[Letter to] My dear Friend
Contributors: Chapman, Maria Weston, 1806-1885, recipient
Series: Maria Weston Chapman Correspondence (1835-1885)
Published: 1847
Place of publication: Dublin, [Ireland]
Language: eng
Format: [manuscript]
Subjects: Correspondence; United States; Freedmen; Abolitionists; Women abolitionists; Antislavery movements; Political activity; History
Notes: Holograph, signed.

Richard Davis Webb mentions a picture of William Ellery Channing and comments on the Garrisonians' attitude toward him. Richard D. Webb writes: "I feel a good deal enlightened by all you have told me about William Goodell." He notes an inconsistency in the attitude of Garrisonians toward the adherence of their followers to non-abolitionist churches and political parties. Webb comments: "It seems to me the most natural thing in the world that the Americans to whom politics are the breath of life should think that nothing can be done without a political party." He gets the impression that the U.S. Constitution ranks with the Bible. The old organization abolitionists are held to number too many heretics in their ranks by other abolitionists. William Goodell does not seem to "go the whole hog" with any party. Richard D. Webb does not think those who differ with the old organization are necessarily dishonest. He thinks Frederick Douglass is jealous of George Thompson. Richard D. Webb mentions his letters in the National Anti-Slavery Standard. He liked Mary Howitt. Richard D. Webb says: "Just now James Haughton who loves popularity, is extremely unpopular for the usual no reason. He is a corn factor" and has been blamed for the food shortages. Richard D. Webb agrees that anti-slavery funds should not be used for the purchase of a slave's freedom. He discusses the problem of the Irish farmer. Webb writes: "I tell you it is a miserable country for a man to be in, and I would be heartily glad to be well out of it." He complains that Frederick Douglass treats James Buffum shamefully.