Page:The Natick resolution, or, resistance to slaveholders.djvu/10

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the natick resolution.

God bless the single-hearted, grand and kingly man! He seems to us as one clothed with light and majesty as with a garment. Could he but be spared, there are thousands who would cheerfully take his place, and welcome the gallows in his stead. But he must die, as to corporeal existance, and in his death will consist his greatest triumph.

Thine,

HENRY C. WRIGHT.



LETTER TO THE RICHMOND ENQUIRER.

Natick, Mass., Nov. 21st, 1859.

To the Editor of the Richmond Enquirer:—

Sir,—A large and enthusiastic meeting of the citizens of this town (the residence of Hon. Henry Wilson) was held last evening, called to consider the following resolution:—

"Whereas, Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God; therefore,

"Resolved, That it is the right and duty of the slaves to resist their masters; and it is the right and duty of the people of the North to incite slaves to resistance, and to aid them in it."

This was adopted; and though a United States Senator (Hon. Henry Wilson) and a United States Postmaster were present, not a dissentient voice was raised against it.

The resolution utters the thought of Massachusetts, of New England, and of New York. I have reason to know it does.

Insurrection,—resistance on the part of the slaves and of the North against slaveholders,—is the one idea of the people. That insurrection is the right and duty of slaves, is he one controlling thought of the masses here. Though