Royal Phelps to Charles D. Miller, February 18, 1860

New-York, February 18th, 1860.

C. D. Miller, Esq., Peterboro:

Sir: I have received your letter of the 13th inst., complaining, on behalf of your father-in-law, of the use made of his name in a publication by the New-York Vigilant Association in October last; and although the publishing of my name to that document was an unwarrantable liberty, for I never signed it, or authorized any one to sign it for me, yet, as I did not contradict it at the time, I can hardly set up this plea now.

I have been disappointed in seeing Mr. Sherman today, but you shall hear from us early next week.

I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

Royal Phelps.

SOURCE: Gerrit Smith, Gerrit Smith and the Vigilant Association of the City of New-York, p. 5

Charles D. Miller to Watts Sherman, February 13, 1860

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