Letter from Experience Billings, Foxborough, [Massachusetts], to Maria Weston Chapman, 1842 Jan[uary] 4

Experience Billings writes to Maria Weston Chapman in regards to the bearer of the letter, Spencer P. Hodges, has been at home on a visit, extending a good influence in the neighborhood in respect to abolitionism and non-resistance. She explains that nothing has been done for the anti-slavery fair because of her illness. She tells of propaganda and activity of the anti-Garrisonian foroes. [Asa?] Cummings lectured in Thanksgiving week, explaining third party votes. Mr. Poor the Orthodox minister, was eloquent against non-resistance and the infidel convention. Abolitionist societies, including a female one, have been formed, and the "Emancipator" introduced. Some members who belonged to her society have now gone over to the other side, "but we..intend soon, to put some plan in operation, that will be some benefit to the cause, & to try this year to make up in some measure for part neglect if we do not labour for the fair, we shall send a donation in money." S.P. Hedges has requested John Anderson Collins to send lecturer to "show us how to begin, if Mr. Collins should forget, you will bear in mind that we want a coloured Brother." The Third party men are very active. The Reverend Mr. Harlow from Wrentham has tried to convert her from "the baleful effects of the Liberator," talking against Garrison and Collins, and arguing from scripture against non-resistance.

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1842

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