[210] point, in opposition to Judge Jay, respecting an amendment of1 our Constitution.2 I am glad, on the whole, he did not succeed, for a variety of reasons. The vote was a very close one, the leading abolitionists being about equally divided in opinion. With that exception, I believe all our resolutions have been adopted with great unanimity. Sectarianism has received another hearty blow at the hands of the delegates—particularly with reference to any new organization.3 Our New Ipswich friend, Mr. Lee, has not4 opened his lips, nor any one on his side of the house. So far, therefore, “all's well.” Monday evening.—I have just returned from a large meeting of the colored friends in Zion's Church, very many of whom were induced to attend by knowing that I would be present. The meeting was addressed by Beriah Green, Alvan Stewart, Rev. Mr. Cross, Charles W. Denison, and myself. It was an5 interesting occasion. The manner in which these dear colored friends throng around me is very affecting to my feelings. Their expressions of attachment and gratitude are of the strongest kind. O what a reward for the very little I have done on their behalf! Tuesday morning.— . . . Speaking of the manifest 6 regard which our colored friends cherish for me, it is pleasing to add, that, notwithstanding I am now known to entertain peculiar religious sentiments, hostile to all church organizations, etc., etc., yet I have been most kindly treated by all classes, ministers as well as laymen, among our white delegates. There is no evidence of coldness on the part of a single individual, but all take me by the hand with apparent cordiality.On this same morning, Mr. Garrison had gone down to the Battery to meet his wife's sister Mary, and other delegates en route to Philadelphia, to attend the Annual Convention of American Anti-Slavery Women7 which had been called to meet in Pennsylvania Hall. He himself proceeded thither two days later:
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2 Namely, to strike out the clause of the 2d article which admits ‘that each State in which slavery exists has, by the Constitution of the United States, the exclusive right to legislate in regard to its abolition in said State.’ The debate was carried on during four sessions (two days), and the final vote stood 46 yeas to 38 nays—less than a two-thirds majority.
3 Resolutions introduced on motion of Oliver Johnson, and adopted unanimously (Lib. 8: 77).
5 John Cross.
6 May 8, 1838.
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