Letter from William Lloyd Garrison to John Greenleaf Whittier, March 22, 1833

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison to John Greenleaf Whittier, March 22, 1833

William Lloyd Garrison (1805-1879), the abolitionist leader who fought all his life for an immediate end to American slavery, had an early influence on John Greenleaf Whittier. He was the first editor to publish a Whittier poem, “The Exile's Departure," which appeared in a June 1826 issue of Garrison's Newburyport (Massachusetts) Free Press. Later, in 1829, the two shared living quarters in Boston. That year, Whittier accompanied Garrison to the Parker Street Church where Garrison delivered his famous 4th of July speech, calling for emancipation and racial equality in America. At the time of the letter below, Garrison had not seen Whittier for several years. The schism that would divide the anti-slavery movement, and estrange these two men, lay in the future.

William Lloyd Garrison

March 22, 1833

March 22, 1833

Boston, Massachusetts

My long neglected friend and brother:

With confusion of face I take up my pen, after so long a silence, to say that, although I have not given you any epistolary evidence of my friendship for you during the past year, there is nevertheless no one who occupies a larger portion of my heart than yourself.  I could easily engross the remainder of this sheet with apologies, such, I am sure, as would measurably protect me from your reprehension; but is it necessary?

How long is it since we met, dear Whittier?  When I look back to the starting point of separation, the space seems interminable.  And yet I have been hurried along with a rapidity which amazes me.  My ever multiplying engagements and duties devour days, and weeks, and months, with inconceivable facility.  What is particularly distressing, it seems to me as if I accomplished nothing—or, rather, as if I gave no equivalent to God for the precious moments which he is so liberally meting out to me.

How has it been with you?  Has time gone pleasantly and profitably?  I presume you have been busy with your pen—your elastic, vigorous, glowing pen—and are preparing to surprise and delight the public.  Study to make your productions as much distinguished for their usefulness as their brilliancy, and you will bless mankind.

My brother, there are upwards of two millions of our countrymen who are doomed to the most horrible servitude which ever cursed our race, or blackened the page of history.  There are one hundred thousand of their offspring kidnapped annually from their birth.  The southern portion of our country is going down to destruction, physically and morally, with a swift descent, carrying other portions with her.  This, then, is a time for every philanthropist—every friend of this country, to put forth his energies, in order to let the oppressed go free, and sustain the republic.  The cause is worthy of Gabriel—yea, the God of hosts places himself at its head.  Whittier, enlist!—Your talents, zeal, influence—all are needed.

In a few days I expect to take my departure for England, on a mission in behalf of the abolition cause.  Although every moment is burdened with duties and obligations, I am nevertheless tempted to visit Haverhill for the purpose of holding communion with you, face to face, and bidding you personally farewell.  This I will endeavor to do, provided you can procure for me a meeting-house, in which I may deliver an address on slavery.  If you can, I will be in Haverhill on Saturday next, (March 30,) ☞ provided arrangements can be made for the delivery of the lecture on the next evening, (Sabbath,) as I should be necessitated to leave early on Monday.

A few lines from you, in reference to this matter, will place me under new obligations to yourself.

In a prodigious hurry, I remain,

Heartily yours,

Through sunshine and storm,

Wm. Lloyd Garrison