Birney, James Gillespie (1792-1857) to Joshua Leavitt
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02448.02 Author/Creator: Birney, James Gillespie (1792-1857) Place Written: Cincinnati, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 June 1847 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 25.1 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Birney, an abolitionist, writes to Leavitt, a reformer and minister in Boston. Has been asked to write columns for the Herald, a newspaper, and is allowed by the editor to freely express his opinions. Notes that Dr. Bailey (possibly Gamaliel Bailey) will not agree with what he has written. Writes, "I have but little faith in the constancy of some who stand prominent in this vicinity as abolitionists. I would not be surprised if some went off to the Democratic party before long." Remarks that Mr. Chase also contributes to the Herald (possibly referring to Salmon Portland Chase). In a post script on page two, notes, "I mention these things merely that you may... account for the different influences that are at work to affect the interests of the Liberty Party." Marked "Private." Contains a note on top of page one: "James Birney, candidate of abolitionists for President."
Joshua Leavitt (1794–1873) was a Congregationalist minister, reformer, abolitionist, and supporter of the Liberty Party in the Northeast. Gamaliel Bailey (1807-1859) had succeeded Birney as editor and publisher of the "Philanthropist" newspaper in Cincinnati in 1837. Birney ran for President as a member of the Liberty Party, an abolitionist party, in 1840 and 1844, losing both times. In 1848 members of the Liberty Party would join with members of other small parties to form the Free Soil Party. Salmon P. Chase was a politician from Ohio who identified with Birney's anti-slavery platform and Liberty Party. He became Senator from Ohio as a candidate from the Free Soil Party in 1849, and became Governor of that state in 1855.
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