Gerrit Smith’s letters critiqued re. Colonization

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.”

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