Letter from Oliver Johnson, New York, [N.Y.], to William Lloyd Garrison, 3 March, 1859
Description:
Oliver Johnson writes to William Lloyd Garrison to request advice in the "strictest confidence" concerning a matter which he is hesistant to resolve. Johnson requests Garrison's opinion regarding his desire to approach the Executive Committee for a pay raise, noting that in the six years he has been employed at the Standard, he has yet to receive one, while the cost of living in New York City, along with inflation, continues to rise. Johnson bemoans the poor living conditions which his salary obliges he and his family to, as well as his inability to afford dental care. Johnson unfavorably compares his salary to that of Theodore Tilton, whom Johnson states is employed in a "subordinate post" at the American Anti-Slavery Society. Johnson additionally complains that his workload has increased following the deparature of S.H. Gay to the point where he is hardly able to take a trip to the country on Sundays as is his habit. Johnson asks Garrison if he believes the fiscal state of the Society would presently allow for a raise, and whether or not Garrison believes that the Executive Committee would be open to such a request.