Francis Jackson Garrison, William Lloyd Garrison, 1805-1879; the story of his life told by his children: volume 3

[69]

During the [next] day, a considerable number of persons were¹ in attendance, and the discussions assumed so exciting an aspect that, at the close of the afternoon meeting, it became apparent that we should have a riot in the evening—all in defence of the clergy and the church! When the evening came, the hall was densely filled, partly by a highly respectable assemblage, and partly by a troop of mobocrats, having their pockets filled with rotten eggs and other missiles. Jacob Ferris opened the meeting in a short but eloquent speech, which, as it contained² nothing specially offensive, was listened to without disturbance. Our friend S. S. Foster then took the platform, and was allowed to proceed without much interruption until he made his favorite declaration, in his most excited manner, that the Methodist Episcopal Church is worse than any brothel in the city of New York. Then came such an outbreak of hisses, cries, curses! All order was at an end. Several ruffians rushed toward the platform to seize Foster, but were not allowed to reach him. The tumult became tremendous. Several citizens, who were well known, attempted to calm the storm, but in vain. Rotten eggs were now thrown, one of which was sent as a special present to me, and struck the wall over my head, scattering its contents on me and others. Next, a number of benches were broken, and other damage done; and, finally, the meeting was adjourned, in much disorder, to meet at the same place, the next day, at 10 A. M. We all got through the mob safely, though they kept a sharp lookout for Foster and myself, having prepared, as it was said, tar and feathers to give us a coat without any cost to ourselves.