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[288] I could easily forgive that, on the supposition that it was hastily made to avoid a defeat. A long and spirited conversation ensued, in which nearly all the company participated; and on parting, I gave him a copy of my “Thoughts,” for his harmless traducement,—persuaded that our interview had not been altogether unprofitable, and that henceforth the “madman Garrigus, or Garrison, or some such name,” 1 would not rank quite so low in his estimation.

Worcester was the first place visited by Mr. Garrison, his choice being influenced by the fact that an Anti-Masonic Convention was to be held there, on September 5, to which he had been appointed delegate for Suffolk2 County.3 Though heartily in sympathy with its objects,4 he appears to have taken no active part in its proceedings; and having spoken on slavery in the Town Hall, after a church had been refused him, he drove through the beautiful scenery of the Blackstone Valley to Providence. The sight of the numerous factory villages on the way confirmed his traditional views on the tariff:5 ‘Although I have long since withdrawn from the field of6 politics, I feel a strong interest in the perpetuity of that system which fosters and protects the industry of the American people.’ So, later, at Hallowell, Maine, he found ‘an intelligent, clear-headed, and industrious population, whom it is not easy to mislead by any political impostures, and who are fully aware that the protection of American industry is the life-blood of the nation.’ In Providence he renewed his visit to Moses7 Brown, enjoyed the companionship of Henry Benson, and made several addresses to the colored people, whom he helped form a temperance society.

1 Goold Brown's blundring was not so far out of the way. In the south of France (Tarn-et-Garonne) Garrigues and Garrison (or Garrisson) are regarded as variations of the same name. The latter signifies ‘little oak.’

2 Lib. 2.158.

3 A pamphlet report of the ‘Proceedings of the Third Anti-Masonic Convention at Worcester,’ in the Mass. Historical Society's Library, contains an address to the people of Massachusetts, signed by the delegates. Mr. Garrison's name figures among the sixty-one from Suffolk Co.

4 ‘I go for the immediate, unconditional, and total abolition of Freemasonry’ (Lib. 2.158).

5 Ante, p. 75.

6 Lib. 2.162.

7 Lib. 2.162.

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