Francis Jackson Garrison, William Lloyd Garrison, 1805-1879; the story of his life told by his children: volume 4

[208] and to the highest interests of your country, by denunciation, persecution, or the fear of death. You have lived to stand victorious and honored in the very stronghold of slavery; to see the flag of the Republic, now truly free, replace the flag of¹ slavery on Fort Sumter; and to proclaim the doctrines of the² Liberator in the city, and beside the grave, of Calhoun.

Enemies of war, we most heartily wish, and doubt not that you wish as heartily as we do, that this deliverance could have been wrought out by peaceful means. But the fierce passions engendered by slavery in the slave-owner determined it otherwise; and we feel at liberty to rejoice, since the struggle was inevitable, that its issue has been the preservation, not the extinction, of all that we hold most dear. We are, however, not more thankful for the victories of freedom in the field than for the moderation and mercy shown by the victors, which have exalted and hallowed their cause and ours in the eyes of all nations.

We shall now watch with anxious hope the development, amidst the difficulties which still beset the regeneration of the South, of a happier order of things in the States rescued from slavery, and the growth of free communities in which your name, with the names of your fellow-workers in the same cause, will be held in grateful and lasting remembrance.

Once more we welcome you to a country in which you will find many sincere admirers and warm friends.

Earl Russell, at the invitation of Mr. Bright, now came forward to second the Address. Remembering his unfriendly attitude towards the American Government during the critical period of the rebellion, the Committee of Arrangements had not thought of inviting him to the Breakfast, and were surprised at receiving an intimation from him that he wished to be present. Even then they refrained from asking him until they had consulted Mr. Garrison, who unhesitatingly assented. Earl Russell's motive for wishing to take part in the proceedings was revealed in his speech, which was as honorable to him as it was surprising and gratifying to his audience. He said:

As one of his sincere admirers and warm friends, I heartily³ join in this welcome to Mr. Garrison and I hold it a distinguished