Description

Holograph, signed.Title devised by cataloger.On verso of the second page, the letter is addressed "For A Colored Man, an Exile care of Wm Lloyd Garrison Liberator Office Boston" and it is postmarked with a red stamp reading, "Utica N.Y. Jun. 12."George Washington Bethune writes to "A Colored Man, an Exile" though he has "not the pleasure of knowing your name or person." He says that the "letter you addressed me is the first annonymous [sic] communication to which I have ever paid any attention ... [but] the kindly manner in which you have expressed yourself while your prejudices are strong against me, has won my esteem and regard." Bethune states that the recipient's conduct in his letter was "more worthy of the name Christian and gentleman than the mendacious Garrisons and Dennisons." Bethune then defends his position as an advocate of the of "the cause of the [American] Colonization Society, which you declare you hate," insisting that he has "no wish to palliate or excuse the evils of slavery." He says, "It is not the object of that society to expel you from this country: No charge can be more false than this" but rather, "Our purpose is only to send those away who not only are willing but wish to go." He argues that the American Colonization Society has not had enough money to send more former slaves to Liberia but that their work "is hastening and will ultimately effectuate the entire abolition of slavery." Bethune then argues that...

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Boston Public Library

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Digital Commonwealth