[337] of the Law; 2dly, upon the egregious wickedness1 of the Law. It is now no longer probable that either Gerrit Smith, Charles A. Wheaton, or myself, will be indicted.2 I suppose that warrants were issued by Judge Conkling for me and for Mr. Wheaton.3 Why they were not served, the managers of such matters best know. It is not that we have cowered to them. I have spoken and written, if possible, more plainly and earnestly than ever.
Samuel J. May to W. L. Garrison.Syracuse, Dec. 6, 1851.4 My controversy with Mr. Comstock waxes warmer. I will send you my last letter, part of which appeared in this morning's Star, and the residue of it will come out on Monday. Perhaps you5 will think that I go too far in enjoining it upon all men to act6 against the Fugitive Slave Law as they conscientiously believe to be right, even if it be to fight for the rescue of its victims. But I know not what other counsel to give them.7 And let me confess to you, that when I saw poor Jerry in the hands of the official kidnappers, I could not preach non-resistance very earnestly to the crowd that were clamoring for his release. And when I found that he had been rescued without serious harm to any one, I was as uproarious as any one in my joy. The Government party here are most especially mad at me; but I am happy to add that my church and the majority of the citizens stand by me well. If we cannot kill this infernal Law, it will kill us. So I think we have come to the death-grapple. If we drive the Slave Power back from this position, it will be all the easier to continue the rout.
Gerrit Smith to W. L. Garrison.Peterboroa, December 31, 1851.8 On my return to-day from Syracuse, I find upon my office table the volume of Selections from your Speeches and Writings.
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1 Cf. Lib. 21.198.
2 They were, however (Lib. 21: 187), at Auburn; and, bailors being called for, ‘Hon. William H. Seward stepped forward and put his name first upon the bond,’ and afterwards entertained the ‘traitors’ at his home. They were never tried. See the full account of the Jerry rescue in May's “ Recollections of the A. S. Conflict,” pp. 373-384.
4 Ms.
7 Mr. Garrison could not have been troubled by this counsel, which resembled his own to the colored people of Boston (ante, p. 303).
8 Ms.
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