Smith, Gerrit, 1797-1874 to John Thomas, Esq.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04717.29 Author/Creator: Smith, Gerrit, 1797-1874 Place Written: Peterboro, New York Type: Printed letter Date: 27 August 1859 Pagination: 2 p. ; 31.8 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
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.
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