Garrison on slaves as property

March 5, 1836

In a letter from Brooklyn, Ct, Feb 10, 1836, written to Mr. Oliver Johnson, Garrison indicates that he cannot attend the meeting of the Vermont Anti Slavery Society, and goes on to commend the people of Vermont for their early abolition of slavery in the state, and then says:

“Henceforth when the American oppressor attempts to convince us that the slaves are his property, by pointing us to the color of their skin and texture of their hair, by  showing us how large a sum he had paid for their bodies and their souls, by proving that they were bequeathed to him by some defunct predecessor, we will kindle at the insult, and tell him that nothing will satisfy us but A BILL OF SALE FROM THE ALMIGHTY!”

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