Francis Jackson Garrison, William Lloyd Garrison, 1805-1879; the story of his life told by his children: volume 1

[71] intemperate spirit—but he will hardly be praised for his labors. If the tone of the Free Press has sometimes given offence by its frankness, that frankness has also secured it many friends: if the lash has been occasionally misapplied, it has more frequently scourged the intended victims: if many have discontinued, more have filled their places. The present transfer has been made, not because any high expectations have not been realized, but for other inducements.

As the Massachusetts Claim was the first object of the subscriber's attention, so also shall it be the last. The swift approach of the next session of Congress brings this claim, in all its aggravated neglect, to memory, and demands a solemn consideration. The insults which have been so repeatedly heaped upon this State, are enough to stir the spirit of every man who scorns to be a slave. It is not the paltry sum of $800,000, nor that the Commonwealth is reduced to beggary, that causes this emotion: but it is the long, deliberate, intentional injustice exercised towards a State whose services are based on the same foundation as those of sister States. The claims of Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, etc., have been promptly liquidated, while poor Massachusetts, in spite of her confession, recantation, and pardon,—in spite of her sacrifices and toils,—has her just dues withheld, and gets nothing! When the rights of a State are disregarded, it is time for the people to lay aside political distinctions, and unitedly to demand redress. This is a question of right—and it must be heard. If another session of Congress prove indifferent to this matter, a note of remonstrance may hereafter be made that “will reach every log-house beyond the mountains.” There is a point beyond which forbearance cannot pass, and submission would be criminal.

Wm. L. Garrison.

The retirement of Mr. Garrison from the Free Press elicited an expression of regret from the Boston Courier (then edited by Joseph T. Buckingham) that he had been compelled to relinquish a paper which he had conducted with so much ‘talent, judgment and good sense;’ a compliment much appreciated by the recipient, who found it rather trying to his pride to descend from a position which had given him some degree of dignity and influence, and to resume work as journeyman printer. He remained only three months longer in Newburyport;