Chapter I: Preface

Extract of a letter from Hon. Gerrit Smith, of New York, Member of Congress, to Joseph Sturge, Esq., of Birmingham, England. (By permission of Mr. Sturge.)

_"Peterboro', New York, March 23rd_, 1853.

"I take great pleasure in introducing to you my much esteemed friend, Professor Wm. G. Allen. I know him well, and know him to be a man of great mental and moral worth. I trust, in his visit to England, he will be both useful and happy.

"Very truly, your friend and brother,
"GERRIT SMITH."

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"Commending Professor Allen to the friends of the colored American citizens who are denied their rights in their own country, and wishing him every success in the object before him,

"I am, respectfully,
"_Birmingham, 6mo., 28d._, 1853. "JOSEPH STURGE."

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"_Clapham, August 25th_, 1853.

"My dear Sir:--

"Your determination to spend some time in Great Britain, and to employ yourself, as opportunities occur, in giving lectures and delivering addresses upon American topics, including the social position of the free colored population--for which your education and personal experience eminently fit you--has given me sincere pleasure. I trust you will meet with ample encouragement from the friends of Abolition throughout the United Kingdom, to whose sympathy and kindness I would earnestly recommend you, and still more your heroic and most estimable lady.

"Believe me, most truly yours,
"Professor W. G. Allen "GEORGE THOMPSON."

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.--Introduction 41

II.--Personalities 42

III.--Nobility and Servility 48

IV.--The Mob 54

V.--Dark Days 63

VI.--Brightening up,--Grand Result 79

VII.--Conclusion 91

A Short Personal Narrative
by William G Allen 95