This was read by the President of the League at its first
anniversary in Steinway Hall, and reported in the papers.
WASHINGTON, May 8, 1871.
MY DEAR SIR,--It is not in my power to be at your meeting; but
when I think that it will be held on the anniversary of the good
old Antislavery Society, which was always so apostolic, I pay
homage to the day, and thanks to you for remembering me among its
friends.
Happily, Slavery is abolished; but, alas! wrong is not banished
from the earth, nor has it ceased to be organized in human
institutions, or to be maintained by governments.
In considering the question of San Domingo, I am sure you will
not forget our duty to the Haytian people, counting by the
hundred thousand, who now seek peace with the rest of the island,
and would gladly accept our good offices. “Blessed are the
peacemakers!” Here is our opportunity to obtain this blessing;
but we must begin by stopping our war-dance about the island,
kept up at immense cost for more than a year.
Faithfully yours,