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.
SOURCE: Octavius Brooks Frothingham, Gerrit Smith: A
Biography, p. 246
No comments:
Post a Comment