[Letter to] My Dear Mrs. Chapman
Contributors: Chapman, Maria Weston, 1806-1885, recipient
Series: Maria Weston Chapman Correspondence (1835-1885)
Published: 1847
Place of publication: Riverside, Bridgwater, [England]
Language: eng
Format: [manuscript]
Subjects: Correspondence; Racism; Liberty bell (Boston, Mass.).; Women abolitionists; Antislavery movements; History
Notes: Holograph, signed.

Lucy Browne thanks Maria Weston Chapman for her letter and for the kind present of the Liberty Bell. Lucy Browne writes: "I fear that we shall have much less to send you than we had last time, chiefly on account of the very unusual exertions which have been made here for the relief of the starving Irish and which have monopolized the time and thoughts of many of our fellow town's men; besides this the last contributions were made in the midst of the enthusiasm excited by F. Douglass in his visit to us in the beginning of September." She cannot say how long the enthusiasm generated by Frederick Douglass will last. Lucy Browne writes: "I feel with you that moral sympathy is the foundation of all lasting friendship." She would not feel sympathetic toward the anti-slavery cause if the downfall of slavery were only a matter of time, which does not seem to be the case. Lucy Browne believes: "With respect to English influence on this queestion, it should certainly be used in destroying that slavery which was first introduced by Englishmen, and long encouraged if not enforced by our government." She discusses prejudice against color. She refers to the agents of the Cambria packet company who insulted Frederick Douglass. Lucy Browne praises the Liberty Bell and comments enthusiastically on its contributors.

Includes an envelope that most probably contained this letter. The delivery address on the envelope is: Mrs. Chapman, Federal Street, Boston, America. It is postmarked Bridgewater, April 15, 1847; on the verso, there is second postmark from Liverpool, April 16, 1847.