anti slavery collection

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

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

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

Yes whether on the scaffold high or in the battle's van, the fittest p...

It is a debt we owe the purity of religion to show that it is at varia...

Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out o...

I don't know as I can better serve the cause I love so well than to di...

What is life or rest to me so long as I have a commission direct from ...

Thus saith the lord: Ye have not hearken'd unto me in proclaiming libe...

Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out o...

"Your late purchase of an estate with a view of emancipating the slave...

"I would never have drawn my sword in the cause of America if I could ...

Shall freedom or slavery triumph : Let Massachusetts speak!

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

Remember them that are in bonds as bound with them.

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

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

Letter from George Jeffrey Tillotson, [New Haven], to Amos Augustus Ph...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, George Jeffrey Tillotson, says he looked for a dictionary as requested, but found only one with some missing pages. He gives some encouraging words related to the commencement ... More

Letter from George Jeffrey Tillotson, [New Haven], to Amos Augustus Ph...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, George Jeffrey Tillotson talks about their friendship, his college life, his decision to be a minister, and the state of religion. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from George Jeffrey Tillotson, [New Haven], to Amos Augustus Ph...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, George Jeffrey Tillotson talks about his college life and different student societies in college. He also discusses the prospect of a religious revival. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from George Jeffrey Tillotson, [New Haven], to Amos Augustus Ph...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, George Jeffrey Tillotson reflects upon their friendship and talks about his college life, which continues to be pleasant. He also discusses the state of religion in New Haven. ... More

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

Clarissa Tryon writes to her son Amos about trouble with her brother Erastus and asks for his assistance. She also writes a second brief letter to Amos' wife, Charlotte, asking about her health. Courtesy of Bos... More

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Baltimore, [Md.], to Ephraim Willi...

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Newburyport, [Mass.], to Frances M...

Letter from George Jeffrey Tillotson, [New Haven], to Amos Augustus Ph...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, George Jeffrey Tillotson talks about his college life and religious prospects of Yale College. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

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

Elizabeth B. Gillet responds to Amos A. Phelps’s letter and discusses her religious views. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Maria Weston Chapman to Anne Warren Weston and Deborah Wes...

M[aria] Weston Chapman writes to Deborah Weston and Anne Warren Weston in regards to her children and in regards to her absence. She writes, "Do not forget me in my absence but speak often of me..when I return ... More

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

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, William Twining discusses the change in the price of musical instruments in Boston and asks for payment for the instruments Phelps purchased from him. In addition, Twining writ... More

Letter from William Twining, Andover, [Massachusetts], to Amos Augustu...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, William Twining discusses Phelps' music and returning Phelps' music books to him the following week. He also adds his request to "alter the title of the Society." Courtesy of B... More

Letter from Israel Warburton Putnam, Portsmouth, to Amos Augustus Phel...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, Israel W. Putnam says he has heard Phelps’s plan to go to teach in Berwick. Putnam asks Phelps to “make all convenient d[i]spatch in going to Berwick.” Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from William Smith Porter, Coosada Autauga co., to Amos Augustu...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, William Smith Porter informs Phelps about the school teachers’ salaries in the area (presumably Alabama), and says he will try to find a position for him if he is still interes... More

Letter from Isaac Gleason Porter, New London, to Amos Augustus Phelps,...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, Isaac Gleason Porter talks about his visit to New Haven and his experience teaching in school. He also relays some news about friends. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from William Twining, Andover, [Massachusetts], to Amos Augustu...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, William Twining discusses Phelps' music and returning Phelps' music books to him the following week. He also adds his request to "alter the title of the Society." Courtesy of B... More

Letter from Tobias Ostrander, Lyons, to Amos Augustus Phelps, Decr 6th...

In compliance to Amos A. Phelps’s request, Tobias Ostrander supplies information on Joseph Ennis. He says Ennis is not married, but has a group of illegitimate children. His social standing used to be good enou... More

Letter from William P. Weeks, Andover, [Massachusetts], to Amos August...

William P. Weeks writes Amos A. Phelps about gossip concerning Sarah Ann Haggins and Burleigh. Weeks confessed to Amos that "Sarah Ann is in good spirits-and is as pleasing to look at as ever." Courtesy of Bost... More

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

William P. Weeks writes a letter to Amos A. Phelps regarding town news and religious matters within South Berswick. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Amos Augustus Phelps, Bradford [Mass.], to Sarah Ann Haggi...

Amos Augustus Phelps describes his journey from Andover to Bradford, and discusses personal matters. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Amos Augustus Phelps, Bradford [Mass.], to Sarah Ann Haggi...

Amos Augustus Phelps describes his journey from Andover to Bradford, and discusses personal matters. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letters from Charles Briggs, Lexington, [Massachusetts], 1828 Oct[ober...

Will P. Huntington writes to unknown on Oct[ober] 26, 1827 certifying Theodore Parker's qualifications for teaching in the public schools. Charles Briggs writes to unknown on Oct[ober] 27th 1828 to certify Theo... More

Letters from Charles Briggs, Lexington, [Massachusetts], 1828 Oct[ober...

Will P. Huntington writes to unknown on Oct[ober] 26, 1827 certifying Theodore Parker's qualifications for teaching in the public schools. Charles Briggs writes to unknown on Oct[ober] 27th 1828 to certify Theo... More

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 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 Amos Augustus Phelps, [Andover, Mass.], to Sarah Ann Haggi...

A.A. Phelps describes his ride to Andover, and then discusses his plan of occupation and study at college. He then talks about mutual acquaintances. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Amos Augustus Phelps, Andover, [Mass.], to Sarah Ann Haggi...

Referring to a certain expression found in her previous letter, Amos Augustus Phelps asks Sarah Ann Haggins whether she changed her view and became a Christian. He also mentions certain slanderous remarks made ... More

Letter from Amos Augustus Phelps, Andover, [Mass.], to Sarah Ann Haggi...

Amos Augustus Phelps tries to offer comfort to Sarah Ann Haggins upon her father’s death. He says, even though her father caused affliction to both of them, he was her father and her filial affection never week... 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 Clarissa Bodwell Phelps Tryon, Farmington, [Connecticut], ...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, his mother writes to him about her financial troubles. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

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

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, Spofford D. Jewett gives news around the Andover Theological Seminary. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

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

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, his mother writes to him about money concerns.She urges him to come home. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Lucius Israel Barber, Simsbury, to Amos Augustus Phelps, M...

Lucius I. Barber writes to Amos A. Phelps to ask about employment opportunities as a school teacher, including the possibility of taking Phelps’s current position, which he heard Phelps plans to leave in August... More

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

Elizur Timothy Washburn writes to Amos A. Phelps about his duties as a school teacher for the Deaf and Dumb in Hartford. He describes the conditions of religion in the surrounding towns, stating "There are revi... More

Letter from William P. Weeks, South Berwick, [Maine], to Amos Augustus...

William Weeks writes to Amos A. Phelps about slanderous remarks made by a Mrs. H and other members of Mr. Campbell's church. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

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

In this letter, Elizabeth B. Gillet thanks Amos A. Phelps for his kind letter, and says she has not forgotten him during the long period of their non-communication. After telling him how she has been keeping tr... More

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

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, his mother writes to him about money concerns.She urges him to come home. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Joel Clough, Farmington, to Amos Augustus Phelps, April 26...

Joel Clough writes to Amos A. Phelps that he had an agreeable winter in the west, and that he plans to finish the stone work to the aqueduct as soon as August. On the same sheet of paper, Phelps's mother, Clari... More

Letter from Parentha Bodwell, Simsbury, to Amos Augustus Phelps, May 2...

Amos A. Phelps’s cousin, Parentha Bodwell, writes to Phelps about the dispute between Phelps’s mother and a man named Ennis, who is romantically involved with a family friend. This was caused by Phelps’s letter... More

Letters from Charles Briggs, Lexington, [Massachusetts], 1828 Oct[ober...

Will P. Huntington writes to unknown on Oct[ober] 26, 1827 certifying Theodore Parker's qualifications for teaching in the public schools. Charles Briggs writes to unknown on Oct[ober] 27th 1828 to certify Theo... More

Letter from John Bronson Richardson, Dartmouth, to Amos Augustus Phelp...

John Bronson Richardson writes to ask Amos A. Phelps for news from him and about their mutual friends. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Journal by Amos Augustus Phelps from 1827 to 1830

This manuscript contains Amos A. Phelps’s diaries from 1827 to 1830, when Phelps was a student of theology. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

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

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, his mother writes to him about her financial troubles. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Amos Augustus Phelps, Bradford [Mass.], to Sarah Ann Haggi...

Amos Augustus Phelps describes his journey from Andover to Bradford, and discusses personal matters. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Parentha Bodwell, Simsbury, to Amos Augustus Phelps, Jan 7...

Amos A. Phelps’s cousin, Parentha Bodwell, writes to Phelps about their friend, Mary, and her plan to marry a man named Ennis, which Bodwell believes to be of dubious character. Having recently visited Phelps’s... More

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

Elizur Timothy Washburn writes Amos A. Phelps regarding his disappointment in not seeing Phelps and talking with him about "diverse things." He has just started studying Hebrew and "perhaps it may be a preparat... More

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

Elizur Timothy Washburn writes to Amos A. Phelps about his duties as a school teacher for the Deaf and Dumb in Hartford. He describes the conditions of religion in the surrounding towns, stating "There are revi... More

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

Elizur Timothy Washburn writes to Amos A. Phelps about his duties as a school teacher for the Deaf and Dumb in Hartford. He describes the conditions of religion in the surrounding towns, stating "There are revi... More

Letter from John Bronson Richardson, Dartmouth, to Amos Augustus Phelp...

John Bronson Richardson writes to ask Amos A. Phelps for news from him and about their mutual friends. 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 Elizur Timothy Washburn, [Hartford, Connecticut], to Amos ...

Elizur Timothy Washburn writes to Amos A. Phelps about his previous letter. He mentions Phelps' change in religious sentiments and says "I have been here & have had many a dar hour in reflecting upon my religio... More

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

Letters from Charles Briggs, Lexington, [Massachusetts], 1828 Oct[ober...

Will P. Huntington writes to unknown on Oct[ober] 26, 1827 certifying Theodore Parker's qualifications for teaching in the public schools. Charles Briggs writes to unknown on Oct[ober] 27th 1828 to certify Theo... More

Letter from Amos Augustus Phelps, Bradford [Mass.], to Sarah Ann Haggi...

Amos Augustus Phelps describes his journey from Andover to Bradford, and discusses personal matters. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

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

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, Charles M. Putnam talks about their mutual friends, as well as religious studies at Andover and Yale. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

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 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 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 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 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 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 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, Hatford, [Connecticut], to Amos A...

Elizur Timothy Washburn writes to Amos A. Phelps about his duties as a school teacher for the Deaf and Dumb in Hartford. He describes the conditions of religion in the surrounding towns, stating "There are revi... More

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

Clarissa writes to her son, Amos, in regards to money troubles and health problems. There is a second letter written on the third page by a cousin but the rest of the letter is missing. In this brief letter, hi... More

Letter from Parentha Bodwell, Farmington, to Amos Augustus Phelps, Mar...

Amos A. Phelps’s cousin, Parentha Bodwell, writes to Phelps from Phelps's mother’s house. Bodwell says Phelps’s mother was impatient waiting for his letters. Even though she would like to have Phelps with her h... More

Letter from Ebenezer Porter, Andover, to Amos Augustus Phelps, June 21...

In this letter, Ebenezer Porter informs Amos A. Phelps that his (Phelps’s) dismissal from the Andover Theological Seminary is being processed as requested. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Amos Augustus Phelps, Andover, [Mass.], to Sarah Ann Haggi...

Amos Augustus Phelps describes to Sarah Ann Haggins his journey to Andover after meeting her [in Berwick?]. He then gives advice concerning being a future minister’s wife: go to live in Boston to widen her hori... 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 Elizur Timothy Washburn, Hartford, [Connecticut], to Amos ...

Elizur Timothy Washburn writes to Amos A. Phelps about his happiness in hearing of Amos's happiness in his present situation "that you seem to enter with so much spirit into that which should occupy the attenti... More

Letter from William P. Weeks, Hebron, [New Hampshire], to Amos Augustu...

William P. Weeks writes to Amos A. Phelps in regards to his journey to Plymouth and news of his travels. He writes of religious matters: "It appears there have been some difficulties in the Church-and one of th... More

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

Elizur Timothy Washburn writes to Amos A. Phelps about his happiness in hearing of Amos's happiness in his present situation "that you seem to enter with so much spirit into that which should occupy the attenti... More

Letter from William P. Weeks, Hebron, [New Hampshire], to Amos Augustu...

William P. Weeks writes to Amos A. Phelps in regards to his journey to Plymouth and news of his travels. He writes of religious matters: "It appears there have been some difficulties in the Church-and one of th... More

Letter from William P. Weeks, Hebron, [New Hampshire], to Amos Augustu...

William P. Weeks writes to Amos A. Phelps in regards to his journey to Plymouth and news of his travels. He writes of religious matters: "It appears there have been some difficulties in the Church-and one of th... More

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

Elizur Timothy Washburn writes to Amos A. Phelps about his happiness in hearing of Amos's happiness in his present situation "that you seem to enter with so much spirit into that which should occupy the attenti... More

An analysis of Dr. Humphreys parallel between intemperance & the slave...

Amos A. Phelps writes that while the comparison between intemperance and the slave trade is useless, such a comparison does exert an influence. He proceeds to analyze and evaluate the parallel drawn by Humphrey... More

Letter from James H. Haven, Portmouth, to Amos Augustus Phelps, Sept 1...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, James H. Haven discusses Phelps’s criticism on Whitman’s theological discourse. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

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

William P. Weeks writes to Amos A. Phelps apologizing for his previous behavior during a conversation they had, stating that "believe me, they were made in the true spirit of friendship-in the same spirit that ... 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, 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 Thompson, Andover, to Amos Augustus Phelps, 1828 J...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, William Thompson says he heard Phelps took charge of the academy in Berwick and inquires about a chance for him to teach there. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

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

William P. Weeks writes to Amos A. Phelps about money matters. He writes about an argument between himself and Uncle Hayman "upon the subject of your Academy Bills." He writes about religious matters in the tow... More

Letter from Ebenezer Porter, Andover, to Amos Augustus Phelps, June 5....

In this letter, Ebenezer Porter informs Amos A. Phelps of the decision of the faculty (of the Andover Theological Seminary) that it would be proper for him (Phelps) to renew his request to complete his three-ye... More

Letter from William Schauffler, Andover, to Amos Augustus Phelps, [Jun...

In this letter to Amos A. Phelps, William Schauffler discusses some of Phelps’s affairs to which he attended. Preceding this letter are: (1) a letter from “C. Tryon” to Phelps, stating that he is sending money ... More