anti slavery collection

Copy of letter from Amos Augustus Phelps, New York, to Rufus Anderson,...

A.A. Phelps writes to Rufus Anderson about the article Anderson published in the Missionary Herald, entitled “Extract from a communication of Doct. Hall to the Maryland Colonization Society.” Supplying informat... More

Letter from John Quincy Adams Edgell, West Newbury, to Amos Augustus P...

John Quincy Adams Edgell and G. B. Penny write to the pastor of the Free Church of Boston regarding a meeting to be held in the Centre Church regarding the installation of J. A. Martyn as pastor of the Centre C... More

Letter from George Douglas Campbell Argyll, Argyll Lodge, Kensington, ...

In this letter to William Lloyd Garrison, the Duke of Argyll invites him, along with his son and daughter, to have breakfast at their house the following morning. The letter states that if the 10am breakfast is... More

Letter from Thomas Hughes, Lincoln's Inn, 3 Old Square, London, to Wil...

Hughes writes Garrison to offer his congratuations & respects concerning Garrison's support of Abraham Lincoln's re-election, & denounces those within the American Abolition movement which have broken with Garr... More

Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society expense account of A. A. Phelps for...

An itemized expense account, with the receipt signed by A.A. Phelps on April 10 1838, and three additional receipts: (1) for payment made by "New England Anti-Slavery Society" to “Dutton & Wentworth, Dr.” for a... More

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Glasgow, [Scotland], to Henry Clar...

Letter from John Goings, New Bedford, [Massachusetts], to Samuel May, ...

John Gorings writes to Samuel May reporting that they "had a very interesting meeting here on Sunday last and [a] very crowded house all day," however "a great many were disappointed in not hearing Miss [Sallie... More

Letter from James Miller M'Kim, Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], to Mary ...

James Miller McKim writes to Mary Anne Estlin in regards to his voyage back to the U.S. with Richard Davis Webb and of his time in New York before his return to Philadelphia. He writes of his editor of the "Pen... More

Letter from Mary Brady, Leavy Greave, Sheffield, [England], to Maria W...

Letter from Samuel Joseph May, Syracuse, [N.Y.], to William Lloyd Garr...

Samuel Joseph May writes William Lloyd Garrison inviting him to the antislavery convention to take place on January 7-9, and requests that should Garrison be unable to attend that he assist May in persuading Ge... More

Letter from James Forten, Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], to William Llo...

James Forten writes to William Lloyd Garrison discussing a work Garrison is about to publish (likely his "Thoughts on African Colonization"), sharing his hope that it "may be the means of opposing, in full, the... More

Five sermons by Theodore Parker, 1858 Jan[uary] 10 -Fe[bruary] 7

Theodore Parker writes a sermon on January 10, 1858 titled, "Evidences of God in the World of Matter." Theodore Parker writes a sermon on January 17, 1858 titled, "Evidences of God in the World of Man." Theodor... More

Letter from Elizabeth Swan Mawson, Ashfield, [England], to Francis Jac...

Elizabeth Swan Mawson writes Francis Jackson Garrison that the "proof copies" of photographs taken by H. S. Mendelssohn have arrived, and forwards these to Garrison for his review and pleasure. Mawson expresses... More

Letter from Sydney Howard Gay, New York, to Samuel May, June 17, '46

Gay acknowledges May's contribution to the American Anti-Slavery Society. He commends May's success in providing subscribers. He gives instructions concerning the forwarding of money, payment of postage, and ha... More

Letter from Jacon Merrill Manning, Boston, [Mass.] to William Lloyd Ga...

Jacob Merrill Manning notifies William Lloyd Garrison that he was visited that morning by a Mr. Hayward, a "gentleman connected with the Liberator", whom Manning gave his permission to list him among the speake... More

Letter from Joseph Cassey, Philad[elphi]a, [Pennsylvania], to William ...

Joseph Cassey writes to William Lloyd Garrison and Isaac Knapp "with much satisfaction" after seeing Arnold Buffum listed as the general agent for the Liberator in Pennsylvania in the last issue of the Liberato... More

Letter from Henry Egbert Benson, Providence, [Rhode Island], to Willia...

In this letter to William Lloyd Garrison, Henry Egbert Benson reports to Garrison that some new subscribers have not yet received their first copies of the Liberator and sends him money for another new subscrib... More

Letter from George William Benson, Providence, [Rhode Island], to Will...

George William Benson writes to William Lloyd Garrison informing him that he has "nothing new to communicate respecting the Canterbury affair" but he plans to travel there with Rev. Thomas Williams later in the... More

Letter from Arthur Tappan, [New York], to George Thompson, 1835 August...

Arthur Tappan sends George Thompson a ship order which states, "Shipped, In good order and well conditioned, by Judge Lynch, on board the Ship called the Incendiary whereof Arthur Tappan is master, for the pres... More

Letter from George Allen, Shrewsbury, to Amos Augustus Phelps, Mar. 31...

George Allen writes to Amos. A. Phelps about the necessity of a new anti-slavery paper in Boston. He praises Dr. Porter ([the editor of New England Spectator]) for his work, but says the Spectator has “done its... More

Letter from Francis John Higginson, Brattleboro, to Thomas Wentworth H...

Discusses legal matters relevant to the recipient’s arrest and upcoming trial, and sends supports. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Lydia White, Philad[elphi]a, [Pennsylvania], to William Ll...

Lydia White writes to William Lloyd Garrison sharing her desire to assist in "the support and circulation of the Liberator" and sending Garrison the names of four new subscribers, promising to "cheerfully embra... More

Letter from William Wood, Manchester, Eng[land], to Amos Augustus Phel...

William Wood writes to Amos A. Phelps regarding notes concerning a Mrs. Elaw, a "a female of color..has lately arrived here from Nantucket having a strong..duty to preach the Gospel in England! She says she is ... More

Report of donations for Garrison's Mission to England from Francis Jac...

Francis Jackson wrote this ledger to track the donations and withdrawals of funds for William Lloyd Garrison's trip to England in 1846. The first page details withdrawals made by Garrison, including for his pas... More

Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society expense account of A. A. Phelps for...

An itemized expense account, with the receipt signed by A.A. Phelps on April 10 1838, and three additional receipts: (1) for payment made by "New England Anti-Slavery Society" to “Dutton & Wentworth, Dr.” for a... More

Letter from Sarah Moore Grimkè, Brookline, [Massachusetts], to Elizabe...

Sarah Moore Grimkè writes to Elizabeth Pease Nichol regarding the books and pamphlets she has sent her and her "English sisters." She discusses emancipation in the West Indies and the anti-slavery cause in Grea... More

Letter from John Rand, Milton, [Massachusetts], to Samuel May, 1850 Fe...

John Rand writes to Samuel May describing the visit of Lucy Stone to Milford and a lecture she delivered in the town. Rand reports that Stone "found with us a cordial welcome" and was introduced to the meeting ... More

Letter from Susan Taber, New Bedford, [Massachusetts], to Deborah West...

[Susan Taber?] writes to Debora Weston in regards the anti-slavery society preparing materials for a sale to raise funds. She writes of her surprise for the news of Angelina E. Grimke's marriage to Theodore T. ... More

Letter from Samuel Joseph May, Brooklyn, [Connecticut], to William Llo...

Samuel Joseph May writes to William Lloyd Garrison thanking him for sending "the present of 50 copies" of his Discourse and encouraging him to visit Brooklyn sometime during the month. He then discusses his new... More

Printed calling card, 38 Summer Street, Dorchester

This item contains an unidentified visiting card found among Samuel May Jr.’s letters. It announces the time and place of a meeting to be held in the unnamed sender’s home in Dorchester. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from James Cropper, Liverpool, [England], to William Lloyd Garr...

James Cropper writes to William Lloyd Garrison after receiving a bound volume of the Liberator for 1833 and telling him that he had subscribed through Joseph Sturge to receive the Liberator regularly. He then p... More

Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society expense account of A. A. Phelps fro...

An itemized expense account and receipt, signed by A. A. Phelps on August 13, 1838, and a note requesting that the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society pay J. E. Fuller or the bearer of the note $23 and charge th... More

Letter from William Abijah White, Watertown, [Mass.], to Maria Weston ...

Letter from John Rand, Milton, [Massachusetts], to Samuel May, 1850 Fe...

John Rand writes to Samuel May describing the visit of Lucy Stone to Milford and a lecture she delivered in the town. Rand reports that Stone "found with us a cordial welcome" and was introduced to the meeting ... More

Five sermons by Theodore Parker, 1858 Jan[uary] 10 -Fe[bruary] 7

Theodore Parker writes a sermon on January 10, 1858 titled, "Evidences of God in the World of Matter." Theodore Parker writes a sermon on January 17, 1858 titled, "Evidences of God in the World of Man." Theodor... More

Letter from Edmonia Lewis, Rome, to Maria Weston Chapman, May 3'd, [18...

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Rockledge, [Roxbury, Mass.], to Fa...

Receipted bills to the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society from Amos Au...

The item includes two receipted bills. One is an $8.68 bill issued to Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society by Nathaniel Greene for letter postage, newspapers and boxes. An approval for the payment was signed on t... More

Letter from Joshua Reed Giddings, Bangor, Maine, to William Lloyd Garr...

Letter from Oliver Johnson, [New York, N.Y.], to William Lloyd Garriso...

Oliver Johnson inquires if William Lloyd Garrison is quite certain that he had not been paid for one of his articles published in the Independent, as Johnson states that the accounting ledgers show that a check... More

Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society expense account of A. A. Phelps for...

An itemized expense account, with the receipt signed by A.A. Phelps on April 10 1838, and three additional receipts: (1) for payment made by "New England Anti-Slavery Society" to “Dutton & Wentworth, Dr.” for a... More

All men are by nature equally free and independent and have certain in...

Public domain scan of 18th-century drawing, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Letter from Samuel Joseph May, Boston, to Amos Augustus Phelps, Dec. 1...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, Samuel J. May discusses a few anti-slavery publications, including Phelps’s book, the second edition of which Mr. Knapp is willing to publish. He then discusses a variety of to... More

Five sermons by Theodore Parker, 1858 Jan[uary] 10 -Fe[bruary] 7

Theodore Parker writes a sermon on January 10, 1858 titled, "Evidences of God in the World of Matter." Theodore Parker writes a sermon on January 17, 1858 titled, "Evidences of God in the World of Man." Theodor... More

Letter from John Keep, Oberlin, Ohio, to William Lloyd Garrison, June ...

John Keep informs William Lloyd Garrison that he was "gratified" by the notice that Garrison was compiling a history of the abolitionist movement in America, exclaiming that it will be "a precious boon" to the ... More

Letter from Theodore Parker, Cambridge, [Massachusetts], to Abby Hoppe...

Theodore Parker writes to Abby Hopper Gibbons in regards to the death of her son, William. He writes, "But as sailors who suffer shipwreck only reach another harbor, not the one marked in their chart, but the i... More

Letter from Sydney Howard Gay, Office of the Tribune, New York, to Wil...

One hour of American slavery is fraught with more misery than ages of ...

Public domain scan of 18th-century drawing, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Proposals for publishing a weekly periodical in Washington City, to be...

Letter from Charles Marriott, Hudson, N[ew] Y[ork], to William Lloyd G...

Charles Marriott writes to William Lloyd Garrison sending him ten dollars to pay for a number of Liberator subscriptions. He then comments on recent events like the Clerical Appeal as causing him "sadness & som... More

The liberator. v.11:no.28(1841:July 9)

Journal of the times Courtesy of Boston Public Library

American pocket book

This item is a leather cover of a pocket book. Written on the front of the cover in gilded gold: "American pocket book, 1842." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Ellen Craft, Ockham, [England], to John Bishop Estlin, 185...

Ellen Craft writes to John Bishop Estlin thanking him for advising that she get her baby vaccinated. She writes, "I had intended to have it done as soon as the weather was a little milder, but however, as you t... More

Letter from John Levy, Lowell, [Massachusetts], to Maria Weston Chapma...

John Levy writes to Maria Weston Chapman in regards to having received word from Wendell Phillips that it would not be convenient for him to attend the celebration at Lowell (of the Middlesex County anti-slaver... More

Letter from Aaron Macy Powell, Ghent, [N.Y.], to William Lloyd Garriso...

Aaron Macy Powell informs William Lloyd Garrison that he and his family have enjoyed Fanny Garrison's visit, and writes that she bears characteristics of both of her parents. Powell writes that Fanny shares Gar... More

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Roxbury, [Mass.], to Oliver Johnso...

Picryl description: Public domain image of stamped postal envelope, free to use, no copyright restrictions

Letter from Susan Brownell Anthony, Anti-Slavery Office, New York, to ...

Letter from Charles E. Buell, Office of the New England Association fo...

Incomplete letter from C. G. Olds, Hampton, N.H., to Lydia Maria Child...

Letter from Harriet Beecher Stowe to Miss Lukens

Harriet Beecher Stowe writes to Miss Lukens in regards to her not yet receiving her papers but that she is "cordially glad of your success." She regrets that her "literary engagements" prevent her from visiting... More

Letter from Robert Rutherford, [Brown County, Ohio], to William Lloyd ...

Robert Rutherford writes to William Lloyd Garrison "on a subject that has lately absorbed all my feelings, I mean the slavery of our country." He mentions the efforts of the Chilicothe Presbytery to educate fre... More

Letter from Oliver Johnson, [New York, N.Y.], to William Lloyd Garriso...

Oliver Johnson inquires if William Lloyd Garrison is quite certain that he had not been paid for one of his articles published in the Independent, as Johnson states that the accounting ledgers show that a check... More

Letter from G. R. Russell, West Roxbury, [Mass.], to Anne Warren Westo...

Picryl description: Public domain image of stamped postal envelope, free to use, no copyright restrictions

Letter from Charles Marriott, Hudson, N[ew] Y[ork], to William Lloyd G...

Charles Marriott writes to William Lloyd Garrison sending him ten dollars to pay for a number of Liberator subscriptions. He then comments on recent events like the Clerical Appeal as causing him "sadness & som... More

Letter from Thomas Drew, Boston, to Samuel May, Sept. 16, 1881

Drew encloses a death notice of Stephen Symonds Foster. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Harriet Beecher Stowe, Andover, [Massachusetts], to Willia...

In this letter to William Lloyd Garrison, Harriet Beecher Stowe acknowledges Garrison's letter published in the Liberator on December 23, 1853 in reply to her letter, and she says she did not reply immediately ... More

Notes by Samuel May, [18--]

May's apparent draft of a eulogy for Charles Calistus Burleigh is written on the inside of two opened envelopes. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Edwin M. Gilbert, Columbia, to Amos Augustus Phelps, Decem...

In his letter to Amos A. Phelps, Edwin M. Gilbert expresses his approval of Phelps’s choice of profession in ministry. He relates some news around Lebanon, Conn. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from John Rand, Milton, [Massachusetts], to Samuel May, 1850 Fe...

John Rand writes to Samuel May describing the visit of Lucy Stone to Milford and a lecture she delivered in the town. Rand reports that Stone "found with us a cordial welcome" and was introduced to the meeting ... More

Letter from Charles Marriott, Hudson, N[ew] Y[ork], to William Lloyd G...

Charles Marriott writes to William Lloyd Garrison sending him ten dollars to pay for a number of Liberator subscriptions. He then comments on recent events like the Clerical Appeal as causing him "sadness & som... More

Letter from Charles Marriott, Hudson, N[ew] Y[ork], to William Lloyd G...

Charles Marriott writes to William Lloyd Garrison sending him ten dollars to pay for a number of Liberator subscriptions. He then comments on recent events like the Clerical Appeal as causing him "sadness & som... More

Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society expense account of A. A. Phelps for...

An itemized expense account, with the receipt signed by A.A. Phelps on April 10 1838, and three additional receipts: (1) for payment made by "New England Anti-Slavery Society" to “Dutton & Wentworth, Dr.” for a... More

Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society expense account of A. A. Phelps for...

An itemized expense account, with the receipt signed by A.A. Phelps on April 10 1838, and three additional receipts: (1) for payment made by "New England Anti-Slavery Society" to “Dutton & Wentworth, Dr.” for a... More

Letter from Nathan Lord, Dartmouth College, [Hanover], to Amos Augustu...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, Nathan Lord confirms that Dartmouth College has an equal admission policy with regard to race. He talks about a steady stream of aborigines educated in the colleges and two bla... More

Letter from Anne Knight, to William Lloyd Garrison, [October] 14 [18]4...

Anne Knight offers William Lloyd Garrison her prayers for his continued good health in his work. Knight laments the burdens of the annexation of Texas and the election of a "pro-slavery president", labelling it... More

Letter from Sarah Hilditch, Wrexham, [Wales, United Kingdom], to Maria...

Letter from Theodore Parker to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, 1854 June 1...

Theodore Parker writes to Thomas Wentworth Higginson in regards to bidding him "God Speed & Church" and "God bless your brave noble heart." He offers him encouragement and service if he needs it. He will send h... More

Letter from Helen Magill White, London, [England], to William Lloyd Ga...

Helen Magill writes William Lloyd Garrison thanking him for his kindness and for the letter of introduction which he has seen to provide her. Magill details her struggles with mathematics, calling them her "bêt... More

Letter from James Forten, Philad[elphi]a, [Pennsylvania], to William L...

James Forten writes to William Lloyd Garrison describing his happiness to hear that Garrison is "about establishing a paper in Boston." Forten declares, "I hope your efforts may not be in vain; and may the 'Lib... More

Incomplete letter from C. G. Olds, Hampton, N.H., to Lydia Maria Child...

Receipted bills to the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society from Amos Au...

The item includes two receipted bills. One is an $8.68 bill issued to Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society by Nathaniel Greene for letter postage, newspapers and boxes. An approval for the payment was signed on t... More

Letter from Edmonia Lewis, Rome, to Maria Weston Chapman, Feb. 5th, [1...

Edmonia Lewis discusses a sculpture that is intended to be a gift to William Lloyd Garrison. Lewis asks for money to complete the work. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Angelina Emily Grimkè, New York, to Elizabeth Pease Nichol...

Angelina Emily Grimkè writes to Elizabeth Pease Nichol regarding her thoughts regarding slavery and thanking her "British sister" for her anti-slavery efforts. She writes, "I thank every Briton who is laboring ... More

I tremble for my country when I remember that God is just and that his...

Public domain scan of 18th-century drawing, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

"I don't know what weakness may come over me, but I don't believe I sh...

Public domain scan of 18th-century drawing, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Letter from Charles M. Putnam, Andover, to Amos Augustus Phelps, June ...

In reply to Amos A. Phelps’s inquiry, Charles M. Putnam talks about experience at Andover Theological Seminary and at Yale. He says he wishes that Phelps remained in Andover longer. He says he will let “Brother... More

Letter from Elizur Timothy Washburn, Hartford, [Connecticut], to Amos ...

Elizur Timothy Washburn writes to Amos A. Phelps describing his teaching experiences in the school for Deaf and Dumb in Hartford. He includes much gossip about the women in Hartford. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Parentha Bodwell, Simsbury, to Amos Augustus Phelps, March...

Amos A. Phelps’s cousin, Parentha Bodwell, writes to Phelps about their friend, Mary, who is involved with a man named Ennis, whom Bodwell considers to be of dubious character. In a segment added later, Bodwell... More

Letter from Selden Haines, Poughkeepsie, to Amos Augustus Phelps, Augu...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, Selden Haines talks about their old college friends. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Spofford D. Jewett, Andover, to Amos Augustus Phelps, Augt...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, Spofford D. Jewett discusses certain financial matters he attended to on behalf of Phelps, and gives update about life in the Andover Theological Seminary. Courtesy of Boston P... More

Letter from Elizabeth B. Gillet, Middlebury, to Amos Augustus Phelps, ...

Elizabeth B. Gillet writes to Amos A. Phelps that she hasn’t been able to write to him because she has been busy with housework. Responding to Phelps’s request to tell him about her “love affair,” she says she ... More

Letter from William P. Weeks to Amos Augustus Phelps, 1827 Nov[ember] ...

William P. Weeks writes Amos A. Phelps about the sudden death of Major Haggins. He describes that "soon after he rose--he complained of being sick at the stomach, was immediately taken to vomit and they sent fo... More

Letter from Elizur Timothy Washburn, Hartford, Connecticut, to Amos Au...

Elizur Timothy Washburn writes to Amos A. Phelps regarding news of his thanksgiving. He also writes that he hasn't heard news from any of their classmates. He hasn't "done much at Hebrew et, as it has been the ... More

Letter from William P. Weeks, So[uth] Berswick, [Maine], to Amos Augus...

William P. Weeks writes to Amos A. Phelps regarding the breaking of Amos's engagement to Sarah Ann Haggins. He writes that "had you but tied one more knot-you would have given a deathblow to your..respectabilit... More

Letter from Clarissa Bodwell Phelps Tryon, Farmington, [Connecticut], ...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, his mother discusses financial matters, in particular the opportunity to sell their farm and her difficulty in collecting money. She also discusses other matters occurring with... More

Letter from William P. Weeks, South Berswick, [Maine], to Amos Augustu...

William P. Weeks writes to Amos A. Phelps about a previous money matter with Mr. Cromwell and Mr. Hayman. He concludes that he will pay the difference "out of my own pocket." He writes of Mr. Campbell who "prea... More

Letter from William P. Weeks, South Berswick, [Maine], to Amos Augustu...

William P. Weeks writes Amos A. Phelps about a Methodist revival in South Berswick. He writes, "One Methodist minister has already come among them and is practicing all the arts and devises of which he is cabal... More

Letter from William P. Weeks, Derry, [New Hampshire], to Amos Augustus...

William P. Weeks writes to Amos A. Phelps that he is detained in Derry by a snowstorm. He discusses the "Negro question" and writes about seeing Sarah Ann Haggins in town. Lastly, he writes that Mr. Parsons did... More

Letter from Samuel Lee, Hopekinton, to Amos Augustus Phelps, June 26 1...

Samuel Lee writes to Amos A. Phelps to mediate between Phelps and a church in Hopkinton that wishes to obtain him as its minister. Lee says he mentioned to them that the salary was deficient, and that they are ... More

Letter from Deborah Weston to Emma Forbes Weston and Lucia Weston, [18...