Letter from George Washington Bethune, Utica, [New York], 1834 June 7

Item Information

Title:
Letter from George Washington Bethune, Utica, [New York], 1834 June 7
Description:
George Washington Bethune writes to "A Colored Man, an Exile" though he has "not the pleasure of knowing your name or person." He says that the "letter you addressed me is the first annonymous [sic] communication to which I have ever paid any attention ... [but] the kindly manner in which you have expressed yourself while your prejudices are strong against me, has won my esteem and regard." Bethune states that the recipient's conduct in his letter was "more worthy of the name Christian and gentleman than the mendacious Garrisons and Dennisons." Bethune then defends his position as an advocate of the of "the cause of the [American] Colonization Society, which you declare you hate," insisting that he has "no wish to palliate or excuse the evils of slavery." He says, "It is not the object of that society to expel you from this country: No charge can be more false than this" but rather, "Our purpose is only to send those away who not only are willing but wish to go." He argues that the American Colonization Society has not had enough money to send more former slaves to Liberia but that their work "is hastening and will ultimately effectuate the entire abolition of slavery." Bethune then argues that the recipient is wrong to "say that the Colonizationists hate the colored [sic] the colored people" and lists the names of other Colonizationists and the sacrifices they have made. He also explains that he "cannot unite with the [American] Anti-Slavery Society" seeing their course as "fraught with the utmost mischief to white men & black men but especially the latter." Bethune then gives his permission for the recipient to publish the letter "as a whole not piecemeal" and offers to meet with them in person when he comes to Philadelphia. In the postscript, Bethune apologizes for the long delay in responding to the letter.
Author:
Bethune, George W. (George Washington), 1805-1862
Date:
June 7, 1834
Format:
Letters/Correspondence
Manuscripts
Location:
Boston Public Library
Rare Books Department
Collection (local):
Anti-Slavery Collection
Subjects:
Abolitionists--United States--19th century--Correspondence
African American abolitionists--History--19th century
African Americans--Emigration and immigration--History--19th century
Antislavery movements--United States--History--19th century
Abolitionists--United States--History--19th century
African American abolitionists
African Americans
Emigration and immigration
Antislavery movements--United States
American Anti-Slavery Society
American Colonization Society
Bethune, George W. (George Washington), 1805-1862
Garrison, William Lloyd, 1805-1879
Extent:
2 leaves (6 p.) ; 26 cm.
Permalink:
https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/2z10zr26m
Terms of Use:
No known copyright restrictions.
No known restrictions on use.
Place of origin:
Utica, [New York]
Language:
English
Notes:
Holograph, signed.
Title devised by cataloger.
On verso of the second page, the letter is addressed "For A Colored Man, an Exile care of Wm Lloyd Garrison Liberator Office Boston" and it is postmarked with a red stamp reading, "Utica N.Y. Jun. 12."
Identifier:
5711801
Call #:
MS A.1.2 v.4, p.42-43
Barcode:
39999086046669