Thursday morning, 23d. Last evening, I delivered a second lecture in the 4th Presbyterian church. The audience rather more numerous than at the first meeting. Two days were occupied in seeking to obtain a church more eligibly situated, but in vain, Mr. Delevan and other gentlemen have used their influence to obtain a church in the upper part of the city, but so far, to no purpose. Yesterday afternoon, Mr. Phelps and myself met a committee of gentlemen, when it was resolved to hold a public meeting as early as possible, and submit the constitution of an Anti-Slavery Society. Last evening's lecture appears to have done good, and I have no doubt that, could I remain and deliver a course of lectures, we should be able to form a good society, if not carry the entire city. This afternoon, Mr Phelps and myself go to Troy. I give my second lecture this evening.
I am much pleased to find that Mr. May has got fairly to
work. His labors will greatly advance the cause in Massachusetts.
I write, as you perceive, upon a Circular put forth by Mr.
Israel Lewis. The colored people of this city held a meeting on Monday evening
to express their opinions in reference to the contents of this document, and
decided almost unanimously, that it would not be proper for the colored people
to send their children to Canada for education, or encourage the emigration to
that settlement of any free persons. They considered it the duty of the whole
population to remain here, and combat the wicked and cruel prejudices at
present operating against them; they considered the Circular based upon
Colonization principles, and therefore an appeal to the prejudiced, rather than
to the unprejudiced Anti-Slavery portion of the community. These conclusions
are fully in accordance with my own views of the matter. I cannot but regard
the Circular as an appeal to the prejudices of the whites, — and the
selfishness of the colored people. I rejoice that Wilberforce
offers an asylum for the absconding slave, and hope it will be sustained as a
city of refuge for him; but I want the free colored man to remain here,
and for a while to suffer, toil, and mourn, if it must be so, the victim of the
prejudices of a pale-skinned aristocracy, that he may share the common
lot of his class, and by making a bold . stand against conduct so inhuman,
hasten the time, when the monster prejudice shall spread his dark wings,
and wheel his flight to the nethermost hell, where he was begotten. Ever, most
affectionately yours,
GEORGE THOMPSON.
SOURCE: Isaac Knapp, Publisher, Letters and
Addresses by G. Thompson [on American Negro Slavery] During His Mission in the
United States, From Oct. 1st, 1834, to Nov. 27, 1835, p. 64-5
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