Ask the Scholar

Isaac Knapp writes to William Lloyd Garrison thanking him for his "kind and affectionate letter" and telling Garrison that it is "encouraging to have, now and then, a renewal of your continued regard for me ..." Knapp then claims that the past summer "has been the most anxious and wearisome season I have ever experienced," due to his having "undetaken too much business." He discusses his bookstore, explaining that he lacks capital, and would like to sell the store to the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. This would allow him to "pay off my debts and hold up my head, and, in the end, be a pecuniary benefit to the Society, as I firmly believe." Knapp then says he would like to remain the printer of the Liberator "and want[s] but a fair price for the work," considering the challenges he has faced printing it. He proposes a new rate for his services but tells Garrison that he wold "leave the concern entirely" if the Society or individuals buy his stock and enable him to pay back his creditors. Knapp then asks Garrison for his advice and questions if the Garrison's move to Boston, if he and his wife can stay there as boarders or "have a corner of the house and we cook our own porridge?"