The Sonnets in question were those ‘addressed to an infant5 born on Saturday last, February 13th, 1836, by ’[99] and Hillard, of the Legislature,1 Dr. Follen, Dr. Bradford,2 myself, etc., etc. The evening was profitably spent in earnest discussion of some of the great topics of reform. The visitors left about half-past 10 o'clock. I went home and tarried with the Chapmans. Yesterday afternoon, Mr. May, Mr. Goodell and myself 3 attended meeting in the African meeting-house, Belknap Street. Our colored friends beheld us gladly, and were particularly careful to let me know how happy they felt to hear that Mrs. G. had got a fine little son. Indeed, that event tickles them beyond measure. We are doubly dear to them on that account. My Sonnets seem to be universally admired. Mr. May said that Mr. Alcott wept as he read them, with excess of feeling.4 I am writing this letter at friend Fuller's, who is the same kind, disinterested man as ever, and who, with his excellent wife, desires me to send special remembrances to you. All the friends are extremely anxious to see you and the dear babe, and stand ready to give a welcome reception to you both . . . The committee of the Legislature have not yet granted us a hearing again, but will probably do so in the course of a few days. Whether I shall address them again will depend upon my feelings and circumstances. Mr. Goodell leaves the city to-morrow morning. He has drawn up for us a very able Memorial, to be presented to the Legislature.
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The Sonnets in question were those ‘addressed to an infant5 born on Saturday last, February 13th, 1836, by ’
1 Robert Rantoul, then a Democrat, and at the beginning of his honorable political career. George S. Hillard, a lawyer like Rantoul, afterwards an eminent orator; but his course in regard to slavery was an anti-climax.
3 Sunday, March 6, 1836.
4 A Bronson Alcott. John E. Fuller.
5 A son named for George Thompson, who quickly returned the compliment in April, when Mrs. Thompson presented him with a son. The editor of the Norwich (Conn.) Aurora chronicled the former naming, and advised Mr. Garrison to call his next boy Benedict Arnold (Ms. April 10, 1836).
The Century Company. , 1885-1889.
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