Letter from Oliver Johnson, New York, [N.Y.], to William Lloyd Garrison, April 5, 1870
Description:
Oliver Johnson writes William Lloyd Garrison in the course of his preparing for the upcoming Yearly Meeting of Progressive Friends, held at Longwood, and inquires if he may expect Garrison in attendance, declaring that "[o]f all the men in the world I want you to be there". Johnson requests Garrison's opinion on the oratory prowess of Cila Blake, Rowland Couner, and Phebe Hansford, as he is having difficulty in deciding whom he ought to invite to speak at the meeting. Johnson notes that this year's meeting will take into consideration and account the 15th Amendment. Johnson states his fear that the inhabitants of Boston will remain "aloof" to the burgeoning peace movement, despite the widespread feeling in "favor of union and harmony" being "very strong". Johnson reports that neither Elizabeth Cady Stanton nor Susan B. Anthony will be attending the peace conference, and states his hopes that "[our] Society will be informally if not officially represented".