From Benjamin Rush to Granville Sharp

by Benjamin Rush

Sir, Philadelphia, May 1st, 1773

From the amiable character which I have received of you from my worthy friend Mr. Anth. Benezet, I have taken the liberty of introducing myself to your correspondence by sending you a pamphlet entitled An Address to the Inhabitants of the British Settlements in America, It was written amidst many interruptions, from a business which admits of but little leisure for studies or pursuits of that nature — I mean the profession of physic. Few of the arguments are new; and yet I have endeavoured, by their conciseness, to give them new force. A spirit of humanity and religion begins to awaken, in several of the colonies, in favor of the poor Negroes. The clergy begin to bear a public testimony against this violation of the laws of nature and Christianity. Nothing of consequence, however, can be done here till the ax is laid to the root of the African Company. —Great events have been brought about by small beginnings. Anthony Benezet stood alone a few years ago, in opposing Negro slavery in Philadelphia; and now three-fourths of the province, as well as the city, cry out against it. I sometimes please myself with the hopes of living to see it abolished, or put upon another footing in America.

The pamphlet will be left at the Pennsylvania Coffee-house in Birchin Lane. Should you incline to reprint it, please to make such alterations in it as you think proper.

With esteem for your virtues, and in particular for your zeal in behalf of the Negro slaves in America,

I am, sir, with great respect, &c. &c.

Benjamin Rush