Abner Forbes and Smith School

August 30, 1844

Here is a notice that Forbes has been re-appointed to the Smith School by the general school committee; he received 12 votes, while Thomas Paul, had 7 votes, and Isaac Shepherd has 1.  Three members of the committee declined voting.  Commenting on this vote, the Liberator says:  “This is a most scandalous, inhuman, and tyrannical procedure, showing the most sovereign contempt for the wishes and feelings of our colored citizens, on the part of the majority of the school committee.”