few loaded muskets there, they
_took it out in threats_. But their mercantile establishment was
almost ostracised at this time, by the dry goods merchants; and
country merchants in all parts of the country, north as well as
south, did not dare to have it known that they bought goods of
them; and when they did so, requested particularly, that the
bundles or boxes, should not be marked "from A. Tappan & Co.,"
as was customary. Southern merchants especially, avoided them,
and when, two or three years later, there was a general
insolvency among them, occasionally large losses to New York
merchants, and in some cases failure; _the Tappans were saved by
having no Southern debts_!

Through Mr. Tappan's influence and extensive correspondence
abroad, many remittances came for the help of the "Vigilance
Committee," from England and Scotland, and at one time, an
extensive invoice of useful and fancy articles, in several large
boxes, was received from the Glasgow ladies, sufficient to
furnish a large bazaar or fair, which was held in Brooklyn, for
the benefit of the Committee.

Although lately afflicted by disease, Mr. Tappan still lives in
the enjoyment of all his faculties, and a good measure of
health, and in his advanced years, sees now some of the great
results of his life-long efforts for the restoration and
maintenance of human rights.

Although still suffering under many of the evils which Slavery
has inflicted upon him, the _American slave_ no longer exists!
Instead stands up in all our Southern States the _freedman_,
knowing his rights, and, as a rule, enjoying them. Original
American abolitionists, who met the scorn and odium, the imputed
shame and obloquy, the frowns and cold-shoulders which they bore
through all the dark days of Slavery, now see and feel their
reward in some measure; to be completed only, when they shall
hear the plaudit: "Inasmuch as ye have done it to the least of
these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

ANTHONY LANE.

New York, Nov. 8, 1871.

Mr. Lane, Mr. Tappan's personal friend who labored with him in the
Anti-Slavery Cause, and especially in the Vigilance Committee for many
years, from serious affection of his eyes was not prepared to furnish as
full a sketch of his (Mr. T.'s) labors as was desirable. Mr. Tappan was,
therefore, requested to