[14] worthy of special note—for it incontestably proves that the object of the “respectable and influential” rioters was to put down the cause of emancipation, and that Mr. Thompson furnished merely a pretext for five thousand “gentlemen” to mob thirty Christian women! . . . Notwithstanding the presence and frantic behavior of the rioters in the hall, the meeting of the Society was regularly called to order by the President. She then read a select and an exceedingly appropriate portion of Scripture, and offered up a fervent prayer to God for direction and succor, and the forgiveness of enemies and revilers. It was an awful, sublime and soul-thrilling scene—enough, one would suppose, to melt adamantine hearts, and make even fiends of darkness stagger and retreat. Indeed, the clear, untremulous tone of voice of that Christian heroine in prayer occasionally awed the ruffians into silence, and was distinctly heard1 even in the midst of their hisses, threats, and curses—for they could not long silently endure the agony of conviction, and their conduct became furious. They now attempted to break down the partition, and partially succeeded—but the little band of females still maintained their ground unshrinkingly, and continued to transact their business. An assault was now made upon the door of the office, the lower panel of which was instantly dashed to pieces. Stooping down, and glaring upon me as I sat at the desk,2 writing an account of the riot to a distant friend, the ruffians cried out— “There he is! That's Garrison! Out with the scoundrel!” &c., &c. Turning to Mr. Burleigh, I said— “You may as well open the door, and let them come in and do their worst.” But he, with great presence of mind, went out, locked the door, put the key in his pocket, and by his admirable firmness succeeded in keeping the office safe.3
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1 Even by Mr. Garrison in the adjoining office, the thinness of the partition permitting. Of this prayer he said, in 1855, ‘I shall never forget it. It was thrilling beyond description; evincing the utmost trust in God, and complete serenity of soul, as she “thanked God that while there were many to molest, there were none that could make afraid” ’ ( “20th Anniversary,” p. 25). The point is of importance only because Mr. Garrison's testimony as to what took place in the hall after he left it, has been impugned ( “Garrison mob,” pp. 20, 51). Mr. Burleigh could hear likewise (Lib. 5.171).
2 This was at the front, where the light came from the windows on Washington Street.
3 A noteworthy example of non-resistance under trying circumstances ( “20th Anniversary,” p. 25).
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