PoRTLAND, (Me.) Oct. 28, 1834.
MY DEAR GARRIsoN,
It is now more than a fortnight since I parted with you in
Boston, on my way to the Anti-Slavery Convention at Augusta. The time has
rolled rapidly away. Each day has brought with it duties and occupations, which
have either absorbed the mind in the study and discussion of the “great
question,” or engaged the feelings of the heart in communion with those who are
nobly seeking the welfare of the oppressed. Besides the claims exerted by kind
friends and solemn duties upon the heart and head, the eye has been continually
arrested by some new object. Wherever I have travelled, by land or by water, I
have been constantly reminded that I am in New and not Old England.
The size, beauty, construction, and management of your unrivalled steam
vessels: — the splendid autumnal tints of your forest foliage; — the appearance
of your cities and towns, as they are seen from the deck of one of your
floating palaces, as she proudly approaches the port, “walking the water like a
thing of life;” — your stage coaches and tavern accommodations; — your
hedgeless fields, covered with antediluvian fragments, or the stumps of
hundreds of demolished trees, or plentiful crops of Indian corn and pumpkins; —
the garbs and vehicles of your happy, enterprising and independent Yankee
farmers; — your beautiful meetinghouses, every where visible, their modest
spires directing the mind of the thoughtful traveller upward to nature's God; —
All these novel and striking scenes, calculated to interest, most deeply, every
intelligent stranger. In my mind they have awakened new and strong emotions.
Nor have I been less affected by the more romantic portions of the scenes I
have witnessed. Every thing is full of thrilling association and historical
interest. Already, in imagination, I have lived a thousand years upon your
soil. I have roamed the banks of the Kennebeck and the Penobscot with the
Indian hunter; — I have plunged with him into your pathless woods,
“Where rang of old
the rifle shot;”
have mingled with the untutored worshippers of the “Great
Spirit;” — have listened to the eloquence of barbarian sages, and witnessed the
deeds and death of generations, whose kindlier fate it was to ‘have their being
ere science guided the white man to those shores, and the hand of an insatiate
dominion commenced by the guilty work of conquest, robbery, and extermination.
I have passed downwards through the bloody period of your political
regeneration, and have caught a spark of genuine patriotism from off the purest
altar on which its hallowed fire was ever seen to glow — the heart of
Washington. I have lived through ages yet to come. I have seen this people rise
like Nineveh of old; and “proclaim a fast, and put on sackcloth and ashes, from
the greatest even to the least; and cry mightily to God, and turn every one
from his evil way, and from the violence that is in his hands.” I have heard
the omnipotent voice of Justice thundering in the Capitol, and echoing from the
Halls of Legislation in the South. I have seen exulting millions trample in the
dust the galling chain of an execrated tyranny, and with uplifted hands invoke
the blessing of God on a nation, that had at last broke “every yoke,” and set “the
oppressed free.” But I will forbear to describe further the visions I have had
of the past and the future, and return to speak of recent efforts in which I
have been honored to join — efforts, to bring near the day of redemption,
which, in fancy, I have already realized.
Sunday, Oct. 12. I spent this day in Portland. In the
morning, I accompanied Gen. Fessenden to the meetinghouse of the Third Parish,
and heard a very excellent sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Dwight. In the
afternoon I enjoyed the privilege of addressing a congregation of colored
persons in the Abyssinian church. This was the first time I had ever worshipped
in a place, exclusively appropriated to colored persons; nor had I ever, on any
occasion, seen so many assembled together. I analyzed my mind, with some
anxiety, to discern, if, in these entirely new circumstances, any feelings of
prejudice or dislike were called forth. I can with truth declare, that I
experienced none. The attention paid to the services was apparently deep. The
deportment of all, decent and devout. The singing good; and the whole
appearance of the audience that of intelligence and respectability. In the
evening I lectured in the First Christian church. The audience numbered upwards
of 1200. I was heard with the greatest patience and attention for upwards of
two hours.
Monday, 13. Proceeded with Mr. Phelps to Brunswick,
and in the evening lectured in the Rev. Mr. Titcomb's church, to a numerous and
respectable auditory. The students from Bowdoin College were all present.
Tuesday, 14. Left Brunswick, and reached Hallowell
about 6 o'clock.
Wednesday, 15. Went to Augusta, the Capital of this
state. At 11, the Anti-Slavery Convention assembled. — I was introduced by a
very kind and flattering speech from Gen. Fessenden; and on his motion, was
elected a corresponding member of the Convention. In the evening, I delivered a
somewhat long address. Was very hospitably entertained by the Rev. Mr. Tappan.
Some remarks of mine, during the speech referred to, gave offence to a certain
party in the town; and the first manifestation of their displeasure, was to
visit the house of my host, about 1 or 2 o'clock in the morning, and break nine
or ten squares of glass.
Thursday, 16. Attended the morning meeting of the
Convention. A little
before 1, was called out of the Convention by Mr. Tappan, and informed that five
gentlemen were in an anti-room waiting to see me. On being introduced to
them, they said that they came from a meeting of citizens, that morning held,
to inform me, that my speech of the previous night, had given great offence — that
I was regarded as a foreign emissary, an officious intermeddler, &c.
&c. — and that, therefore, I should not be permitted to attend the
afternoon sitting of the Convention, but must leave the town immediately. I
returned a calm and respectful answer, declining, however, to say whether I
should comply with the “Notice to quit.” At dinner, I consulted with some
friends, and it was finally arranged that I should abide at Mr. Tappan's until
the remaining business of the Convention was transacted, and then retire to
Hallowell, the neighboring town, and lecture there in the evening. During the
afternoon sitting, the Convention passed a resolution, unanimously welcoming me
to this country, and recommending me to the confidence and hospitable attention
of the Christian community. At 5, I bid farewell to Augusta. At 7, I lectured
in the Baptist church, Hallowell, to a very numerous and attentive auditory. A
number of my opponents from Augusta were present. The people of Hallowell,
however, had determined, that no “foreign
interference” should prevent them from hearing my address. I
was therefore permitted to lecture in peace, and I have since heard, that my
address produced a good impression.
Friday, 17. At 10 o'clock Mr. Grosvenor of Salem, Mr.
Bacon, and myself, started for Waterville. On arriving at the College, we were
very warmly greeted by Professor Newton. In the evening, I lectured in the Baptist
Church to a very large auditory, including all the students from the
College. The utmost attention was paid to my address, which lasted two hours.
Saturday, 18. Saw a number of the students. Received
a letter and some verses, expressive of the feelings of all the students
towards me, and wishing me “God speed,” in my labors in this land. The
Secretary of the Anti-Slavery Society in the College, writing to Mr. Phelps,
says, — “Mr. Thompson had a
large congregation last evening, and our students enthusiastically admire him.
His coming here, brought over ALL that remained in the College,
at least.” General
Fessenden of this place, who was at Waterville with me, and has two sons in the
College, told me last night, that after my lecture, six students who had previously
opposed the abolitionists, requested permission to sign the Constitution of the
Anti-Slavery Society, and be promoters of the cause they had hitherto
withstood. Thirty-nine of the students became monthly subscribers of 123 cents
to the funds of the American Anti-Slavery Society, making a total of about 59
dollars a year.
Monday, 20. Brunswick. In the morning, at 12, Mr.
Phelps and myself met upwards of seventy students in the College chapel, and
had a familiar conversation respecting various disputed points — the students
proposed questions, and we answered them. In the afternoon, at 2, we held a
small meeting at the Conference Room, in the village, where we had a very
interesting conversation with a select company. In the evening, at 7, I
lectured in the Baptist church to a full house.
Tuesday, 21. In the morning, at eight, we met upwards
of one hundred students in the College chapel, and had a second friendly
discussion on various points connected with the question. They seemed
exceedingly sorry that we were obliged to depart in the course of that day. At
1 o’clock, we left for Portland.
Wednesday, 22. Held a meeting in the evening in the
Friends' meeting house. The place was crowded. Speeches were made by the Rev.
Mr. Adams of Brunswick, Mr. Phelps, Mr. Grosvenor of Salem, and myself. There
is reason to believe, that some were converted, and many others half won over.
Thursday, 23. In the afternoon, at 3, about 120
ladies assembled in the Friends’ meeting-house, and were addressed by the
gentlemen named above. The ladies agreed to meet again on Saturday afternoon. I
have no doubt that a flourishing society will be established among the ladies
of this city. In the evening, at 7, I met the Committees of the two male
Anti-Slavery Societies in this place. Mr. Phelps and myself were earnestly
requested to prolong our visit, and hold meetings as often as possible. Mr.
Phelps agreeing to stay as long as I would, and feeling a conviction that we
might be useful, I consented to delay my departure for a few days.
Friday, 24. In the evening, Mr. Phelps and myself
held a meeting in the meeting-house of the Third Parish, and delivered
addresses. The audience was very numerous, respectable, and attentive.
Saturday, 25. In the afternoon, at 3 o'clock, we had
a large audience of ladies in the above church. Long addresses were delivered
by Mr. Phelps and myself.
Sunday, 26. In the evening, at 7, lectured in the
Second Christian church. Although the weather was most inclement, the church
was filled.
Monday, 27. Met the colored people in the Abyssinian
church. Prayers were offered by the Rev. Messrs. Coe and Blackman; also by the
Rev. Mr. Munro, colored ministers. Mr. Phelps and myself gave addresses. The
attendance was exceedingly good. We pointed out to our colored brethren the
great necessity of their exhibiting a pure and blameless conduct, both for
their own sake and for the good of the cause of emancipation, which might be
materially advanced or retarded according to the impression made upon the
public mind by their public and private demeanor.
You have now before you a very brief notice of my
proceedings during the last sixteen days. These days have to me been full of
interest and instruction. Proofs are every where abundant, that the cause of
Truth is spreading mightily. It must, I think, greatly cheer you, my dear
brother, to see the principles, which, a few years ago, you advocated almost
alone, and in the face of danger, persecution, and poverty, thus going forth in
their omnipotence – promising soon to pervade the whole land, and pull down the
strong holds of robbery and oppression. Let us go onward. God is with us. While
principle is our guide, no weapon formed against us will prosper. Let us
beware of “expediency.” It
is the harlot on whose knees too many good and great men sleep, and are shorn
of their strength.
That you may soon see the desire of your heart, in the
redemption of your beloved country from the twin abominations of Prejudice
and Slavery, is the prayer of
Yours,
affectionately,
GEO. 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. 11-16
