Garrison acknowledges that the letter was written to Lewis Tappan, who has given permission for its use in the paper. Here are some excerpts:
“Dear Brother, You have seen by the Evangelist and Emancipator, what we have done here on the subject of slavery. The preamble and constitution of our anti-slavery society will be published this week: I will send you one. The Lord has done great things for us here. Eight months ago there was not a single immediate abolitionist in this seminary. Many student were from slave states, and some of them the most influential and intelligent in the institution. A large colonization society existed, and abolitionism was regarded as the climax of absurdity, fanaticism, and blood.
“The first change was brought about in some of the first minds, and especially in an individual of great sway among the students, who was from Alabama, born, bred, and educated in the midst of slavery; his father an owner or slaves, and himself heir to a slave inheritance. After some weeks of inquiry, and struggling with conscience, his noble soul broke loose from its shackles. He is now President of our Anti-Slavery Society.”
The letter also describes the efforts of the students to form organizations “for the elevation of the colored people of Cincinnati”…… and appeals to Tappan that the ladies of New York might send money to help the cause.
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