of the slaves, but as the representative also of the
American Government. (Cheers.) * * * *

THE ADDRESS TO WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, ESQ.

"SIR:--We heartily welcome you to England in the name of
thousands of Englishmen who have watched with admiring sympathy
your labors for the redemption of the negro race from slavery,
and for that which is a higher object than the redemption of any
single race, the vindication of the universal principles of
humanity and justice; and who, having sympathized with you in
the struggle, now rejoice with you in the victory.

"Forty years ago, when you commenced your efforts, slavery
appeared to be rapidly advancing to complete ascendency in
America. Not only was it dominant in the Southern States, but
even in the Free States it had bowed the constituencies,
society, and, in too many instances, even the churches to its
will. Commerce, linked to it by interest, lent it her support. A
great party, compactly organized and vigorously wielded, placed
in its hands the power of the state. It bestowed political
offices and honors, and was thereby enabled to command the
apostate homage of political ambition. Other nations felt the
prevalence in your national councils of its insolent and
domineering spirit. There was a moment, most critical in the
history of America and of the world, when it seemed as though
that continent, with all its resources and all its hopes, was
about to become the heritage of the slave power.

"But Providence interposes to prevent the permanent triumph of
evil. It interposes, not visibly or by the thunderbolt, but by
inspiring and sustaining high moral effort and heroic lives.

"You commenced your crusade against slavery in isolation, in
weakness, and in obscurity. The emissaries of authority with
difficulty found the office of the _Liberator_ in a mean room,
where its editor was aided only by a negro boy, and supported by
a few insignificant persons (so the officers termed them) of all
colors. You were denounced, persecuted, and hunted down by mobs
of wealthy men alarmed for the interests of their class. You
were led out by one of these mobs, and saved from their violence
and the imminent peril of death, almost by a miracle. You were
not turned from your path of devotion to your cause, and to the
highest intere