antislavery movements, abolitionists

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 Elizabeth Swan Mawson, Ashfield, Gateshead on Tyne, [Engla...

Salmon P. Chase Papers: General Correspondence, 1810-1898; 1863; June ...

Letter from Giles Badger Stebbins, Rochester, N[ew] Y[ork], to William...

Giles B. Stebbins writes to William Lloyd Garrison sending him an obituary (not included) "of our much loved friend Susan R. Doty." Stebbins recalls that Garrison visited "her pleasant home a year since with Ge... More

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, New York, to Helen Eliza Garrison,...

Public domain photograph of correspondence, letter, manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

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 Harriet Beecher Stowe, [Andover, Massachusetts], to Philli...

Harriet Beecher Stowe writes to Mr. Phillips of Phillips, Sampson & Company in regards to her publishing deadline for her next anti-slavery novel "Dred." She writes, "Between now & the 30th are only about 12 wo... More

Treaty between Her Majesty and the United States of America for the su...

Picryl description: Public domain book about slavery, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

John Brown. - Public domain portrait engraving

Picryl description: Public domain image from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, free to use, no copyright restrictions image. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Har... 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 Joseph Lupton, Leeds, [England], to Samuel May, October 31...

Lupton announces a shipment of articles for the Anti-Slavery Fair. He says that the Leeds Quakers support the Philadelphia Bazaar. Lupton tells May that he thinks William Lloyd Garrison ought to be more careful... More

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 Robert Rae, Glasgow, [Scotland], to William Logan, [1867] ...

In this letter to William Logan, Robert Rae asks if William Lloyd Garrison has "arrived in Glasgow?" Rae tells Logan they have asked Garrison "through Mr. [Frederick W.] Chesson of the Morning Star, to attend o... 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

Salmon P. Chase Papers: Financial Papers, 1774-1873; 1862-1863

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

Subscriptions for the life of Rev. Samuel J. May, [after 1871]

This subscription notice is for soliciting orders for "The Life of Rev. Samuel J. May." The bottom of the form is filled in with the names of Mrs. Mary May and Samuel May, who ordered 50 and 25 copies, respecti... More

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Boston, [Mass.], to Helen Eliza Ga...

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

Salmon P. Chase Papers: Special Indexes; Maryland, Baltimore (Police C...

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

A letter to the Right Hon. Henry Dundas: on his speech, delivered in t...

Public domain scan of a manuscript related to African American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

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 Joseph Healy, Phila[delphia], [Pa.], to William Lloyd Garr...

At the request of the treasurer of the Bucks County Anti-Slavery Society, Joseph Healy sends William Lloyd Garrison twenty dollars for his personal use. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Joseph Lupton, Leeds, [England], to Samuel May, November 8...

Lupton informs May that he is sending a box of contributions for the Anti-Slavery Fair. He apologizes for its small size, saying that there are so many other charitable demands on the people of Leeds that the a... More

Letter from William P. Powell, New York, [New York], to William Lloyd ...

William P. Powell, a physician, writes to William Lloyd Garrison about the new boarding house for seamen he has opened with the American Seaman's Friend Society. Powell explains that while this work is not dire... 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 E.B. Kenrick, Cambridgeport, [Cambridge, Mass.], to Willia...

E.B. Kenrick writes William Lloyd Garrison concerning an article published in a later November edition of the Liberator entitled "Phrenology versus Slavery", stating that it may be explained, and offers numerou... 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 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 Joseph Lupton, Leeds, [England], to John Bishop Estlin, Ma...

Lupton says that his brother is going to America and would like to study the progress of the abolition cause firsthand. Lupton mentions that he would like to have Dr. Joseph Bishop Estlin and Miss Estlin come t... More

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

Faithful workers in the cause; Lucretia Mott.

Public domain scan of portrait art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

William Lloyd Garrison.

Picryl description: Public domain image from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, free to use, no copyright restrictions image. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Har... More

Two letters from Granville Sharp to Jacques-Pierre Brissot de Warville

Public domain scan of a manuscript related to African American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

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

Harriet Beecher Stowe writes to William Lloyd Garrison suggesting "a set of anti-slavery lectures [be held] in Boston this winter similar to that in New York and Worcester." Stowe offers to pay "the expenses of... More

Letter from William P. Powell, Liverpool, [England], to Samuel May, Ap...

Powell speaks strongly against the pro-slavery Americans he has seen on the ships in Liverpool Harbor. He tells May that "American liberty is a mockery, British liberty is an existing fact." Powell likens Frede... More

Salmon P. Chase Papers: General Correspondence, 1810-1898; 1848; May-A...

Wrapping paper relating to the memoir of Samuel Joseph May from Samuel...

This manuscript is a piece of paper that Samuel May wrapped around the papers relating to the memoir for his cousin, Samuel Joseph May, who "died at Syracuse, N.Y. July 1, 1871." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Boston, [Mass.], to George William...

Letter from Joseph Lupton, Scarborough, Yorkshire, [England], to Samue...

Lupton says that he has shipped two boxes of contributions from Leeds for the anti-slavery fair. He gives a brief account of the contents of the boxes and speaks particularly of a screen. Lupton also informs Ma... More

Letter from Mary Carpenter, Bristol, [England], to William Lloyd Garri...

Mary Carpenter informs William Lloyd Garrison of her pleasure at having learned from Harriet Lupton of Garrison's proposal to visit England. Carpenter states her hopes that Garrison will pay them an early visit... 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

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Francis Jackson Garrison, Nov. 3, ...

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

Aaron Powell. - A black and white photo of a man with a beard

Picryl description: Public domain vintage artistic photograph, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

Letter from George Waters, Holden, [Massachusetts], to Amos Augustus P...

George Waters write Amos A. Phelps about the sentiments of several ministers in the vicinity of Holden, concerning anti-slavery. He writes of Revered Alisha Scanson of Southborough who "professed himself Anti-S... More

Letter from Mrs. Mary Welsh, Montpelier, Edinburgh, [Scotland], to Mar...

Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

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

Letter from Joseph Lupton, Leeds, [England], to Samuel May, November 8...

Lupton informs May that he is sending a box of contributions for the Anti-Slavery Fair. He apologizes for its small size, saying that there are so many other charitable demands on the people of Leeds that the a... More

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 Eliza Wingham and Jane Wingham, Glasgow, [Scotland], to Wi...

Eliza Wigham and her stepmother, Jane Wigham, write to William Lloyd Garrison expressing their regret that although they cannot be "present at the gathering of friends tomorrow in Liverpool" they wish to thank ... More

Salmon P. Chase Papers: General Correspondence, 1810-1898; 1863; Sept....

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

The case of William L. Chaplin : being an appeal to all respecters of ...

Picryl description: Public domain document related to trials and litigations, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

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 Thomas Cushman Buddington, Leyden, Mass, to William Lloyd ...

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 Joseph Lupton, Scarborough, Yorkshire, [England], to Samue...

Lupton says that he has shipped two boxes of contributions from Leeds for the anti-slavery fair. He gives a brief account of the contents of the boxes and speaks particularly of a screen. Lupton also informs Ma... More

Mary Millburn; Secreted in a box.

Public domain scan of portrait art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Eminent anti-slavery men; William Lloyd Garrison.

John Brown, as he looked in 1857.

Picryl description: Public domain image from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, free to use, no copyright restrictions image. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Har... More

Two letters from Granville Sharp to Jacques-Pierre Brissot de Warville

Public domain scan of a manuscript related to African American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

The case of William L. Chaplin : being an appeal to all respecters of ...

Chaplin was arrested in Aug. 1850 for having "abducted, stolen, taken, and carried out from the city of Washington" two fugitive slaves. Additional charges were brought against him for assaulting his arrestors.... More

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

James Forten writes to William Lloyd Garrison telling him "the Liberator is highly valued here by all who have had opportunity to judge of it and others who have already heard of it are very anxious to peruse i... More

Notes by Samuel May, [18--] - Public domain correspondence manuscripts

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

Downfall of abolition, anti-slavery movement

This illustration in ink, titled "Downfall of abolition," depicts the anti-Garrison riot which occurred in Boston on October 21, 1835. It shows the rioters removing the sign from the Anti-Slavery Office and con... More

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 Caroline Atherton Mason, Fitchburg, Mass, to William Lloyd...

Caroline A. Mason forwards to William Lloyd Garrison a hymn to be sung at the anti-slavery "Gathering", as she doubts her ability to attend. Mason directs Garrison to have this hymn sang or suppressed as his di... More

Song lyrics: "The War Song," from Edmund Quincy, Dedham, [Massachusett...

Edmund Quincy sent this antislavery song of three stanzas, repeating the words "Reform! Reform!" after each one, to William Lloyd Garrison. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Wrapping paper relating to the memoir of Samuel Joseph May from Samuel...

This manuscript is a piece of paper that Samuel May wrapped around the papers relating to the memoir for his cousin, Samuel Joseph May, who "died at Syracuse, N.Y. July 1, 1871." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

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 Mary Anne Rawson, Sheffield, [England], to William Lloyd G...

Mary Anne Rawson writes William Lloyd Garrison a few words concerning their recently-deceased mutual friend, George Thompson. Rawson states that despite her sense that "this poor earth seems the poorer" in Thom... More

Two letters from Granville Sharp to Jacques-Pierre Brissot de Warville

Public domain scan of a manuscript related to African American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

A short sketch of the evidence delivered before a Committee of the Hou...

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 Frederick Douglass, London, to Elizabeth Pease Nichol, 3d ...

Frederick Douglass writes to Elizabeth Pease to express his pleasure at her attention and welcome. He says the Darlington meeting was disappointing, and then talks about upcoming events. He says her brother sho... 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 William Lloyd Garrison, Boston, [Mass.], to Oliver Johnson...

Public domain photograph related to Boston, Massachusetts, New England history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Letter from Frederick William Chesson, 172 Lambeth Road, S.E., [London...

Public domain reproduction of art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

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

Letter from Oliver Johnson, Peacham, V[ermon]t, to Samuel May, 1864 Oc...

Oliver Johnson writes to Samuel May, Jr. about his trip to his "native place" and traveling with George Thompson as he makes plans to lecture in Vermont. Johnson writes of his "great satisfaction .. to introduc... More