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Chapter 10: death of Mrs. Garrison.—final visit to England.—1876, 1877.

The death of his wife and his own growing infirmities induce Garrison to seek diversion and strength by revisiting England in June, 1877. his social experiences prove surpassingly delightful, with new acquaintance and old; and he is able in public and private to give efficient aid to several reforms, particularly to the movement for the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts. He bids a last adieu to Thomp-son, whose end approaches.


In January, 1876, the heaviest bereavement of his life befell Mr. Garrison in the loss of his wife, who was taken from him, after a short and sharp attack of pneumonia, on the 25th of that month. It had been evident for several weeks that her health was seriously impaired, but the event, when it came, was unexpected, and Mr. Garrison, himself suffering from a severe cold and worn by care and watching, was so prostrated by it that grave anxiety was felt for a time as to his own recovery.1 During his weeks of convalescence he found solace in preparing a memorial sketch of Mrs. Garrison, which was printed, with the addresses at the funeral and many tributes from friends, in a small volume for private presentation.2

In June he visited Pennsylvania, and attended, for the3 last time, the Progressive Friends' Meetings at Longwood, with his usual active participation. He subsequently devoted several days to the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, but the resultant fatigue crippled him for

1 He was unable to be present at the funeral services, which were held at Rockledge, and conducted by the Rev. Samuel May, assisted by Wendell Phillips, Lucy Stone, and the Rev. George Putnam. Mr. Phillips's tribute was an exquisite portrayal of Mrs. Garrison's character.

2Helen Eliza Garrison. A Memorial.” 1876. ‘While writing it, my head and heart were heavily oppressed, and in my enfeebled condition the task was as laborious as it was delicate. I hope it will not seem to indicate anything of mental weakness to those into whose hands it will be put’ (Ms. March 30, 1876, W. L. G. to W. P. G.). The volume contains an excellent photograph of Mrs. Garrison.

3 1876.

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