Item Doc 86 - Autograph letter, signed, from Lewis Tappan to Thomas Clarkson, from New York

Gives a second set of answers to Clarkson's question, 'what real symptoms have you of the anti-slavery cause's advancement?' as follows: The establishment of two newspapers by 'person of colour.' Election of a former slave to an old established literary society. The winning, in the eyes of many, of an argument, conducted through a series of newspaper essays, between a black physician and a pro-slavery Unitarian minister. Many distinguished people in the 'Free States' publicly advocating the anti-slavery cause. Eminent lawyers from the free states and territories frequently stating that anti slavery principles are rapidly pervading the country. The disassociation of several missionaries with missionary boards who have been known to accept money from slaveholders, and the belief that many more will follow in the future. The growth of the membership of the Liberty Party, an abolitionist Party. Tappan admits that there are other, discouraging, facts, the rising price of slaves being one, but doesn't want to discourage Clarkson. States that slavery will soon be abolished and Texas will not be admitted into the Union as a slave state.