nists, who, on some points, have so far
differed from the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Committee,
and the great majority of the Convention above mentioned, as to
sustain their representatives in refusing to act with that
Convention, and in protesting against its proceedings; and who
have seen fit to censure the committee in their public meetings
and newspapers in this country, as 'arbitrary and despotic,' and
their conduct as 'unworthy of men claiming the character of
abolitionists.'

"As a corresponding member of the British and Foreign
Anti-Slavery Committee, and intimately acquainted with its
proceedings, I am persuaded that its members have acted wisely,
and consulted the best interest of the cause in which they were
engaged, in generally leaving unnoticed any censures that have
been cast upon them while in the prosecution of their labors.
Yet, before leaving this country, I deem it right to bear my
testimony to the great anxiety of that committee faithfully to
discharge the duties committed to their trust; and to state that
it has never been my privilege to be united to any body more
desirous of keeping simply to the one great object of their
association--the total and immediate abolition of slavery and
the slave-trade. I am persuaded that all candid minds, making
due allowance for the imperfection pertaining to human
associations, will feel their confidence in the future integrity
of that committee increased in proportion as they closely
investigate their past acts; and that, even when the wisdom of
their course may have been questioned, they will accord to them
a scrupulous honesty of purpose.

"The first public suggestion of a General Anti-Slavery
Convention, like the one held last year in London, originated, I
believe, on this side of the Atlantic, although the Committee of
the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society took upon
themselves the heavy responsibility of convening it. At its
close, they invited an expression of the opinion of the
delegates, as to the desirableness of again summoning such an
assembly. The expression was generally in the affirmative; and,
after discussion, a resolution was passed, leaving it to the
Committee of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, after
consulting with the friends of the cause in other parts of the