Early in February, George Thompson landed in Boston2 on his third and final visit to America. Both in the Liberator and in speeches and resolutions at the various antislavery conventions of the preceding months, Mr. Garrison had done his utmost to insure a fitting welcome for his bosom friend;3 and the farewell soirees with which Thompson's admirers in London, Manchester, and4 Liverpool had honored him, were but a prelude to the series of ovations awaiting him in the land which he had so long loved and served, and which was ready now to recognize his heroism, his sacrifices, and his magnanimity. For whereas, in 1835, he had been secretly hurried out of5 Boston harbor, he was now received with special courtesies by the Customs officers of the United States, and treated as a distinguished visitor. The Collector of the port solicited6 his presence at a levee, a few days after he landed, and in7 a company comprising the representative men of the city and State he was greeted with the heartiest cheers. His first public appearance was at Music Hall, on February 16, when he addressed an immense audience on “The Popular Sentiment of England in regard to America and the Rebellion,” Lib. 34.31. and described the agitation which had
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1 This worthy brother of the martyr of Alton died within five weeks after the above letter was written. Mr. Garrison then printed it, with a proper tribute to his memory (Lib. 34: 54).
3 An interesting and valuable sketch of Mr. Thompson's life and philanthropic labors, by William Farmer, ran through seven numbers of the Liberator, filling eighteen columns—probably the fullest and best outline of his remarkable career that has been written (Lib. 34: 25, 29, 34, 37, 41, 45, 49).
5 Ante, 2.50.
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