Francis Jackson Garrison, William Lloyd Garrison, 1805-1879; the story of his life told by his children: volume 3

[173] doubt that, on my return home, you will find me in a much better bodily condition than when I left you. That word home excites a yearning sensation within me; but I must not think too much about it, or I shall be quite unfitted to discharge the duties of my mission. . . .

In addition to addressing a large meeting at the Crown and Anchor, I have spoken at a public meeting in regard to the atrocious case of the afflicted Rajah of Sattara (of which comparatively little is known in America).¹ I was cheered to the echo, not so much in consequence of what I said, though that was warmly responded to, but because Thompson told them a few particulars of my labors in the anti-slavery cause in America. Last evening I addressed a large meeting of the Moral Suasion² Chartists, for the space of two hours, in the National Hall, George Thompson in the chair, and, of course, warmly commending me to the affection and cooperation of the workingmen of England. I wish you could have been present to see the enthusiasm that was excited. When I rose to address them, the applause was long protracted and overpowering. Peal after peal, like a thunder-storm, made the building quake; and, at the conclusion of my remarks, they gave me nine hearty cheers, and adopted by acclamation a highly flattering resolution. I did not appear before them in my official capacity, or as an abolitionist, technically speaking, but on my own responsibility, uttering such heresies in regard to Church and State as occurred to me, and fully identifying myself with all the unpopular reformatory movements in this country. This will probably alienate some ‘good society folks’ from me, but no matter. I know that the cause of my enslaved countrymen cannot possibly be injured by my advocacy of the rights of all men, or by my opposition to all tyranny.

I have done a good deal in private as well as in public to advance the great object I have in view; and though with me day is turned into night, and night into day, I continue to keep in good health—which fact will give you as much comfort as any that I could possibly send you.

The next excursion was to Birmingham, with Thompson³ and Douglass, where, besides a good public meeting, there