Letter from Maria Weston Chapman, Weymouth, [Mass.], to Elizabeth Bates Chapman Laugel, August 6, 1861

Item Information

Place of origin:
Weymouth, [Mass.]
Language:
English
Notes:
Holograph, signed with initials.
Maria Weston Chapman writes that "we are a distressed household," waiting for news from Rome, since hearing from Mr. Joshua Bates that Emma had been summoned by telegraph because Lucia was expected to live but a few days. Rosamond, Helen, and Wazzy (the children of R. Warren Weston) are here with their mother. Deacon Moses just died. Chapman says: "The war goes on & probably will go on as the disaster at Bull Run did but add fuel to the flame. People now rush to centers of enlistment, & insist on being enregimente, & everybody declares that the United States are the better for being beaten, if beaten they were." Chapman goes on to say that Wendell Phillips is "more & more eloquent, & less & less practically sensible, as it seems to me, & more a hunter of popularity. But matters are now safe from the shortcomings of overreachings of Abolitionists. ...for the bulk of the people have taken it in charge." Chapman writes: "All the pro-slavery newspapers are dying off like flies." Henry Cowing was not hurt at the battle of Bull Run, but is missing and believed to be a prisoner at Manassas Junction. Mr. [John] Jay delivered a 4th of July oration on "the great conspiracy & England's neutrality." He does not, however, accuse England of seeking to break up the United States, as Wendell Phillips does. Chapman criticizes Wendell's policy as silly. Dr. [Amos] Farnsworth died at age 72 years. Chapman discusses the financial need of the A.S. Society (American Anti-Slavery Society). She dwells on the difference between the present time from the past. She contrasts the attitudes of Wendell Phillips and Pillsbury with William Lloyd Garrison. The pressure from without is removed. Chapman concludes: "In fact the cause is won."
Identifier:
3133082
Call #:
Ms.A.9.2 v.30, p.74
Barcode:
39999066789965
mq8390859