Smith, Gerrit (1797-1874) Address reported by Gerrit Smith to the Jerry Rescue Convention, held in Syracuse October 1, 1857.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04717.26 Author/Creator: Smith, Gerrit (1797-1874) Place Written: Syracuse, New York Type: Printed document Date: 1 October 1857 Pagination: 3 p. ; 30.3 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Regarding William "Jerry" Henry, who had been arrested under the Fugitive Slave Law in Syracuse in 1851, and rescued by local citizens. Smith commends the rescue, claiming no Christian can disapprove of the rescue. Discusses his disappointment in the Republican party's lack of adherence to abolition. Asks "whether we all recognize the obligation to rescue every Jerry."
Smith, a politician from New York, served as a U.S. Representative from 1853-1854. He was a noted philanthropist and social reformer active in anti-slavery campaigns and women's rights.
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