friends of the enslaved, and which are + sadly wasting their anti-slavery strength, but with a warm heart + for the legitimate objects of the American Anti-Slavery Society, + I shall not cease anxiously to desire its prosperity and speedy + triumph with these just limitations. + + "Your friend, + + "(Signed) ABRAHAM L. PENNOCK. + + "_Haverford, 6th Month 28th_, 1841." + + + +APPENDIX I. P. 146. + + +GERRIT SMITH'S SLAVES. + + +_Extract of a Letter from James Cannings Fuller to Joseph Sturge_. + + + "DEAR FRIEND,--Doubtless thou hast often thought of the visit to + our mutual friend, Gerrit Smith, and dwelt on the recollection + with pleasure. As thou requested me to furnish thee with the + result of the case which was brought under our notice from the + correspondence in the case of Sam and Harriet, I cheerfully + comply, by giving thee a somewhat detailed account, believing it + may be interesting to thee, and not unproductive of benefit to + others. + + "There are in America no small number of individuals whose + circumstances, by parental gift or marriage endowments, are + similar to those of our dear friend, Ann Carroll Smith. I would + there were a host prepared, like her and her noble husband, to + do sacrifice of their substance on the altar of human rights. + + "Ann Carroll Fitzhugh is the daughter of the late Col. Wm. + Fitzhugh, a slaveholder, who formerly resided in Hagerstown, + Maryland. About twenty-three years ago, he removed to Geneseo, + New York. Twenty human chattels, whom he brought with him, + became free by the law of 1817; the remainder were left on his + plantation, in Maryland. Mammy Rachael, who nursed the Colonel's + wife, on the births of James Fitzhugh and his sister Ann, gave + to the former a boy, who was named Sam; and to the latter a + girl, called Harriet. They grew up together, and ultimately + formed a strong attachment. When Ann Fitzhugh was about eighteen + years old, her brother wrote to inquire if she would give him + Harriet, that she might become Sam's wife. When it is considered + that Ann was young and inexperienced; that she had been educated + to consider slavery right; that the doctrine of inalienable + personal ownership had not then been urged; and that the idea of + bestowing a wife on her brother's slave was naturally pleasing, + it is no marvel that she cheerfully granted the request. + + "James Fitzhugh removed from Maryland to Kentucky. In the course + of events, his pecuniary affairs became embarrassed, and + creditors grew clamorous for the adjustment of their claims. His + effects were likely to be sold by the sheriff, and it was + reported he had no legal title to Harriet. Under these + circumstances, Gabriel Jackson prevailed on him to transfer Sam, + his wife, and first-born child, to him, in payment of his debt. + This man afterwards sold them to Samuel Worthington, a cotton + planter of Mississippi; whose letter, in reply to Gerrit Smith, + arrived the day we were at his house; and he being in doubt how + to effect the redemption of the family, and their safe + transportation, thou wilt remember that I agreed to effect both, + to what I shall call the Elysian Fields, or, more properly, + Eden. I started on the 26th of Seventh Month, via Lake Erie and + the Erie Canal, which extends from north to south three hundred + and nine miles through the State of Ohio. From the canal I took + steam-boat down the Ohio, to Maysville, Kentucky. The mistress + of the Eagle Hotel sat at her table as a queen, surrounded by + many slaves. There seemed to be twice as many hands to do the + work as were needful. + + "From Maysville to Lexington (sixty-five miles) is the best road + I ever travelled, not excepting the English roads. It is made + and repaired with whitish limestone, from beginning to end. They + told me the repairs were principally made by Irishmen, as slaves + were not to be trusted to do the work. At starting, I observed + that the mail bags were nearly empty; and the driver being + questioned, informed me, that I could carry the whole mail in my + coat pockets. When he told me he was a Pennsylvanian, I asked + whether he could not earn as much in a free, as in a slave + State. He said that eighteen dollars a month was the most he + ever received for driving a team in a free State, and that now + he received thirty dollars a month. This opened the way for a + little anti-slavery talk. 'Last Sunday night,' said he, 'I saw a + big black man making the best of his way for Canada; I might + have stopped him, and had the reward of two hundred dollars, + which was offered.' + + "I asked him whether it was best to have God's blessing, with + the fruits of his honest industry, or his curse, with two + hundred dollars blood money. He answered, with moistened eyes, + 'I wish all the slaves were free,' to which I responded, 'Amen.' + + "Some incidents connected with the escape of this negro, go to + prove that slaves can 'take care of themselves,' by a little + ingenuity, when occasion requires. Thinking it would be more + expeditious, as well as more agreeable, to ride from slavery + than to run from it, he took a horse; whether his master's or + not, I did not ascertain. The turnpike gates were a great + hindrance, and greatly increased the risk of apprehension. To + avoid this, just before reaching a turnpike gate, he let down a + fence, carefully put it up again, to avoid pursuit, passed round + the back of the keeper's house, and came out through the fence + beyond. As he was remounting his horse on one of these + occasions, the driver came up with him. Supposing him to be one + of the keeper's family, he wished him good night, but instantly + discovered by his voice that he was a colored man, putting his + horse to full speed. When he returned to Paynestown, he heard + people talking about a runaway, and told Dr. Whitehead he + believed he had seen the man the night before: 'I hope that + he'll get safe into Canada,' was the reply. + + "'How can you say that, and be a slave-holder?' asked the + coachman. + + "'I wish there were no slaves,' replied he; 'and as soon as + others will liberate theirs, mine shall go free.' + + "Stage coaches afford no facilities to the poor fugitives. By + the law of the United States' Government, no colored man can + drive a mail stage; neither can any colored man ride on one, + unless he is known to be free, or is a slave travelling with his + master. Stage owners incur heavy penalties if they infringe + these rules. A verdict of one thousand six hundred dollars was + lately recovered by a slave-master against the company. + + "At Washington the stage was stopped to know if a colored boy + could be put on. 'Yes; where is he?' 'Up at the jail yonder.' + The querist took a seat inside; and soon after I spied a colored + man on the outside, with keepers. He was a re-captured runaway, + who had taken a horse with him, and imitated the Israelites, in + borrowing various other articles, when he escaped from bondage. + He assumed false whiskers and a pair of spectacles; and on + reaching the Ohio river, produced free papers duly stamped with + the county seal. But, unfortunately, when questioned where he + had staid the preceding night, he foolishly attempted to + describe the place, and was thus detected; two hundred dollars + had been offered for him if taken out of the State, and one + hundred dollars if taken in the State. To ride in a stage, with + a man behind, whose legs and arms were fastened together with + rivetted chains and padlocks, was enough to make one feel the + force of Patrick Henry's exclamation, 'Give me liberty, or give + me death!' It was a poor consolation to administer to the + gnawings of his hunger, while beholding his manly frame thus + manacled: but I thought he seemed to eat my gingerbread with a + better relish, when I told him it was made where colored men + were free. At Payne's tavern, in Fairview, the poor fellow had + to undergo an examination from the landlord, and listen to a + homily about truth-telling; so little do slave-holders seem + aware that stealing and lying are constituent parts of their own + system. In the stage office at Lexington, we encountered the man + who claimed this poor fugitive. The driver, who had come with us + the two last stages, was a native of Duchess Co., N.Y.; and he + began to plead with the slave-holder in behalf of the slave. I + heard of another case where the angry master threatened to flog + and sell a recovered runaway, whom he had with him; but the + stage driver remonstrated with him so effectually, that he wept + like a child, and promised forgiveness to his slave. + + "Having a great desire to see the imported cattle on Henry + Clay's plantation, I went thither. On approaching the house I + saw a colored man, to whom I said, 'Where wert thou raised?' 'In + Washington.' 'Did Henry Clay buy thee there?' 'Wilt thou shew me + his improved cattle?' He pointed to the orchard, and said the + man who had charge of them was there. As I followed his + direction, I encountered a very intelligent-looking boy, + apparently eight or nine years old. I said to him, 'Canst thou + read?' 'No.' 'Is there a school for colored people on Henry + Clay's plantation?' 'No.' 'How old art thou?' 'Don't know.' In + the orchard I found a woman at work with her needle. I asked + 'How old art thou?' 'A big fifty.' 'How old is that?' 'Near + sixty.' 'How many children hast thou?' 'Fifteen or sixteen.' + 'Where are they?' 'Colored folks don't know where their children + is; they are sent all over the country.' 'Where wert thou + raised?' 'Washington.' 'Did Henry Clay buy thee there?' 'Yes.' + 'How many children hadst thou then?' 'Four.' 'Where are they?' + 'I don't know. They tell me they are dead.' The hut, in which + this '_source of wealth_' lives, was neither as good, nor as + well floored as my stable. Several slaves were picking fruit in + the orchard. I asked one of the young men whether they were + taught to read on this plantation, and he answered, 'No.' I + found the overseer of the cattle with a short handled stout + whip, which had been broken. He said it answered both for a + riding whip, and occasionally 'to whip off the slaves.' + + "What, my friend, is to be learned from these gleanings at + Ashland?--from the doings of our mutual friend, Joseph John + Gurney's 'dear friend,' Henry Clay: the man who boasts that + 'every pulsation of his heart beats high for liberty,' yet is + not ashamed to buy men and women at the Capitol!--that place + which, above all others, ought not to be cursed by the footsteps + of a slave. Yet I fear there are not wanting in the abolition + ranks men so wedded to political party, that they may be tempted + to vote for Henry Clay; serving their party and themselves + thereby, and perchance thinking they serve their country. + + "Do not think Clay a sinner above all other men. His slaves + appeared to be well fed and well clothed. Indeed, the general + superiority of condition in Kentucky slaves, over those of + Maryland and Virginia, cannot fail to strike the most + superficial observer. + + "Pursuing my journey, I came to Blue Lick, whose waters are + celebrated throughout the United States. At the spring I found + several men, white and colored. I asked if I could have a drink. + A white man said the waters were free to all. I asked, 'Will + they make all free?' They again replied that the spring was free + to all. 'I perceive thou dost not understand my question,' said + I. But the countenances of the colored men brightened, and, with + a cheerful tone, they answered significantly, 'We know what you + mean.' + + "I found Samuel Worthington quite a different person than his + letters had led me to imagine. When I introduced myself he + appeared nervous and embarrassed. He was a Kentuckian by birth, + but having met with reverses in fortune he went to Mississippi, + and became an overseer; first on a salary of six hundred + dollars, and afterwards two thousand dollars. He now owns a + cotton plantation, with about one hundred and twenty slaves, and + is reputed wealthy. He is considered an accomplished gentleman, + of sound, discriminating, and feeling mind. I believe he is a + kind master, in the common acceptation of the term; that is, he + feeds and clothes his slaves well, and does not overwork them, + though the overseer's whip is the stimulus to labor. He gave me + some account of provision; but the only item I remember is, that + he cured twenty-five thousand pounds of pork annually, for his + slaves. Far be it from me to say any thing disrespectful of him, + except that he is a slave-holder; a word which, in my view, + comprises 'the sum of all villany,' In my transactions with him, + I found him fair and honorable, as far as it can be honorable to + sell human flesh. + + "He said he had long since received a letter from J. Fitzhugh, + concerning Sam's family; but as he knew their situation would + not be bettered by being transferred to him, he had taken no + notice of the application. When Gerrit Smith's letter came, he + supposed that the writer was not in earnest, 'that it was all + done for effect, and would end in smoke.' He was surprised to + learn, by G. Smith's reply to him, that it was my intention to + come to Harrodsburg; he regretted that it was so, as it + disturbed him, and might break up his family arrangements. His + wife had three small children, one of them a babe, and the + proposed arrangements would leave her without assistance. He + told me he was not a man to be driven; and I answered that we + were well matched on that point, it would, however, be better + for us both to ascertain coolly how far we could agree. He began + by saying that he did not feel bound to sell the family, in + consequence of what he had written to G. Smith; for he had only + said that he might be induced to take four thousand dollars for + them. After some preliminaries, he proposed that I should have a + conversation with Sam; for he did not think he could be + prevailed upon to leave him. I assured him I should do no such + thing, until he and I had settled the question of dollars and + cents. I had no idea of presenting the cup of freedom to Sam's + lips, and then having it dashed to the ground. 'I do not + believe,' said I, 'that there is a man on these grounds whom I + could not induce to go with me from slavery; but if Sam has + objections, let me talk with his wife.' + + "'No, that will not do,' replied he; 'she would go with you.' + 'Yes,' said I, 'let me talk to your women of a mother's right to + herself and her offspring, and then see how many of them you + would find willing to remain in bondage!' + + "After various pros and cons, we concluded a bargain, subject of + course to the parties being _willing_ to leave the 'patriarchal + institution.' Three thousand five hundred dollars were to be + paid, and both of us together were to have an opportunity of + conversing with Sam and his wife. The master probably felt so + confident that his slave would not leave him, that he had not + patience to wait the promised interview; for he popped the + delicate question to him alone. Sam had been informed of the + whole progress of the affair, from the time of G. Smith's first + letter; and he answered promptly that he would go so that before + I met him, that _difficult_ part of the business had 'ended in + smoke.' + + "S. Worthington's disappointment was the greater because I had + told him that I had felt like one of old: 'If the woman will not + be _willing_ to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from + this;' that I could go back with a quiet mind; and that the + consciences of my friends in Peterboro' would doubtless be + satisfied, having given Harriet and her family the liberty of + choice, and thus made all the reparation in their power for + having ever held her in slavery. + + "The large price paid for the redemption of this family may + surprise thee, especially if thou hast not forgotten that + passage in Worthington's letter where he says, 'I am, to some + extent, opposed to slavery; nor do I object to the efforts of + abolitionists when done in a good spirit.' It is, however, but + justice to say that the description he gave of the family is + strictly correct 'They are all sprightly, remarkable for good + character, and of course most valuable for house servants.' He + said he had repeatedly been offered two thousand dollars for + Sam, and he believed he would command that sum any day from + those who knew his worth; that his old master prised him very + highly, particularly for his moral excellence; and, speaking of + his conduct, described him as a 'gentleman.' Yet he talked as if + he were certain that Sam and his family would be reduced to + beggary if left to themselves at the North! The children, it is + true, have had little preparation in slavery for self reliance; + for the most favored of them cannot spell their own names. + + "S. Worthington said many had inquired of him what business + brought me there; and being informed of the object of my + mission, they advised him to have nothing to do with me. 'But,' + said he, 'though I am certain the condition of Sam and his wife + cannot be bettered, I do not think the same with regard to their + children; and as Mr. Smith seems disposed to do a kind action, I + cannot, in conscience, attempt to frustrate it. If I were to + send you home without this family, I should have a troubled + mind.' + + "One of Worthington's greatest difficulties in parting with + these slaves was, that it would leave his wife destitute of + servants. I pitied her, and felt it right to express my + sympathy. I told her my compassion was increased, because I + apprehended there was a struggle in her own breast between duty + and interest; and I appealed to her whether she did not know it + was a duty to let them go, though personal interest would induce + her to keep them in her service. I was glad to perceive that + these remarks enabled her to relieve herself of a weight--her + countenance brightened up, and she appeared quite willing I + should take them away. She showed great kindness to Harriet and + her children, and evidently felt deeply moved at parting with + the nurse, who had thrice been with her through nature's sorest + trials. She appeared to me to be a nice lady-like person; and, + if I judge aright, she knows what estimate ought to be placed + upon slavery in a woman's mind. + + "Those who know me will not suspect that I sought to conceal my + abolition, even in the hot-bed of slavery. Yet I assure thee I + had no intention of making it a common topic of conversation, + unless the way appeared to open; but thy experience, I doubt + not, as well as mine, proves that it is ever opening. The most + we need to do is to embrace opportunities, without seeking to + make them. I had not expected to say as much as I did, but it + was such a curiosity for a Quaker to be seen in such company, + that it was soon universally known why I had come and what I had + done. This gave rise to many conversations with slave holders, + which I trust did some good. I was astonished at their extreme + ignorance concerning the laboring population of the North. Thou + wilt perhaps be surprised to hear me assert that slave holders + do not know what slavery is. Still more strange will it seem + when I tell thee that thy old friend was highly complimented by + them for his prudence and discretion! The story had become + current that I would not talk to Sam till I had settled the + business with his master; and as they generally professed to + believe that abolitionists wished to incite the slave against + their master, by every mischievous incentive they could devise, + my conduct naturally enough seemed to them remarkable. I told + them I must honestly abjure such complimentary language; for, so + far from being what they would consider discreet, I was in fact + an abolitionist of the most ultra school. I assured them that + most of my associates at the North would have proceeded as I had + done, and some of them probably with more discretion. I like + much better to talk to a southerner on slavery than with a + northern apologist. I regard him as far less mean. There is a + mind to be appealed to for _facts_, and there is a feeling that + can be reached by a simple testimony of republican truth. In + this, the slave holder sometimes 'sees his face as in a glass; + but he goeth away and forgetteth what manner of man he is.' + + "As my prudence and discretion had excited observation, I + ventured to remark that it would be a great gratification to me, + if the slave holders would meet together and let me occupy an + hour or so in defining the true position and principles of the + abolitionists; but this, as I had expected, was declined. + + "When I paid the money, I felt constrained to testify that I + could in no degree sanction the principle that man could hold + property in man; that the slaves were our equals by creation, + and for their salvation, equally with ours, did Christ leave the + right hand of the Father to suffer on the cross. I told them + that contradictory as it might seem to them, the man who was now + paying money for slaves, had such a detestation of the system, + that he deemed it a duty to abstain from eating or wearing any + of the products of slavery. This seemed to them wondrous + strange, and they inquired if there were many at the North who + agreed with me in this scruple. I told them yes; that the number + was increasing, and that my friend, Gerrit Smith, had abstained + from slave produce for many years. + + "A few hours previous to my final departure one after another + gathered around me, and as we stood in the open piazza, I said + what I could to explain the principles and practice of + abolitionists. I think S. Worthington felt a little hurt at my + being thus engaged, for when the stage drove up, he came in + great haste to inform me that it was ready. I found it + surrounded by many persons, principally colored, who had + assembled to bid farewell to the objects of my charge. Their + master shook each slave by the hand and bade them farewell. I + observed him as we moved away, and thought he seemed to be a + good deal moved from some cause or other. + + "I took care that coachman and passengers should be informed of + the history of Sam and his wife; and some one or other of them + was sure to make it a subject of conversation wherever we + stopped. At Lawrenceburg, where we put up for the night, the + landlord was also stage proprietor and a slave holder. He tried + to make me believe that his slaves were much better off than + himself. He enumerated his troubles and perplexities in contrast + with the blessed freedom from care enjoyed by his slaves. I told + him he had made out his case very well; but to test his + sincerity, I merely wished him to declare candidly, whether he + should be altogether willing that himself and family should + exchange places with a slave family. The test was too severe, + and he walked off. Two young men at table then took up the + conversation. The tyranny which slavery exercises over the + entire community, was illustrated by the assertion that the head + of a certain college did not dare to acknowledge himself an + abolitionist; for if he did he would lose his office, which + brought him in a good salary; and, moreover, the people of D---- + would dismiss him from his pastoral charge. I of course took the + ground that he could not be a truly Christian minister, who + would purchase his bread and cheese at the expense of denying + his own belief, or suppressing his own convictions. + + "My host inquired whether I would sit at table with colored + people; and he seemed much surprised when I answered, 'I do not + judge persons by their complexion, but by moral worth. At my own + table I sit with colored people, and I shall with these.' + + "The South, however, is much more free from prejudice against + color than the north; provided the distinction between the + classes is understood.--A gentleman may seat his slave beside + him in a stage coach, and a lady makes no objection to ride next + a fat negro woman, even when the thermometer is at ninety + degrees; provided always that her fellow travellers understand + she is her _property_. + + "At Shelbyville the stage was likely to be crowded with new + passengers, when I said to some young men who were about to get + in, that I had a family with me who must not be turned out of + the seats they had occupied. Samuel and his family took their + accustomed seats, and those who could not find room rode on the + roof of the coach; among them was a member elect of the + Legislature. As we started, a well dressed man, among the crowd + at the tavern-door, called out, 'Go it abolition!' + + "A crowd at this place attracted my attention, and I found it + was an executor's sale; comprising 'lands, houses, furniture, + horses, cows, hogs, and twenty likely negroes.' Slaves must, + however, be more of a cash article than other commodities; for + they were to be sold on four months' credit; real estate, on + twelve and twenty four months, and all other property, six + months'. + + "At Louisville, we fell in with Elisha, brother of Samuel + Worthington, on his return to Arkansas, where he had a cotton + plantation. He manifested much openness and good will, and + pressingly invited me to visit him, should I ever go down the + Mississippi. After considerable conversation on slavery, he + asked me what I thought would be the effect of my late visit. I + replied, it was a subject I had often contemplated myself, but I + did not know whether it had entered the heads of others. For my + own part, I thought I had taught the slaveholders a lesson. They + maintained that the slaves did not want their freedom; yet here + was one, well fed and well clothed, and in fact living in + clover, as far as a slave could do so, ready, without my asking + him, to go with me among strangers. If he would leave such a + kind master, what might not be expected of the oppressed field + hand? + + "'Perhaps a quotation from Latimer would furnish you with a more + direct reply to your question,' said I, 'You know he said at the + stake--"We shall this day light such a fire in England, as I + trust, by God's grace, will never be put out." And I believe my + visit has kindled a flame of liberty in Harrodsburg, that shall + burn for years to come; and, by its light, I trust, that many + will find their way into Canada.' + + "I told him, too, I had a question to ask, and I wanted a direct + answer--yes, or no. 'Were the slaves any worse off, since the + question of abolition has been agitated?' + + "He said they were not, excepting in one respect. Formerly, when + a preacher came among them to hold meetings with the slaves, + they had no objection; but now, they feared that slaves from + different plantations might thus congregate together and plot + mischief. I asked him if slaves in Mississippi were aware of + abolition efforts in the North; and he said he believed they + were. + + "We parted with Samuel at Louisville, we taking the steam boat + for Cincinnati, and leaving him to proceed to Worthington + plantation for his boys. He stood and watched the departure of + our boat with a soul full of emotion. He felt himself a + connecting link between his sons in distant Mississippi, and his + wife and daughters on their way to Peterboro'; and I was glad to + see nature and affection gush forth in tears. They say colored + people cannot take care of themselves, but I assure thee I had + hard work to make these people move a step, till a safe plan was + arranged for their absent children. + + "When I went to pay the captain my fare, he asked whether the + colored woman and girls were my property. I answered yes; but + explained to him my peculiar situation, and I told him I + detested the very name of slavery. He said they usually asked + for a reference, but he felt sure that a person of my appearance + would not tell him a falsehood. I told him I would show him my + bill of sale, as soon as the hurry had subsided; not because I + acknowledged his right to demand it, but because he was civil + and polite, and I was willing to satisfy him. When I showed him + the bill, he knew both the seller and the witness, as I had + expected. I asked him whether, if I had brought a barrel of lard + on board, he would have troubled me to prove property? He + apologized by saying, that they had been imposed on by white + men, who put slaves on board, under the pretence that they were + free; and that the owners of the line had been obliged to pay + six thousand dollars for fugitive slaves. I noticed there were + no colored hands on board. + + "On arriving at Buffalo, we put up at the Mansion House; and the + first object that caught my eye was an advertisement, dated + LIBERTY, in Missouri, offering three hundred dollars reward for + three fugitive slaves. This is a free state with a vengeance! No + stage riding for colored people here; moreover, it was with + great difficulty I could obtain breakfast for my companions, + though I had paid for it. I hope abolitionists will keep clear + of such a pro-slavery atmosphere as surrounds the Mansion House. + + "On board the cars, Colorophobia again began to rage; but the + agent soon quelled it, by finding other seats for two persons, + who thought better of themselves than others did of them. In the + stage to Auburn, difficulty again occurred, and the driver + wanted to return my money, when some of the passengers objected + to the complexion of some of my companions. I told him the stage + was too crowded to hold us at any event; but unless he sent us + on to Auburn in good season, I should teach the company a lesson + they would not soon forget. He did so; and I arrived safely at + my own house, after an absence of twenty-six days, and a travel + of one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five miles. The whole + cost of redemption, including our travelling expenses, was three + thousand five hundred and eighty-three dollars and eighty-one + cents. (£807.) + + "We had not been long there before Harriet said to my wife, + 'Madam, I return you a thousand thanks for letting your + gentleman fetch us;' and I believe she said no more than she + felt, and I felt the force of her grateful acknowledgments. + + "After two days' rest, we proceeded to Gerrit Smith's; where, as + thou mayest well believe, we received the friendly welcome which + those are wont to receive who visit his house. + + "_Skaneateles, 9th Month 14th, 1841._" + + + +APPENDIX K. PAGE 159. + + +_The Society of Friends in America and the Colonization Society_. + + +The "Friends" alluded to in the text as supporting the Colonization +Society in a collective capacity, are those of North Carolina. In 1832 +two influential "Friends" appeared at the Annual Meeting of the +Colonization Society, as delegates from the Society of Friends in North +Carolina. One of the resolutions passed at the time, is as +follows:--"That the thanks of this Meeting be presented to the Society +of Friends in North Carolina, for the aid they have liberally bestowed +and repeatedly rendered to the cause of African Colonization." The +Yearly meeting of Friends in North Carolina stands among the donors of +that year, as having contributed five hundred dollars to the +Colonization Society. I fear no change has since taken place in the +favorable disposition of "Friends" of that region towards this +institution, for during one of my visits to Philadelphia, I was informed +by a "Friend," just returned from North Carolina, that an agent of the +Colonization Society had been recently permitted to make an appeal +before the members of the "Meeting of Sufferings" of that Yearly +Meeting, which had afterwards granted him two hundred dollars out of the +common stock of the Society. Nothing is more certain than that +approbation of the principles and measures of the Colonization Society, +cannot co-exist with any lively desires for the extinction of slavery, +by the only practical means--_emancipation_; and accordingly I was not +surprised to find it urged by some prominent individuals as a reason for +their own inactivity, and that of the Society at large, on this subject, +that "Friends" living within the slave States, urged their brethren at +the North not to unite with the Anti-slavery Societies. It appears, +however, that "Friends" of North Carolina do not, at all events, object +to uniting or co-operating with those of other denominations, in +promoting an object which they approve. Their objection to abolition +societies evidently rests on quite different grounds. + +I must here be permitted to say a few words, respecting the character +and objects of the society, thus officially patronized by the Friends of +North Carolina. + +The greatest objection to this society, is its representing slavery, and +the prejudice against color, as necessary and incurable evils, for which +its own mockery of a remedy is the only palliative; and thus +administering an opiate to the consciences, not only of slave-holders, +but of others who are unwilling to part with their sinful prejudices, +and to enter into that fellowship of suffering with the enslaved, +without which no efforts for the removal of slavery will be effectual. + +The following extracts, elucidating this subject, are from a printed +letter written by a friend of high station and extensive influence, then +residing in North Carolina, but now of the State of Indiana, in defence +of the Colonization Society. It is dated "Third Month 4th, 1834," and I +suppress his name, because time and reflection have, I believe, in some +degree modified his views. + +Speaking of the opposition of Friends in England to the Colonization +Society, he says, "I have supposed that they would think it more +consistent with Christian principles to emancipate them in the Southern +States, and let them remain there, as they have done in the Northern +States. I apprehend that Friends in England are not fully apprised of +some important circumstances, which place the Southern States in a very +different situation from the Northern. In the first place, there never +were so many people of color in the Northern States, as there are in the +Southern; and another circumstance that diminished them there, and +increased them greatly here, was while the Northern States were +legislating on the subject of gradual emancipation, avaricious masters +sent them by thousands to the Southern markets, before the emancipating +laws were actually passed, which left a small proportion in those +States, in comparison to the whites; not many more, perhaps, than they +were willing to have for laborers, waiting men, waiting women, et cet. +And notwithstanding they have freed their slaves, for which they are +entitled to applause, yet they never dreamed of raising them to equal +citizenship and privileges with the white people. No, my friend, they +can no more reconcile to themselves the idea of sitting down by the side +of a colored African, (American?) in any legislative or judiciary +department, than the high spirited Southern slaveholder; _and not only +so, they never intend to admit them to these privileges, while the State +Government, and the United States' Government continue in existence_." +Again, after stating various objections to emancipation, he goes on to +say, "I need not dwell much upon the subject of universal emancipation, +in stating the best, or the worst, or most probable results of such a +measure, because the Southern people have no more idea of the general +emancipation of slaves, without colonizing them, than the Northern +people have of admitting the few among _them_ to equal rights and +privileges. Not even the friends of humanity here, think that a general +emancipation, to remain here, would better their condition," et cet. + +The inferences plainly to be drawn from all this, and from much besides +to the same purport, are, that the wicked determination of the white +people to retain their sinful prejudices, is, like the laws of the Medes +and Persians, immutable; and must, therefore, be accommodated by the +transportation of the unoffending objects of their intense dislike. On +this point I will observe that, if it be so, the remedy is worse than +the disease; but that Christian principle is powerful enough, as daily +experience testifies, to combat and destroy this unholy prejudice. The +next inference is, that because the slave population in the Southern +States is much more numerous than it was in the Northern, _therefore_ +the same reasons for emancipation do not exist. Is not the true +conclusion from such premises, the very reverse of this? The motives to +abolition increase, both in weight and number, in proportion to the +absolute and relative increase of the slave population. The British West +Indies present an example of the safety and advantages of the measure in +a community, where the whites are a mere handful compared to the colored +population. + +That state of feeling from which the Colonization Society sprung, is +well illustrated by this writer, in giving, in natural language, a +picture of his own mind. After again repeating his statement of the vast +proportion which the colored population bears to the white, in the Slave +States, he says, "Now, my friend, the general emancipation of such a +number of these poor, degraded creatures, say more than two millions, +always to remain here with the white people, even if the Government +should take the necessary care for their education and preparation for +freedom and civilized life, which to be sure it ought, they must or will +be a degraded people, while the reins of government remain in the hands +of the whites. Supposing the very best consequences that could follow +such a measure, even that both classes should generally exercise +Christian feelings towards each other, which is very improbable, if not +morally impossible, the peculiarly marked difference of features and +color, will be always an insurmountable barrier to general +amalgamation." Again, "Were they of the same color and features that we +are, in an elective republican government like this, where talents and +merit are the common footsteps to esteem and preferment, there would be +no difficulty in universal emancipation, without a separation. I have no +idea that they are at all inferior to the white people in intellect; +give them the same opportunity for enterprise and improvement." Their +only sin, it appears, after all, is being "guilty of a skin not colored +like our own." I may observe, in passing, that amalgamation, the bugbear +of anti-abolitionists, is the necessary result of slavery, not of +emancipation. + +The preceding extracts present a faithful picture of colonization +principles, though it is not every colonizationist who would avow them +with so much simplicity. The writer notwithstanding, manifests some +benevolent feeling towards the slaves. His conscience cannot be +satisfied with the present state of things, and he, like too many +others, takes refuge in the pleasing delusion that it would be +practicable to convey these colored Americans across the Atlantic and +make them comfortable in Africa, because their ancestors were born +there. As reasonably and as justly might he talk of transporting the +white Americans to England because their ancestors removed from this +country. + +It is very easily demonstrable, that this could not possibly be +accomplished--that neither the means of transport could be found, nor +the means of settlement provided; and were these impossibilities +removed, it might also be shown, very easily, that it would be suicidal +policy to remove the entire laboring population of the Southern States +from a soil and climate for which they only are adapted. Yet +emancipation by removal is the theory of the Colonization Society, and +in this point of view that Society must be characterized as a grand +imposture. What must be the power of that delusion which can render +intelligent and philanthropic men the victims of such a fallacy? If the +whites, who hold the reins of government, could but be brought to +exercise Christian feelings towards the people of color, which this +worthy friend thinks is perhaps "morally impossible," how rapidly would +all difficulties vanish? To accomplish this desirable end is the object +of the abolitionists; they feel it to be difficult, but they know it to +be not impossible. + +The writer of this pamphlet uniformly couples "ultra slaveholders" and +"northern manumissionists" in the same censure. They are the two +objectionable extremes; colonizationists and moderate slave-holders +being, I suppose, the golden mean. One illustration more of the animus +with which he regards a black population. + +"And so it is with the New England immediate manumissionists; they have +so few people of color that they do not consider them an evil; and hence +they conclude that the Southern States may do as they have done--free +them at once; but I have no doubt at all, if there was as large a +proportion of colored people in the New England States as in the +Southern, there would be but one voice, and that would be for colonizing +them somewhere." + +The following passage is historically interesting: + +"The Yearly Meeting of Friends of North Carolina have sent several +hundreds of those they have had under their care to Liberia, for whose +emancipation in this State they could never obtain a law, though they +petitioned for it oftentimes for the space of fifty years, always +finding the chief objection of the legislature to be that of the great +number and degraded and low character of the free persons of color +already in the State. We prefer sending them to Africa rather than to +any of the free States or to Canada--because we believe _that_ is their +proper home. We sent some to the State of Ohio; and since then hundreds +of blacks have been in a manner compelled, by the laws of that State, or +the prejudices of some of its citizens, to leave it and go to Canada. We +have sent some to Indiana, but that State has passed laws, we hear, to +prevent any more coming. We have sent some to Pennsylvania, but, about +two years ago, we shipped near one hundred from Newbern and Beaufort to +Chester; they were not suffered to land, neither there nor at +Philadelphia, nor yet on the Jersey shore opposite, but had to float on +the Delaware river until the Colonization Society took them into +possession; then they were landed in Jersey, ten miles below +Philadelphia, and re-shipped for Africa. North Carolina Yearly Meeting +has contributed thousands of dollars to the Colonization Society; it has +probably done more for it than any other religious community has in +America, not merely because it has provided us an asylum for the people +of color under our care, but upon the ground of our belief that it is a +great, humane, and benevolent institution. I am not informed of a single +member of the Society of Friends in this country, not even in any of the +slave States, who is not in favor of colonizing them in Africa. We +believe generally that colonizing them there gradually is the most +likely way to put a peaceful end to slavery, and place them in the great +scale of equality with the rest of the civilized world." + +I have devoted a space to this letter for several reasons; first, +because the writer is a man of note and influence in his own country, +and has plainly uttered what many of the Society of Friends even now +feel, secondly, he has shown what was the prevalent sentiment among +Friends not longer than seven years since, though I hope and believe a +considerable change has taken place in the interval; and lastly, +because, within a few months past, a well-known American, a zealous +agent of the Colonization Society, has privately employed this very +letter to induce abolitionists in England to look favorably on that +Society. + +I would add, also, that I learn, on the authority of an English +"Friend," who has lately visited the various Yearly Meetings in America, +that in those parts of the slave States in which "Friends" chiefly +reside, their influence is very perceptible in mitigating the treatment +of the slaves in their neighborhood. This, I willingly believe; indeed +the example of a body who refuse to hold slaves, cannot but be highly +beneficial. + + + +APPENDIX L.--Page 96. + + + +"_Memorial of citizens of Boston, United States, to the Lords of the +Admiralty, Great Britain_. + + + + "To the Right Honorable the Lords of the Admiralty of Great + Britain. + + "The undersigned, the citizens of Boston, in the United States + of America, of different religious denominations, respectfully + represent-- + + "That by existing arrangements for the sailing of the Cunard + line of steamers between Boston and Liverpool, it becomes + necessary for them to leave this port on the Sabbath, whenever + that happens to be the regular day appointed for sailing; and + that this occurs a number of times in the course of a year. That + the sailing of a steamer on that day is a source of deep regret + to many good citizens, who are compelled, whenever the event + happens, either to defer their departure to a future day, or to + yield to an arrangement which violates their Christian feelings. + And what is still more to be lamented, as a consequence growing + out of the present regulation, is that aside from the tumult + necessarily attendant on the sailing of these vessels on the + Lord's day, it furnishes an occasion for the needless + profanation of the day by thousands who assemble as spectators + on our wharves to witness their departure. + + "The undersigned regard a proper observance of the Sabbath as + vital to the general peace, good order, and welfare of society; + and they are deeply impressed with the belief that nothing of a + secular or worldly nature should be done on that day by + individuals, by governments, or by any of their departments, + Which is not in the strictest sense a work of necessity or + mercy; and they most respectfully represent, that they are + unable to perceive any reasons which render the sailing of + steamers from this port on the Lord's day such a work. And + believing as they do, that it will be the pleasure of your + lordships at all times to cherish and promote, so far as you may + be able, a due observance of the Sabbath, they respectfully and + earnestly request your lordships so to vary the present + arrangements as to the times for the sailing of these steamers, + that their departure from this port shall be changed to another + day, whenever the appointed day for sailing shall fall upon the + Christian Sabbath. And they venture to express their confident + belief that not only the public welfare, but also the private + advantage of individuals concerned in the enterprize, would be + ultimately promoted by the arrangements here prayed for. + + "The undersigned cannot conclude their memorial without + adverting to the high and responsible station that has been + assigned by Providence to the English and American people, in + the great work which they and we rejoice to know is now so + rapidly progressing, of improving the moral and religious + character and condition of the world; nor can they be unmindful + of the fact, that to the same extent as their standing before + the world in this respect is permanent, so will be the influence + of their example on the nations around them, whether it be good + or bad. + + "That the subject here presented may receive your Lordship's + favorable and Christian consideration is the sincere and earnest + desire of your Lordships' most respectful memorialists." + + +The signatures to this document included the late mayor and one of the +former ones, who was also Lieutenant-Governor of the State of +Massachusetts, one bishop, upwards of forty clergymen of different +denominations, nine gentlemen, upwards of one hundred and twenty +merchants, seventeen presidents of insurance companies, the postmaster +of Boston, five physicians, seven members of the legal profession, two +editors of newspapers; and it was accompanied by the following +memorandum from one of the gentlemen who had taken it round for +signature. + + + "The undersigned having been personally engaged in obtaining the + signatures to the memorial, asking a change in the sailing of + the Cunard steamers, when the regular sailing day occurs on the + Sabbath, hereby certifies that the memorialists are among the + most respectable and influential of their respective + professions, that the memorial was received with almost + universal favor, and that, had time been allowed, and had it + been deemed necessary to do it, thousands of names might have + been obtained. + + "AMOS A. PHELPS." + + "Boston, July 31, 1841." + + +On my arrival in this country, I found that Lord Melbourne's +administration was about to resign; I therefore deferred forwarding the +memorial until the present ministers had entered upon the duties of +their respective offices; when I called at the Admiralty, and placed it +in the hands of the Secretary, having little doubt the application would +have been at once granted; but a few days after it was presented I +received the following reply:-- + + + "Admiralty, September 21, 1841. + + "Sir,--Having laid before my Lords Commissioners of the + Admiralty the communications of the citizens of Boston, United + States, representing their wish that the departure of Mr. + Cunard's steamers on a Sunday, from their port, should, for the + future be discontinued; I am commanded by their lordships to + acquaint you, that after having given that attention to the + subject, which their respect for the citizens of Boston, and for + the religious opinions expressed by them, could not fail to + dictate, my lords have, upon mature consideration, come to the + conclusion, that, with a due regard to the exigencies of the + public service, the proposed alteration cannot be carried into + effect. My lords, therefore, beg you will have the goodness to + convey their decision to the citizens of Boston, together with + the assurance of their respect for the opinions they have + expressed, and their consequent regret at being unable to comply + with their request. + + "I am, Sir, + + + "Your most obedient humble servant, + + "JOHN BARROW. + + "Joseph Sturge, Esq., Birmingham." + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Visit To The United States In 1841 +by Joseph Sturge + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11454 *** |