January 3, 1840
Under Refuge of Oppression – titled “More Southern Thunder!”
A report from a Legislative committee in response to the refusal of the Governor of Maine to “deliver up two of her citizens demanded by Georgia, to be tried in the State last named, as felons.” The named people are Daniel Philbrook and Edward Kelleran, but I cannot tell from the context what is the precise nature of the alleged felony, or the race of the named persons. Words refer to the relationship of the two states and the necessity of protecting “the property of the one” from being “fit prey for the predatory excursions of lawless marauders, finding refuge and protection in the other.”
The issue is clearly one of States’ Rights – the report includes this appeal:
“He who values his birthright, or the land of his adoption — who would protect his right of property, or sustain the institution of slavery as it exits in the South -who detests the vile machinations of the fanatical ABOLITIONIST, or who dares to MAINTAIN AT EVERY HAZARD , SOUTHERN INSTITUTIONS, SOUTHERN PRINCIPLES, & SOUTHERN RIGHTS — let him unflinchingly act out what he professes ….”
January 24, 1840
Here is a copy of the decision of the court in the Amistad case, including these words:
“Cinquez and Grabeau shall not sigh for Africa in vain. Bloody as may be their hands, they shall yet embrace their kindred. I shall put in form a decree of this Court, that these Africans, excepting Antonio, be delivered to the President of the U. S. to be transported to Africa, there to be delivered to the Agent, appointed to receive and conduct them home. ….”
January 31, 1840
Here is a notice to subscribers, indicating that the paper will continue to publish the names of subscribers who are delinquent fifteen months or more.
February 7, 1840
Under the heading, ‘A Thrilling Story’, from the Herald of Freedom, here is the story of Mrs. Mary Webster, of Boston, who, after many attempts, is successful in purchasing the freedom of an enslaved boy in Florida. His enslaved Mother was left behind, but he is determined to buy his Mother’s freedom. “The friends of humanity in the city had given the bright eyed boy over $100, at different times, towards his filial project of buying his mother. The money is deposited in the Savings Bank in Boston.”
February 7, 1840
Here is notice that a gag rule has been passed; there is not enough room to publish it this edition of the paper, but it is labeled as “more odious, more insulting” to the lovers of liberty than any other preceding rule. It says that no memorial, no petition, nor any other paper urging abolition is to be received or entertained in any way whatever. It should excite the “disgust and indignation” of any genuine lover of liberty in the Free states.
February 7, 1840
In this convention there is a resolution affirming the importance of the AASS; the resolution is to be sent to the members of the churches, but there has been some discussion in the convention about the role of women. The Editor comments: “Among those who responded to the call of the Convention , as ‘members of Congregational churches’ were thirteen WOMEN. This will serve to explain the reason why three clergymen were appointed to make out the roll! Laymen could not be trusted to perform that delicate task! Possibly they might make a philological blunder, by interpreting the phrase ‘members of Congregational churches’ so as to include women! The presence of twenty slaveholders at their communion tables would not disturb the abolitionism of these clerical time-servers, half so much as the admission of one woman to membership in such a convention!”
February 21, 1840
It becomes apparent the paper needs money. It is clear that the Editor would prefer not to have to accept advertisements, but will do so. Urges especially advertisement of books, and items of interest which relate to all manner of reforms of the day.
March 6, 1840
A notice appears about a two-day meeting of the Essex County Anti-Slavery Society, to be held in Lynn. Calls for a “strong rallying”; …”Let them evince that abolitionism has indeed ‘gone down’ into their understandings and consciences, and they are resolved to send it ‘down’ into the hearts of the oppressors.
March 13, 1840
Pope Gregory XVI acts to urge abolition of slave trade, Dec. 2.1039
March 20, 1840
The following resolution was adopted by the Vermont ASS: “That those ministers who, with all the light they now enjoy in regard to the sinfullness of the slaveholder, and the suffering of the slave, oppose the cause of emancipation , or remain silent on the subject, are unworthy of support or of confidence as religious guides and teachers.”
