A Visit to the United States in 1841For obvious reasons, the abolition of slavery in the United States is the most prominent topic in my narrative; but I have freely interspersed observations on other subjects of interest and importance, as they came under consideration.... -from the Preface All but forgotten in antislavery history of the United States, this powerful testimonial, by a British visitor to American shores, offers an intimate look through an outsider's eye at the South's peculiar institution. Sturges, a British Quaker and activist, draws brief portraits of prominent American abolitionists and, unlike many similar contemporary works, does not ignore the contributions of women as social reformers in pre-Civil War American society. Whether it's relating the tale of a runaway slave and her baby sold back into slavery or addressing the everyday indignities suffered by even free black Americans, this 1842 work seethes with the passion and indignation that would eventually see the end of slavery in the United States. British philanthropist and abolitionist JOSEPH STURGE (1793-1859) also wrote The West Indies in 1837, an account of slavery in the islands. |
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abolition of slavery abolitionism abolitionists addressed Africans American American Anti-Slavery Society Amistad Anthony Benezet anti-slavery cause appeared attended Baltimore believe benevolent Boston Britain British and Foreign called character Chinese Christian church Cinque citizens civilized Colonization colored committee Convention corn law cotton duty Elisha Tyson emancipation England evil favor feeling Foreign Anti-Slavery Society Gerrit Smith human influence informed interest John John Woolman Joseph Sturge labor land late laws letter Lewis Tappan liberty Maryland Meeting for Sufferings Mendi Mendians Month moral nations negroes North object opinion opium oppressed party peace persons Philadelphia population prejudice present President principles prisoners pro-slavery proceedings received religious society respect Samuel Webb sentiments slave slave-holders slave-trade Society of Friends spirit suffering testimony thee thou thousand tion told trade treaty United Whittier William Penn Yearly Meeting York