Letter from Catharine A.F. Stebbins, Rochester, [New York], to William Lloyd Garrison and Helen Eliza Garrison, [18]52 April 7th

Catharine A.F. Stebbins writes to William Lloyd Garrison and Helen Eliza Garrison discussing "the Anniversary [which] is to be held in our city." She tells the Garrisons that "as little sympathy as Frederic[k Douglass] has in some quarters, he has friends and influence yet". Stebbins discusses Douglass's past remarks and shares her hope that Garrison will "give your influence to create a better feeling here among us .. there is so much to battle, colonization, Fugitive Bills, etc." Stebbins then states the object of her letter is to invite the Garrisons to visit during their stay in Rochester and asks if [Wendell] Phillips will be coming to Rochester too. Before closing the letter, Stebbins asks "Do not accuse me dear friends of being a compromiser .. but I am looking to the greatest good to be effected here (and everywhere) and I am looking from a different standpoint from Abolitionists in Mass."
Courtesy of Boston Public Library