Francis Jackson Garrison, William Lloyd Garrison, 1805-1879; the story of his life told by his children: volume 2

[213] to shout, ‘Down with him! Hustle him out! Throw him overboard!’ This induced the captain to break up the meeting, but our friends carried on the discussion in private parties until they arrived in the city. When I came on, I was introduced to a slaveholder of Alabama, who shook me by the hand with great courtesy. I took a severe cold by the way, and am very hoarse at present. . . .

I have received no letter from you since the one you sent by Mary, but shall expect one to-night, on the arrival of Mrs.¹ Chapman, or by the next mail. My heart yearns to be with you and the dear babes, for, although I am happy here, I am always happier at home, by your own dear side, with my darling children in my arms.

The wedding between Theodore and Angelina will be consummated on Monday evening next. Neither Whittier nor² any other Quaker can be present to witness the ceremony, pain of excommunication from the Society of Friends. What an absurd and despotic rule! Sarah must be cut off for being³ with Angelina when married! Only think of it!⁴

A succinct account of the stirring events of the following week is contained in the following letter:

W. L. Garrison to Mrs. George Benson.

Boston, May 19, 1838.

⁵ Dearly beloved mother: After an absence from home of nearly three weeks, I arrived here this morning, in much better condition, as to my health and spirits, than when I left. A kind Providence had taken care of my cherished wife and children. George has certainly grown taller, and little Willie looks finely. We have had great doings in Philadelphia, during the present week, which will make that city memorable. Some account will reach you, by the newspapers, before the arrival of this hasty letter; and, fearing that it may serve to create uneasiness at Brooklyn as to my personal safety, I seize my pen—tired as I am—to say, that, although Satan has come down in great wrath in the ‘city of brotherly love,’ knowing that his time is short, yet he has not been permitted to harm a hair of our heads.