Peterboro, February 13, 1860.
Watts Sherman,
Esq.:
Sir: — My father-in-law, Mr. Gerrit Smith, has at
length so far waked up from the eclipse of his intellect as to be able to read
and to hear reading. He has just now seen, for the first time, the “Manifesto
of the New York Democratic Vigilance Association,” published last October, in
which you connect his name with a certain "Central Association," of
bloody and horrible purposes.
As Mr. Smith belongs to no society, has always opposed
secret societies, had never before heard of this "Central
Association," and condemns all shedding of human blood, save by
government, he necessarily feels himself to be deeply wronged by you and your
associates. He holds you and them responsible, for calling in effect upon the
people both of the north and south to detest and abhor him.
Mr. Smith wishes to know without any delay, whether you and
your associates will persist in your libel, or make the unqualified and ample
retraction which the case calls for.
Yours respectfully,
Chas. D. Miller.
P. S. — I do not as
yet write to any of the Executive Committee except yourself, Mr. Phelps, and
Mr. Barlow.
2d P. S. — It
occurs to Mr. Smith that it may have been the "Provisional
Government" adopted by the Convention at Chatham, C. W., with which you
intended to identify him. But Mr. Smith bids me say to you that this can not
relieve you, since never, until within a few weeks, has he heard of that
"Government," or that Convention. What that Government was, he has
yet to learn, as he has not heard or read a line of its provisions.
SOURCE: Octavius Brooks Frothingham, Gerrit Smith: A Biography, p. 246; Gerrit Smith, Gerrit Smith and the Vigilant Association of the City of New-York, p. 3-4
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