Objecting to Slavery Defenders
Nov. 12,1855
Garrison writes to a committee of people who have scheduled a series of lectures on slavery, to be given at Tremont Temple; he has been invited to speak, but because there are several lectures scheduled by defenders of slavery, he declines. Garrison notes the names of some of the speakers, and variously characterizes them as “lawless ruffian”, “leader of bandits”, “desperate demagogue”, “unmitigated blackguard”, “shameless bully”, “monster in human form”. “All these stand committed before the world as the most malignant enemies of the anti-slavery cause, the most bitter contemners of the North, most ferocious defenders of the accursed slave system to the end of time.” While he often includes in the Liberator the words of defenders of slavery, this step taken by the committee, “is but one step from the sublime to the ridiculous”… “What is particularly surprising is, that you should have selected from among the slaveholders, and defenders of slavery, the most insolent, depraved, and desperate of them all…” Garrison concludes his letter: “..believing you have acted from the best motives, though unwisely … the most effective lecture I can deliver is to record this frank and honest testimony, I remain, gentlemen Yours, for no union with slaveholders..” 1