The Liberator

Anti-Slavery Pic Nic in Andover.

Andover, July 20, 1844.

Mr. Garrison:

I expected that some one who had an opportunity of hearing and seeing what was said and done at the Pic Nic, on the 4th instant, would have communicated something on the subject; but as none seem to have done so, I send you a few lines, that I may notice some things that seem worthy of comment.

Mr. Dow commenced the exercises at the grove by prayer; after which, the time was occupied by singing and dialogues, until the same gentleman addressed us on the evils of slavery, and the guilt of the North in relation to it. He made a good address, which was well adapted to the occasion. It being time to take our collation, the Rev. Mr. Jackson was called on to ask the blessing of God on what we were about to receive. I wish to express my sorrow, that that individual was called on to take any part in the exercises of that day. It was said that day was to be devoted to hearing the advocates of immediate emancipation; and we had hoped that nothing would be done to recognize the anti-slavery or christian character of one of the most inveterate enemies of the anti-slavery movement—one who has taken every opportunity to malign, misrepresent and anathematize those engaged in that movement, and who believes that man may hold his fellow-man in bondage, and not commit sin! I would call on my brethren and sisters, who support this individual, by their money, or presence, to pause and reflect, before they again fellowship the slaveholder or his apologist. We know many endeavor to make a distinction between them; but we have never been able to see any, except that the northern apologist is the most guilty; consequently, that the D.D.'s, Professors, ministers, and church-going people of Andover, are more guilty than the southern slaveholder. We know of but very few who profess to be abolitionists, who make any objection to the application of this principle to the clergy; and yet they will attend their houses of worship, and sit at the Lord's table, recognizing as Christians those whom they know are crucifying the Lord afresh, by trading (or countenancing those who do it) in the bodies and souls of his followers. He says, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.'

After the collation, singing and dialogues followed; then Addison Davis, of Lynn, addressed us in a very able and eloquent speech. He was followed by S. S. Foster, whose appearance seemed to produce very different emotions in different individuals, of the large assemblage. Anti-slavery's advanced guard received him with clapping of hands; while those who are so mixed up with the enemy, as not to be distinguishable in the anti-slavery field, were in evident consternation,—convicted in their consciences of the justice of the charges which they expected soon to hear brought against them. He took friend Davis's remarks on the church for his text, and we think made the most effective speech he ever made in Andover. He was faithful in reproving the guilty, and in pointing out a more excellent way. His language was mild, and his whole deportment calculated to confound his adversaries, and remove the prejudice of those who had listened to their vile slanders. We hope when he visits Andover again, he will see many evidences of the truth of this. After partaking of some fruit, we marched into the village, and separated with apparent good feeling.

Yours in the cause of the slave,

AN OBSERVER.