First of August Celebration, 1861

“Again the Anniversary draws near of one of the most beneficent and memorable events in the history of the world , ancient or modern, the Peaceful Emancipation of 800,000 Slaves, the beginning of a great Act of Justice and Humanity, whose wisdom has at length compelled the acknowledgement of the world at large, even of the unwilling and prejudiced.  The Emancipation of the Slaves in the British West India Islands, on the 1st of August, 1834, ranks now in history as an event not less remarkable for its cheering results than for the benevolent and human motives which inspired it. …” ( Liberator, July 12, 1861)