Francis Jackson Garrison, William Lloyd Garrison, 1805-1879; the story of his life told by his children: volume 3

This conviction had now complete possession of him.

W. L. Garrison to G. W. Benson at Northampton, Mass.

Boston, March 22, 1842.

² If all be well (and, so mutable are all things here below, we can promise nothing as to the future without prefixing an if), I shall go to Albany about the 21st of April, in company with C. L. Remond, to attend an anti-slavery convention which our friends intend to get up in that city, with special reference to the Irish Address.³ We shall carry that Address along with us. There is a pretty large Irish population in Albany, and an Irish Repeal Association; but the Argus has had the effrontery and folly to deny the authenticity of the Address, and, of course, a meeting called with especial reference to it will be pretty sure to be well attended, and to create a wholesome excitement. In going or returning, I shall endeavor to visit Northampton (most probably on returning), and, if practicable, make Remond accompany me. I intend, if I can, to add Wendell Phillips to our company. So, you may make your arrangements, at your leisure, for at least one ‘incendiary’ meeting in your place.

Do not forget to suggest to my friend Child the importance of⁴ preparing, without delay, a stirring Address to the friends of the American Anti-Slavery Society, urging them to take prompt and effectual measures to insure a full attendance at the approaching anniversary, from all parts of the free States; and setting forth, in strong terms, the necessity of a large representation on the occasion. For my own part, I avow myself to be both an Irish Repealer and an American Repealer. I go for the repeal of the union between England and Ireland, and for the repeal of the union between the North and the South.