Windham County Anti-Slavery Society

Charter Oak New Series 1, 4, 2 January 29, 1846 - italic emphases in original; bolded emphasis added by Rycenga

[For the Charter Oak]

WINDHAM COUNTY.

Shall we have a good gathering at our Annual Meeting on the 5^th? Are the friends of freedom aware of the importance of this meeting? Do we, liberty loving men and women of the County, realize the value of our presence at an Annual Meeting; the spirit and energy we give to the liberty enterprise—the consternation and dismay we throw into the ranks of our enemies? These questions can be answered only by a manifest willingness on our part, to forsake all other pursuits and start for Brooklyn, soul and body; with our wives, sons and daughters, and as many of our neighbors as we can persuade to go. Good wishes and hopes of success will not answer the purpose. I’s the man we want. Come then, one and all; let nothing hinder, and we will give the liberty cause a jog, that shall be felt and feared. Remember that Windham County is destined to take the lead, in the cause of human liberty; hence a mighty responsibility rests upon us. Let us act up to that responsibility, and show to our friends in the different parts of the State, not only that we can and must lead; but that we will.

Our enemies are on the alert; schemes and projects are on foot to destroy our influence and if possible to break up our organization. It is one of their last attempts. Let us meet and talk the subject over, that we may baffle their dark designs, and weaken their ranks by accessions to our own.

H.H. (Henry Hammond)

This item is noteworthy because Charles and William were on different sides of the Abolitionist schism at this time. Lucien would likely be attending. This article appears in The Charter Oak New Series 2 17 3 April 29 1847