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[1873.]
one after another, those foremost in the antislavery conflict of the last half century are rapidly passing away.
The grave has just closed over all that was mortal of
Salmon P. Chase, the kingliest of men, a statesman second to no other in our history, too great and pure for the Presidency, yet leaving behind him a record which any incumbent of that station might envy,—and now the telegraph brings us the tidings of the death of
Lewis Tappan, of
Brooklyn, so long and so honorably identified with the anti-slavery cause, and with every philanthropic and Christian enterprise.
He was a native of
Massachusetts, born at
Northampton in 1788, of
Puritan lineage, —one of a family remarkable for integrity, decision of character, and intellectual ability.
At the very outset, in company with his brother Arthur, he devoted his time, talents, wealth, and social position to the righteous but unpopular cause of Emancipation, and became, in consequence, a mark for the persecution which followed such devotion.
His business was crippled, his name cast out as evil, his dwelling sacked, and his furniture dragged into the street and burned.
Yet he never, in the darkest hour, faltered or hesitated for a moment.
He knew he
