Description

Holograph, signedWilliam Lloyd Garrison writes this letter to his wife, Helen Eliza Benson, on his journey across the Atlantic from Boston to London. Garrison writes with great affection; he cherishes his home, his wife, and his children. Garrison's mission of three or four months is a personal sacrifice for his family, but he feels a duty to the anti-slavery cause. On the voyage, the steamer struck a reef near Halifax and they sprung a leak that caused continual concern. Though Garrison was only seasick two or three days, he kept to his berth most of the trip in a state of languor. Garrison reminisces on the deaths in the Benson family and the changes that have occured since he first met his wife. He inquires about his baby daughter Fanny. At the top of page four of this manuscript, Garrison continues this letter in Liverpool on July 31, 1846. The city is in a state of excitement anticipating Prince Albert's visit. Garrison remarks that the British attachment to royalty borders on idolatry. William L. Garrison was met at the dock by Henry C. Wright and George Thompson. Garrison continues this letter on Monday, August 3, in London. He is staying at the home of George Thompson while in LondonMerrill, Walter M. Letters of William Lloyd Garrison

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Boston Public Library

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Internet Archive