Letter from Jonathan Ward, Plymouth, [Mass.], to Amos Augustus Phelps, 1838 June 22

Jonathan Ward writes to Amos A. Phelps confessing he is "at some loss as to my duty in relation to the abolition enterprise." He then discusses his views about abolition, stating "you know I have always disapproved of the spirit of Garrison & the violence and personalities of his language," believing his style of aggressive rhetoric would not convert people to their cause. He then continues to discuss the relationship between his view of Christian abolitionism and Garrison's approach.
Courtesy of Boston Public Library