A call to AASS members

April 14, 1840

Writing to “Abolitionists of the United States”, Garrison warns that, at the upcoming annual meeting, there will be an attempt “to excite division among us”, and, if those attempts fail, there will be an attempt to “disband our forces … Be not deceived by any of their expedients.  They will endeavor –…”  Then he lists ten policies which will be brought before the group, and which he regards as divisive.   ” We call upon you, brethren, to frown indignantly upon each and every attempt thus to dissolve our noble organization …  put down all machinations for the dissolution of an organization, which is the terror of the oppressor and bigot alike, and upon the existence of which depends, under God, in all probability, the peaceful abolition of slavery in the Republic.”  1

1 Letters of William Lloyd Garrison – Volumes I – VI