The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk
If you believe you should have access to this document, click here to Login.
| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC04717.29 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection related to Gerrit Smith |
| Title | Gerrit Smith to John Thomas, Esq. regarding the Jerry Rescue |
| Date | 27 August 1859 |
| Author | Smith, Gerrit (1797-1874) |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Smith declines Thomas's invitation to preside at the anniversary of the Rescue of Jerry, who had been arrested in Syracuse under the Fugitive Slave Law and freed by local citizens in 1851. Informs Thomas, Chairman of Jerry Rescue Committee: "The Rescue of Jerry was a great and glorious event... But those who achieved it, and I include in this number all who cheered it on and rejoiced in every step of its progress, have, with few exception, proved themselves unworthy of the work of their own hands." Worn through in the upper left corner. |
| Subjects | Reform Movement Abolition African American History Slavery Fugitive Slave Act Runaway Slave |
| People | Smith, Gerrit (1797-1874) |
| Place written | Peterboro, New York |
| Theme | Government & Politics; Slavery & Abolition; African Americans |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | Smith, a politician from New York, served as a U.S. Representative from 1853-1854. He was a noted philanthropist and social reformer active in anti-slavery campaigns and women's rights. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |