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

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Dear Thompson has not been strengthened to do battle for us, as I had confidently hoped he would be. He is placed in a difficult position,¹ and seems disposed to take the ground of non-committal, publicly, respecting the controversy which is going on in the United States. Yet I trust he will soon see his way clear to speak out in our behalf.

Perhaps I may conclude to return home in the Great Western, which is to sail from Bristol on the 25th July. If not, I shall aim to take the steamer Acadia, for Boston via Halifax, 4th August.

I am waiting, with all a husband's and a parent's anxiety, to hear from you. May the intelligence prove pleasurable to my soul! Dearest, I am

Your loving husband.

London retained its hold on Mr. Garrison for another fortnight. On the day the above letter was written, he made one of the garden party at Ham House, meeting again his good friend Fowell Buxton² and family, ³ Elizabeth Fry and her family, Lord Morpeth, the Duchess of Sutherland, and many other Quaker and non-Quaker friends of the host, Samuel Gurney. But let us hear Mr. Garrison's account:

W. L. Garrison to his wife.

London, July 3, 1840.

⁴ Yesterday morning I was joyfully electrified by the receipt of a letter from bro. Johnson, giving me the intelligence of⁵ your safe delivery of a fine boy on the 4th ult. Everything appears to have transpired in the best possible manner. The relief which has been given to my anxious mind is more than words can express. Most sincere and heartfelt is my gratitude to the Giver of every good and perfect gift. James and Lucretia Mott, Isaac Winslow and company, and many other friends, both English and American, are pouring in their congratulations.