The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-04-13


as possible to the condition of brue-and made
him covet degradation and willing to be a slave
He acitly acknowledged the truth of the inference
have frequent conversations with my host and
his lady on the delicate subject to discussing
which, they manifest not the least repugnance-
sometimes introducing it themselves. He is
liberal minded, independent man, and | think
would not fear to avow any sentiments he should
entertain besides, as an influential man, he is
probably second to none in the vicinity. But he
is far enough from being an aboitonst. He has
never read any of our writings, and excepting
the distorted extracts given by pro-savery men,
knows nothing of them. Of course, his opinions
touching anti-slavery men and their designs and
measures, are most unfavorabe. | think, howev-
er, | have in some degree disabused his mind res
pecting them. | need not tell you that in acting
as an advocate, conceal none of our sentiments
or Intentions nor in the least degree compromise
our principles. have assured him that we re-
gard it as a system Of oppression and sin; equal
Iy opposed to the spirit of the gospel aud the gent
US of our free institutions ; appealing TO his own
understanding, and moral sense, and his feelings
as man, in support OF our sentiments. But
while our discussions are characterised by the
greatest 'plainness Of speech the most perfect
kind feeling subsists among all. You will not
hence infer that abolitionism is a Tess dangerous
doctrine here than in other parts of the South
On the contrary, all whom | have heard speak Of
it say, that no gentleman giving expression to such
sentiments in public would be safe a moment |
have, however, conversed with several persons,
ladies and gentlemen with the utmost freedom
had been here scarcely IL hours, before the
question was put, in so many words Are you
an abolitionist? Then followed heavy charges
against the anti-slavery corps Tappan and Gar
rison' in particular. informed my assailant that
knew both fthose gentemen-that one Of Them
Mr.. Garrison, was my personal friend-and cor
rected some mistaken notions respecting their
characters, &c. You are aware that the greatest
ignorance prevails respecting aboitionists. One
lady informed me that she had supposed Arthur
Tappan was q LOWERED man, sort OF rng-leader
among rioters She was astonished to be told he
was a man of moral character and pety. This
was an intelligent lady. An intelligent gentle
man, however, a STAKEHOLDER, told me that the
character of Tappan & Garrison were well known
to men of intelligence. He had heard southern
ers speak in the highest terms of Tappan He
assured me that aboitionsts were respected by
we'll informed men. He thought their doctrines
impracticaLle, although admitting their truth.
had several conversations with him. He admitted
all that abolitioniss claim, excepting the practica
6ility Of emancipation. He is not a professor Of
religion, but admits that as question of morals,
slavery cannot be justified. He says the repre-
sensations of abolitonists are not over-wrought,
respecting the enormities practised but many
masters are kind, and have so attached their
slaves 10 them that they could not be induced to
leave them. He had tried it most efectualy in
the case Of one of his own, whom he was really
DESTROYS offreeng, and assured me that the slaves
affection for him was strong as any natural tie
He was his body servant. But my sheet is near
ly filled. Without telling you much that have
gathered from conversations with others, including
the poor slaves themselves, have given you a
somewhat egotistical episte. But | know you
will appreciate my conduct in doing so, and in
deed is not SELF but our cause which have wish
ed to make prominent. Let me entreat you do
not forget that one of your number is in the enc
my's land that she stands alone, the sole repre-
sentative of party that is regarded with suspi-
cion and indignation-the avowed, uncompromis-
ing enemy Of oppression and friend Of the oppres-
sed.
As ever, yours for the enslaved.
P. S. Mine host has sgnfed his willingness
to read Thome and Kimball. have sent to N.
Y. for a copy. Since sending, it has occurred to
me that Angelina Grimke's Appeal to southern
ladies' would be read by him and his lady, if |
could place it in their hands. have recommen-
ded to him to subscribe for paper, but | doubt
whether he is prepared to do so as yet. think,
however, that a udicous selection from our stan
lard works, and articles ofan argumentative char
lcter, addressed 10 the understanding and the NOR
al sense, would be in the present crisis Of his feel
ngs most eflecual. believe his mind is in
degree open to conviction. He argues with less
confidence than at frst-and after our last CONVEX
'aton, which continued till late hour, heard
lin pray that nothing might obscure in their
minds clear perception Of their whole duty to-
wards God ard their fellow men, and that they
night have grace to assist them in discharging
hose duties when perceived. This prayer was
'fered with apparent sincerity, Can we not
heartily respond to it, Amen