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“ [155] which America, as a Christian and free country, cannot but entertain, that slavery is alike incompatible with the law of God and with the well-being of man, whether the enslaver or the enslaved.” The solemn conclusion of the illustrious signers of this mighty protest was that: “That society is, in our estimation, not deserving of the countenance of the British public.” This powerful instrument fell, as Garrison wrote at the time, “like a thunderbolt upon the society.” The damage inflicted upon it was immense, irreparable. The name of Thomas Clarkson was conspicuous by its absence from the protest. He could not be induced to take positive ground against the society. Garrison had visited him for this purpose. But the venerable philanthropist, who was then blind, had taken position on neutral ground, and conld not, after an interview of four hours, be induced to abandon it. But, fortunately, potent as the name of Clarkson would have been in opposition to the society, it was not indispensable to its overthrow in Great Britain. Garrison had won to his side “all the staunch anti-slavery spirits,” while Cresson was able to retain only “a few titled, wealthy, high-pretending individuals.”

The success of the mission was signal, its service to the movement against slavery in America manifold. Garrison writing from London to the board of managers, summarized the results produced by it as follows:

  • 1st, awakening a general interest among the friends of emancipation in this country, and securing their efficient cooperation with us in the abolition of slavery in the United States;
  • 2d, dispelling the mists with which the agent of the American

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