Reading Garrison's Letters

July 23, 1827

An insight into the young Garrison comes from his letter to the Boston Courier, He deplores that politicians are “actuated but by one sentiment, namely, a determination to triumph as a party “… They take stands in favor of commerce or manufacturers — “too often represented as rivals, but which, in fact are merely partners in business. ” … “Men are no longer to be selected for their discernment, experience, and integrity — these are qualities of minor consideration.” … “They go to Congress — eat, drink, and smoke — pay visits, and even fight duels … and nothing will be required at their hands but to drop a scrap of paper into the ballot-box” … “Does this partake of caricature? Would to God time may not prove it reality!” ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison – Volumes I – VI

February 8, 1827

In a letter to the Boston Courier, Garrison discusses a proposed lottery for the benefit of the Jefferson family. In a few phrases, the reader gains a view of the young Garrison relative to poor people, morality, vice. “As a friend of the poor, as a lover of morality, and an enemy to vice, I hope this bill will not pass. Whatever has a tendency to create an unnatural thirst for gain, or to excite unhallowed appetites and desires, must make men vicious and is injurious to public morals. This position alone is sufficient to determine the dangerous influence of lotteries…” ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison – Volumes I – VI

May 26, 1823

Less than four month before her death, Lloyd writes to his Mother after receiving a letter from her. Her letter was a source of pleasure and pain … “it was pleasing to receive a letter couched in such tender language from an affectionate mother … of pain because it brought news that she “almost laid at death’s door”… ¹

¹ Letters of William Lloyd Garrison – Volumes I – VI