The Liberator

LETTER FROM HON. WM. SLADE.
[The following letter from Mr. Slade, in reply to one addressed to him by the President of the Mass. A. S. Society, enclosing a resolution adopted by that Society at its meeting in Dedham in April last, has been communicated for publication in the Liberator.]

Dear Sir:

Your letter was duly received, enclosing a Resolution of the Massachusetts A. S. Society, expressive of its approbation of my course in Congress on a late trying occasion. It was my intention, on receiving it, to make its acknowledgement the occasion of expressing my views upon the subject of abolition somewhat more at large than I had leisure to do at the moment, and the letter was placed on file for that purpose. But it has turned out very much like the repentance of 'a more convenient season;' for my public and private duties—rendered more embarrassing by ill health—have so overwhelmed me, that I have found no leisure to do what I intended. Nor have I now. I can only apologize to you for my neglect in writing you, and add that I thank your Society in the fullness of a grateful heart, for its kind commendation of my humble effort—of which I regret it was not more worthy. I will, however, endeavor to make up for the deficiency, if Heaven spares my life, in patient and enduring efforts to advance the cause which is so dearly prized by your Society, and which it has been so efficient an instrument in advancing. It shall cheer me amidst all future labors in the cause, to feel the assurances of regard and confidence which your resolution has conveyed to me; and most of all, that I have the prayers of those who feel a just and abiding sense of the impotence of human efforts in this or any other work of benevolence; without the aid of the wisdom and strength that come from the overflowing Fountain of all good.

I remain, dear Sir,
Yours with sincere regard,
WILLIAM SLADE.

Francis Jackson, Esq.