New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-05-30
TIE ISLANDERS AGAINST THE REV. HENRY
RARD BEECHER.

HENRY c. BOWEN CONVICTED AND EsToPPHD by
HIS WRITTEN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
70 ths Editor Of Ths Tribune
SIR: It is high time that the torrent Of SANDER
against Henry Ward Beecher be arrested. have in
my possession q copy of a disavOwal of all the
charges and imputatiOns against Mr.. Beecher ever
made by Henry c. Bowen, which was executed on
the I'd Of April. 1872. Without Mr. Beechers knowl-
edge, have held this in my hands from that time
to this. And now without his knowledge l give
this document to the world, and estOp and convict
the principal offender against truth, public decency
and the rights of reputation.
. Ny inducement TO do this is the fact that Mr.
Bowen has of late repeatedly declared that he had
never disayowed his charges against Mr.. Beecher,
but that no yet insisted on their truth And now
the public can understand the brave silence which
the great preacher has kept under this protracted
storm'of SANDER He had covenanted to bury the
past and to maintain peace and brotherhood. The
violation Of that agreement by Henry C. Bowen un-
seals my mouth. il it does not open the lips of the
pastor Of Plymouth Church. SUFFOLK.
Nelc- York, May %, 1873
THE DIsAvowAL
We three men, earnestly desiring 10 remove all
causes of ofiense existing between u.s. real OF fan
oied and 20 make Christian reparation for injuries
done supposed to DO done and TO efface the dis
turbed past and to provide concord, good WILL and
love for the future do declare and covenant each to
the other, as follows:
!. l. Henry c. Bowen, having gwen credit, per-
haps without due consideration TO tales and nnuen-
does affecting Henry Ward Beecher. and being
influenced by them, as was natural to a man who
receives impressions suddenly to the extent of
peating them guardedly, however, and within limi-
tations, and not for the purpose Of injuring him.
but strictly in the confidence of cOnsultation now
feel that therein did him wrong. Therefore dis
avow all the charges and imputations that have
been attributed TO me as having been by me made
against Henry Ward Beecher-and I declare,
fully. and without reserve, that l know nothing
which should prevent me from extending
TO him my most cordial friendship, confidence,
and Christian fellowship. And l expressly with
draw all the charges, imputations, and innuendoes
imputed as having been made and uttered by me,
and set forth in letter written TO me by Theodore
Tton on the first lday of January, 1871 Ia copy Of
which letter is hereto annexedl-and sincerely re-
greet having made any imputations charges or innu-
endoes unfavorable to the Christian character Of
Mr. Beecher. And covenant and promise that for
all future time will never by word or deed recur
TO- repeat allude to- any either of said charges,
imputatiOns, and nnueudoes.
friendly spirit toward Henry G. Bowen and Henry
Ward Beecher, hereby covenant aud agree that
will again repeat by word Of mouth or other
wise any of the allegations. imputatlons, or in
nuendoes contained in my letter hereunto annexed,
or any other injurious imputations OF allegations
suggested by or growing out of these-and that
will never again bring up or hint at any cause of
difference OF ground of complaint heretofore exist
ing between the said Henry C.. Bowen and myself
or the said Henry Ward Beecher.
Ill AndI, Henry Ward Beeeher put the past forever
out of sight and out Of memory. Ideepy regret the
causes of suspicion, jealousy, and estrangement
which have come between IL Is JOY TO me TO
have my old regard for Henry c. Bowen and Theodore
Tilton restored, and happiness TO me to resume
the old relations of love, respect, and reli-
ance TO each and both Of them. If
have said anything injurious TO the reputation of
either. OF have detracted from their standing and
fame as Christian gentlemen and members of my
church. revoke it all and heartily covenant TO re-
pair and reinstate them TO the extent Of my power
(signed II. c. BOWEN
THEODORE TMTOS
H.W. BRECHER.
n