[Letter to] Esteemed Friends, Henry G. & Maria Weston Chapman
Contributors: Chapman, Henry Grafton, 1804-1842, recipient; Chapman, Maria Weston, 1806-1885, recipient
Series: Maria Weston Chapman Correspondence (1835-1885)
Published: 1841
Place of publication: New Kent Road, [London?, England]
Language: eng
Format: [manuscript]
Subjects: Correspondence; Abolitionists; British and Foreign Anti-slavery Society; Women abolitionists; Antislavery movements; History
Notes: Holograph, signed. Oversized manuscript.

In reply to Mr. & Mrs. Chapman's query in their letter of Feb. 22, 1841, Thomas Sturge explains the English custom of cooperating in philanthropic enterprises, without making particular religious affiliations a condition. He discourses on the importance of free labor industries in furthering the suppression of slavery. Cotton manufacturers wish to get free labor cotton from India and not to depend on America. The Association for the Civilization of Africa uses only such measures as Thomas Sturge, who is "a friend & lover of peace can cordially unite with." He believes the natives are to be encouraged to raise cotton "to supersede slave grown cotton of America." Thomas Sturge explains the treatment in England of John A. Collins. John A. Collins arrived at "an unhappy period" when many members of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society united with the American & Foreign Anti-Slavery Society in their views, not "being aware that they by so acting might obstruct the usefullness of women." He believes "such persons to have been deceived." Thomas Sturge disapproves of the refusal to partake of the sacrament with Christians "not yet convinced of the sin of slavery." He mentions the "unkind & uncalled for opposition" to Collins from Captain Stewart. He also discusses Collin's poor health and the mistake of sending him alone.