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Theodore D. Weld.

Theodore D. Weld. image
Parent Issue
Day
13
Month
April
Year
1848
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

Mr. Stanton, while on his way to Washington, called on that remarkable man, and thus writes in the Emancipator: – "I spent half a day with Theo. D. Weld. He is living somewhat retired on his farm at Belleville, New Jersey, about ten miles from this city. Though his views of some subjects have materially changed from what they were when in years gone by his helmet shone conspicuous in the thickest of the fray, he is still an observant spectator of the great conflict ; and in my judgement, certainly in my hope, the time is not far distant when he will again mingle in humanity's battle. Would it not be a gallant sight to see the early champion of the Anti-Slavery enterprise once more with shield and buckler and lance in rest, taking the field! How his clear and courageous voice, sounding to the charge, used to send the life-blood of freedom galloping through the veins of the "consecrated host!" What compactness of argument – what keenness of analysis – what fertility of illustration – what splendor of imagination – what fervor of appeal – what mastery of the vast outlines and of the minute details of the question, used to mark his efforts with tongue and pen. And though he is now in retirement, and may never strike another blow for the cause, an may sink into his grave years hence almost forgotten, yet who shall complain? During the five years he labored as incessantly, he did the work of an age. But I hope his sun is not yet set. Though his bodily health is impaired, he still has the physical vigor of no ordinary man, while his mind glows as brightly as of yore. During our conversation he compared, in his usual searching way, the relative merits, as political organizations, of the Liberty party and the League, and give it as the results of his reflection, that the former was vastly to be preferred, for its simplicity and efficiency, as a political movement, for the work it has taken in hand ; and that the very complexity and number of the principles of the League would make it a cumbersome political machine, not adapted to the present state of the country and the age. This opinion, coming from such a man, with no prejudice to bias his judgment, is highly valuable. The course of Mr. Hale has inspired the friends of the cause in this section with renewed hope and zeal. They are for prosecuting the Presidential Campaign with vigor, even to the very "vitals of the enemy."