February 9, 1833
Clear copy of preamble to the Constitution of the New England Anti-Slavery Society:
“Whereas, we believe that Slavery is contrary to the precepts of Christianity, dangerous to the liberties of the country, and ought immediately to be abolished; and whereas, we believe that the citizens of New England not only have the right to protest against it, but are under the highest obligation to seek its removal by moral influence; and whereas, we believe that the free people of color are unrighteously oppressed, and stand in need of our sympathy and benevolent co-operation; therefore, recognizing the inspired declaration that God ‘hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth’ and in obedience to our Saviour’s golden rule ‘all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them’, we agree to form ourselves into a Society…” ….and then follows the Constitution
February 16, 1833
ANOTHER VOICE FROM ENGLAND
A letter from James Cropper to Thomas Clarkson
Liverpool, 10 month, 2d, 1832
The letter is critical of Clarkson’s support of Colonization: “Great injury has been done to the cause of negro emancipation by the encouragement which the agent of this most diabolical scheme has received from the sanction of thy name.”
March 23, 1833
Several Resolutions were adopted at a PUBLIC MEETING of the Colored Inhabitants of Boston and Vicinity, March 21, 1833
A series of resolutions were unanimously adopted, including general affirmations of Garrison, the proposed High School for the Education of Colored youth, also stating opposition to Colonization……The Rev. Samuel Snowden is recorded as speaking in support of the resolutions which were offered by Hilton. A collection of twenty-five dollars was raised to support the trip. George Putnam was chairman, and James G. Barbadoes, Secretary.
April 6, 1833
In reference to the Colonization Society: “ When this Society was organized, I was one of its warmest friends, and anticipated great good from its influence, both in Christianizing Africa and abolishing slavery in our country…… I read with some care, the arguments of that distinquished and philanthropist , W. L. Garrison, in The Liberator, and was soon led to ask myself whether ‘this splendid scheme of benevolence’ was not a device of Satan, to rivet closer the fetters of the slaves, and to deepen the prejudice against the free colored people. I now believe it is, and that it had its origin in the single motive, to get rid of the free colored people, that the slave may be held in greater safety…..”
Reference to essay by young colored lady at Canterbury, who had been instructed by Miss Crandall. Further evidence of a rising public voice among young women of color.
April 27, 1833
Long paragraphs from an Address delivered at the African Masonic Hall in Boston, Feb 27, 1833 by Mrs. Maria W. Stewart
After proclaiming that “we sprung from one of the most learned nations of the whole earth”, Maria says: “But it is no use for us to boast that we sprung from this most learned, and enlightened nation, for this day a thick mist of moral gloom hangs over millions of our race. Our condition as a people has been low for hundreds of years, and it will continue to be so, unless, by true piety and virtue we strive, to regain that which we have lost. White Americans, by their prudence, economy, and exertions, have sprung up and become one of the most flourishing nations in the world…….. Whilst our minds are vacant and starving for want of knowledge, theirs are filled to overflowing. Most of our color have been taught to stand in fear of the white man from their earliest infancy, to work as soon as they could walk, and call ‘master’ before they could scarce lisp the word mother. …..But give the man of color an equal opportunity with the white, from the cradle to manhood, …….and you would discover the dignified statesman, the man of science, and the philosopher. But there is no such opportunity for the sons of Africa, and I fear that our powerful ones are fully determined that there never shall be…..O, ye sons of Africa, when will your voices be heard in our legislative halls, in defiance of your enemies, contending for equal rights and liberty? …….We have pursued the shadow, they have obtained the substance; we have performed the labor, they have received the profits; we have planted the vines, they have eaten the fruits of them.” (G promises that this is to be continued)
May 25, 1833
An item under a section Journal of the Times refers to an action of the General Court in 1646: returning a slave to his native country 200 Years Ago!
“The General Court of Massachusetts Bay, passed an act in the year 1646, of which the following is one section: ‘The General Court, conceiving themselves bound by the first opportunity to bear witness against the heinous and crying sin of man-stealing…..do order that the negro interpreter, with others unlawfully taken, be by the first opportunity, at the charge of the country for the present, sent to his native country, (Guinea) and a letter with him of the indignation of the Court thereabouts.”
June 22, 1833
This letter written to Garrison, from Paul, Bristol, England, April 10, 1833
Paul affirms that he finds in large crowds he addresses, that the sentiment toward Colonization is the same as Garrison’s….”Cresson is now somewhere, I believe, in this country; but the people have their eyes open, and I have met with but one gentleman that did not regret that they had ever countenanced his cause. Extracts from your book are published in several of the most respectable periodical publications. It has done much good.”
In the same letter, Paul goes on to comment on the treatment of colored people in England: “And now, to contrast the difference in the treatment that a colored man received in this country, with that which he received in America, my soul is filled with sorrow and indignation. I could weep over the land of my nativity! I would ask those hypocritical pretenders to humanity and religion, who are continually crying out , ‘What shall we do with our black and colored people?’ Why do you not do them justice?……”
July 6, 1833
SAVAGE BARBARITY !
Miss Crandall Imprisoned !!!
Garrison proclaims who are the “the authors of this infamous proceeding”….
“They are friends of the American Colonization Society, and have made their appeal to that association for countenance and support.! We verily believe, that these proceedings are the genuine fruits of colonization principles and prejudices, and we trust, that they will open the eyes of a slumbering and credulous community.”
August 3, 1833
A Bid for a Freeman of Massachusetts
Copy of a resolution in Georgia, adopted by its House & Senate, Nov 30, 1831
“Resolved that the sum of five thousand dollars is hereby appropriated, to be paid to any person or persons who shall arrest bring to trial and prosecute to conviction under the laws of this state; the editor or publisher of a certain paper called the Liberator, published in the town of Boston of the state of Massachusetts….” (or any persons who shall circulate said paper within the limits of this state).
August 10, 1833
Here is the story told in Mayer’s book, of the lecture given by Lloyd in London,
June 10, 1833…..Cresson. agent of the ACS was also in London, and had been invited to debate with G of this occasion ; Cresson declined the invitation, but was present for the lecture …..he was invited to take part, and there is much discussion … George Thompson delivers an address during this discussion.
