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That Society is, in our estimation, not deserving of the countenance of the British public.
One name was conspicuous by its absence from among the signers to this tremendous Protest—that of
Clarkson.
To him, too,
Mr. Garrison had paid a memorable visit:
Immediately after the meeting at Exeter Hall,1 I rode to2 Ipswich to see Thomas Clarkson, accompanied by my esteemed friend, the Rev. Nathaniel Paul.
Here it is proper to state in what manner the mind of this venerable philanthropist became so strongly impressed in favor of the Colonization Society and of Liberia.
It happens that the individual who, of all others in England, exerts the most influence over Clarkson's mind, is the main pillar of Mr. Cresson's support—namely, Richard Dykes Alexander, a wealthy and respectable member of the Society of Friends.
As Clarkson has entirely lost his sight, this gentleman reads and answers many of his letters, and is emphatically his mouthpiece.
He has therefore acquired a powerful control over the judgment, and secured the entire confidence of Clarkson.
Mr. Cresson succeeded most effectually in duping Alexander, and Alexander in misleading Clarkson.
Care was taken, both by Mr. Alexander and Mrs. Clarkson, to read chiefly to the sightless philanthropist those statements which served to represent the Colonization Society and Liberia in glowing colors, and to place their opposers in a disgraceful attitude.
Under these circumstances, little authority or value ought to be attached to his opinions in favor of the Society and its colony.
On arriving at Ipswich, we found that we could easily gain access to Clarkson only through the medium of Alexander— of him whose mind we knew was strongly prejudiced against us both, in consequence of the flagrant misrepresentations of Mr. Cresson.
But we did not hesitate to call upon him, and state the object of our visit to Ipswich.
He treated us politely; and as Clarkson resided at Playford Hall, a distance of two or three miles from the town, he offered to postpone another engagement which he had made, and accompany us in his carriage.
The retreat chosen by the aged friend of the colored race in which to spend his few remaining years on earth,3 we found
