Letter from Matthew Franklin Whittier to Thomas Chandler

Amesbury Mills, 24th of 10th Mo. 1837

Esteemed Friend,

Thy letter of some time since was duly received and for which I tender thee my sincere thanks. My former letter was hastily written under peculiar circumstances. Misfortune had laid her withering hand heavily upon me. I felt disheartened and forsaken, but when I looked around me and beheld thousands whose condition was so much worse than mine, I felt that so far from repining I had abundant reason for gratitude towards my Creator, that by His especial goodness I was what I was.

Thy picture of prospects (so far as it regards me) in Michigan was not sufficiently flattering to induce me to migrate thither. Although I have by no means wholly abandoned the idea, and shall hold myself in readiness to emigrate to some of the Western States whenever business shall be so far restored as to rend it expedient.

According to thy statement I should find no employment except as a laborer on a farm, and shortly after writing to thee I was able to obtain that here at about the same wages I should obtain in Michigan.

Thee spoke of difficulties of deprivations etc. I should expect them and was prepared to brave them and more I assured on [sic?] did I see reasonable probability of ultimate success I would immediately come out. I would cheerfully encounter peril and deprivation could I see even though dim prospects a reward and that my family would be preserved from want. I feel assured that I know myself when I say that I should not shrink from the encounter.

Thou art (I believe) an abolitionist and perhaps will feel gratified to know that the righteous cause progresses well here at the East. The scales are falling from the eyes of the people and they view the Monster Slavery in its proper light.

The opposition offered by the pro-slavery has (except a few instances) dwindled from acts of personal violence as witnessed heretofore in disgraceful Mobs, to words, to impotent mutterings in the shape of Pastoral letters, Clerical appeals etc.--and if abolitionists are true to themselves to their sin defiled Country & to their God; I very believe the time is not far distant when our beloved Country shall stand forth among the Nations redeemed, disenthraled from the soul-killing sin of Slavery, when every yoke shall be broken and to use the words of another, "when the Slave shall be a man."

Pardon me if I have wearried thy patience. I should be most happy to receive another letter from thee. I will not conclude by asking thee (again) to forgive this intrusion.

With deep respect I remain

Thy sincere friend,

M.F. Whittier