[Letter to] Dear Maria
Contributors: Chapman, Maria Weston, 1806-1885, recipient
Series: Deborah Weston Correspondence (1830-1879)
Published: 1840
Place of publication: New Bedford, [Mass.]
Language: eng
Format: [manuscript]
Subjects: Correspondence; Fugitive slaves; Abolitionists; Women abolitionists; Antislavery movements; History
Notes: Holograph, signed with initials.

Deborah Weston declares that she will never take upon herself the management of any society: "I feel no call and certainly no ability for the thing." She tells about the arrival of Abraham, a colored man from the South, who came carrying Maria W. Chapman's letter. Mr. Howland thinks he can give Abraham some work immediately. Deborah explains: "There is great feeling for runaway slaves here, & it is rather a recommendation than otherwise." Deborah regretfully does not think it safe to publish his story. She sends the proceedings of a recent ministers' meeting. Deborah said: "The whole town rings with it. Everybody understands it to be the abolitionists who are aimed at..." She comments on various local people in connection with these proceedings. William Coffin called and agreed with Deborah that "now was the time for a lecture & Garrison is the man." If Garrison cannot come, "Edmund [Quincy] is talked of." She states with satisfaction that "our petition to the house goes tomorrow. Mary Taber & 150 others [have signed]."