Letter from John Bishop Estlin, Bristol, to Samuel May, November 1st, 1845
Estlin complains of the lack of forbearance among the abolitionists, where there is too much division of opinion. He says he can understand the reluctance of the Unitarian ministers to join the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society as William Lloyd Garrison and his group are too violent and intolerant. The American clergy should be encouraged to do something instead of being abused for having their own ideas. He reports on conversations with Theodore Parkman, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Simmons, and Mr. Martineau and mentions "The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" and Douglass' proposed visit to England. Estlin then asks May about John Bovee Dods, an American who wrote on mesmerism. Estlin mentions the improvement in the condition of the West Indians of African descent, the style of "The Liberator," the death penalty for teaching African Americans, and a letter from a freed West Indian slave.
- By May, Samuel, Jr., 1810-1899, Estlin, J. B. (John Bishop), 1785-1855
- Dated ["November 1, 1845"]
- Held by Boston Public Library
- Part of Anti-Slavery Collection
- Rights: No known copyright restrictions.