Ask the Scholar

Oliver Johnson writes to William Lloyd Garrison notifying him of his "movements in relation to the subjects of slavery and colonization." He says that his work has assured him that "the principles of the New England Anti-Slavery Society are destined, ere long, to supercede the heretical philosophy of the Colonizationists." Johnson tells Garrison about lecture in Montpelier and his conversations with Chester Wright, "formerly minister of that place, and Secretary of the Vermont Colonization Society." He details how Wright had come to see that the "arguments in favor of immediate abolition seemed almost irresistable" and that he did not object to Johnson lecturing on the subject and sharing his views of the American Colonization Society. Johnson then describes his lecture in Montpelier in-depth, listing his arguments and how they were received by his audience, as well as a weak rebuttal by a representative of the Colonization Society, which "only made the matter worse, and I believe it had a good effect" in increasing support for immediate abolition. Chester Wright was further convinced by Johnson's arguments, and Johnson tells Garrison that previously Wright had "done more to promote the objects of the [American Colonization] Society in Vermont than any other man ... If he should come out, he would have an important influence throughout the country." Johnson advises Garrison to send him the Liberator and says that he has no doubt that after reading it, he will "be convinced of the wickedness of the [American Colonization] Society and come over to our side." Johnson then mentions his conversations with "Ex-Governor [Samuel Chandler] Crafts" and says that he "agrees with me fully, both of the subject of emancipation, and in relation to the Col[onization] Soc[iety]." Crafts told Johnson his goal to form an auxiliary of the New England Anti-Slavery Society in Craftsbury, and asks Garrison to send him the Liberator as well. He then tells Garrison he plans to lecture in Concord, New Hampshire and if needed, he "will go wherever the Society desire[s]" to lecture.