Francis Jackson Garrison, William Lloyd Garrison, 1805-1879; the story of his life told by his children: volume 4

Mr. Chesson also read a letter from the Comte de Paris:

York House, Twickenham, S. W., June 26.

¹ Sir: Engagements of long standing will prevent me from² being present at the breakfast which will be given on Saturday to Mr. Garrison. I regret it extremely, and I hasten to beg you to thank the Committee in the Comtesse de Paris's name, as well as my own, for the amiable invitation which you have transmitted to us.

I wish at least to avail myself of that opportunity to tell you how much I sympathize with the mark of esteem and respect which you are about to give to the courageous and indefatigable champion of emancipation. The abolition of slavery is indeed a cause dear to every liberal heart, whatever may be its country; and as we all belong to an epoch which, besides its faults, has also its greatness, we may be proud to see it wipe off this shameful stain on our civilization.

The cause of humanity has definitively triumphed, thanks to the energy of a free people. Slavery is henceforth condemned by public opinion, even in the countries where the law allows it still an ephemeral existence. But those who have served this cause can never forget that at a time when its success appeared only as an impracticable utopia, it had enlisted already a handful of eloquent defenders, and that prominent amongst them was William Lloyd Garrison.

After consecrating his life to a task so difficult at the outset, he has had the happiness to see the accomplishment of the salutary revolution for which he labored. He has at last been conspicuous, even for his moderation, in the midst of that American people which, formed in the manly school of liberty, has shown itself as great in victory as in adversity. While we pay deserved homage to those who receive during this life the recompense of their devotion to their principles, it is impossible not to associate with them the memory of those who have been the martyrs of their cause, from the name, already historical, of Lincoln, to the last of those who are inscribed on the long and precious lists published in America, and so justly called ‘The Roll of Honor.’

In receiving a man whose character honors America, I thank you, Sir, for having thought of me, and for having counted on my sympathy for all that is great and noble in that country, which I have seen in the midst of such a terrible crisis.

I remain, Sir, yours truly,

Louis Phillippe D'Orleans, Comte de Paris.