Jan 31, 1835 —
Refers to three letters from Smith, addressed to Rev. Leonard Bacon, New Haven.
G indicates that the first vindicates the doctrine of immediatism, the second both condemns and praises the American Antislavery Society, and the third which, Garrison claims, defends the Colonization Society. Garrison reviews the first letter, (the others in later issues), and then appeals to Smith for a change in some of his views:
“Sir, I am anxious to see you a convert to anti-slavery doctrines, and a patron of the American Anti-Slavery Society, as my more prudent brethren; and my reasons are —because it is lamentable to see a good man in error – because you have done immense injury to our colored population, and are bound to make reparation,— and, because, when once enlisted under the genuine standard of liberation, you will make a brave and valuable soldier. But until you can come with clean hands and a clear vision, and without wincing at the charge of inconsistency, I hope you will stay just where you are — or rather, that you will be less equivocal in your conduct. I am offended to see you put an abolition cockade upon your cap, and still wear a colonization uniform: both sides of the combatants must necessarily suspect you.”
December 28, 1838
John Williams, and John Williams Scott are the names of the fugitive slaves, and there is a description of their escape from their master, Samuel Ferguson.
January 15, 1841
In a long letter to Channing, here Smith says, “…. there are but two courses for abolitionists in the matter of voting. One of these is to refrain from the polls, where conscience requires it; and the other is, to nominate their own candidates….. Those who take the former course, will happily be clear of the snares and perils of politics: — whilst they who prefer the latter, and go into the arena of political strife, will, I admit, stand in especial need of the admonitions and prayers of their brethren…..”
February 19, 1841
A letter from Gerrit Smith to William Goodell, recounts some of the divisions among abolitionists, and ends with a plea for unity. “… what say you to a proposition for peace amongst ourselves? Considering that the slave still lies bleeding under his oppressor, is it not high time to make and to embrace such a proposition? Is it not time for abolitionists to be employing against their common foe the time and ammunition, which, for the last two years, they have been guiltilly wasting in their war upon each other? Come then, bro Birney, bro Tappan, etc., etc., and stipulate, that you will tolerate (we do not ask you to approve) the doctrine of ‘woman’s rights’ and the doctrine of ‘non-resistance’. Come then, bros. Garrison, Rogers, etc., etc., and reciprocate this liberality with the pledge, that you will tolerate (nor do we ask more of you than bare toleration) your brother abolitionists in their opposition to these doctrines: that you will let them form exclusively male anti-slavery societies, and will let them vote as they please, provided only that their voting will be only for abolitionists ….. Let us be magnanimous enough to forget our past dissensions; and to make room for the holy resolution, that, until we or slavery die, we will hate it and love each other.”
Response by Garrison: With a promise to comment further at another time, he says, “The spirit of the letter is excellent, but it seems to us that the reasoning is loose and inconsistent, and that the proposition for a reconciliation of the friends of the old and new organizations is not any more feasible, with the present views of the anti-slavery platform entertained by both parties, than the amalgamation of fire and gunpowder.”
July 19, 1850
An item titled, Characteristic Kindness, tells of Robert Edmond, who, in 1848 was tarred and feathered in So. Carolina for teaching a slave to read. A letter to Smith, requesting money so that Edmond might visit his native Scotland, is now answered here by Smith, who sends a contribution. Garrison has evidently written to Smith and sent him a copy of Edmond’s letter. Smith responds with a gift, and concludes his letter to Garrison: “What a cruel and wicked – thrice cruel and wicked, land is this in which we live! I rejoice to see that you hold out so strong and true. May the richest blessing of Heaven be upon you and yours!”
Editor’s comment: “We should be glad to see this generous example imitated by others.”
August 9, 1850
Under the title Liberty – Equality – Fraternity!!! signed by Smith, from the New York State Vigilance Committee, is a call for persons who have escaped from slavery and those who have stood by them, “to meet for mutual counsel and encouragement at Cazenovia, Madison County, New York, August 21. “They are bid a most cordial welcome by the people of Cazenovia. There are friends, hospitalities, meeting-houses, and beautiful groves there!”
March 5, 1852
A long letter from Smith: “You have suddenly fallen in love with the American Colonization Society. You are deceived by it, as I was deceived by it. There is less excuse, however, for you, than there was for me. My joining that Society was the folly of a young man. But you are guilty of such folly in your mature years ….”
April 30, 1852
Notice of the formation of this Society, formed at Rochester, N.Y., “on an independent basis”. Gerrit Smith is President.
August 20, 1852
Here are actions taken at the Convention, held in Pittsburgh, August 11th. Hon. Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts, was chosen as President. The Platform is adopted, and speeches made by Frederick Douglass and Gerrit Smith.
November 12, 1852
As a Representative to Congress, “…we believe he does not fear the face of man, and will dare to do his whole duty, as it shall be clearly revealed to his own mind, be the odium or peril what it may.”
