A friend in this city, with whom I have stopped for a day or two, on
my way to Scotland, has put into my hands your paper of the 23d inst.,
which contains Mr. George Thompson's letter of the 13th, attacking Dr.
Cox.
As to the difficulties which exist between those two gentlemen, I, of
course, have no right to speak.
Mr. Thompson, however, has not contented himself with urging a
particular controversy with Dr. Cox;--nor even a general controversy,
free for all who desire to engage him, or call in question his
'charges against America, and American Ministers'--as slave-holding
Ministers and Christians on the other side of the water. 'But,' says
he, 'I am ready, also, and anxious to meet any American clergyman, or
other gentleman, in any part of Great Britain, to discuss the general
question, &c.:' that is, the general question of his 'charges against
America and American ministers, touching the whole subject of African
slavery in that country.'
AFTER mature and prayerful consideration, and full consultation with a
few friends, I am not able to see how I can avoid taking notice of
this direct, and almost personal challenge; which, I have some reason
to suspect, was probably intended for me.
AND yet I feel myself encompassed by many difficulties. For some may
consider me defending the institution of slavery; whereas I myself
believe it to be contrary to the spirit of the gospel, and the natural
rights of men. Others might naturally look for more full proofs, and
more exact information than I can give, when relying almost entirely
upon mere memory. While by far the greater part, I much fear, are as
impatient of all investigation on the subject, as, I am sorry to say,
they seem to me, totally unacquainted with its real condition in
America.
I have concluded, however, to accept the somewhat boastful challenge
of Mr. Thompson. And I trust the following suggestions and conditions
will be considered most reasonable, when the peculiar circumstances of
the case are considered:--
1. I will meet Mr. Thompson at Glasgow, any time during the three
first weeks of June; and spend three or four hours a day, for as many
days consecutively as may be necessary--in discussing the 'general
question,' as involved in his 'charges against America, and American
Ministers,' in reference to the whole subject of slavery there.
2. BUT as my whole object is to get before the British churches
certain views and suggestions on this subject, which I firmly believe
are indispensable, to prevent the total alienation of British and
American christians from each other; I shall not consider it necessary
to commence the discussion at all, unless such arrangements are
previously made, as will secure the publication, in a cheap and
permanent form, of all that is said and done on the occasion.
3. I must insist on a patient and fair hearing, by responsible
persons. Therefore I will agree that the audience shall consist of a
select number of gentlemen, say from fifty to five hundred; to be
admitted by ticket only,--and a committee previously agreed on to
distribute the tickets--only to respectable persons.
I take it for granted that Mr. Thompson would himself prefer Glasgow
to any other city, for the scene of this meeting: as it is the home of
his most active supporters. And while the selection of the particular
time of it cannot be important to him, my own previous arrangements
are such, as to leave me no wider range than that proposed to his
choice above.
MORE minute arrangements are left to the future; and they can, no
doubt, be easily made.
I must ask the favour of an early insertion of this note, in the
_Patriot_; and beg to say, through you, to the Editor of the _Glasgow
Chronicle_, that I shall feel obliged by its republication in his
paper.