The Abolitionists: A Collection of Their Writings

BENJAMIN LUNDY

In this essay by Benjamin Lundy, which appeared in the Genius of Universal Emancipation in April 1830 -- immediately after he and Garrison had severed their partnership -- the great pioneer of! the anti-slavery movement evaluates his past efforts and writes of his plans for the future. On receiving the announcement of Lundy's death, which occurred on August 22, 1839, Garrison reprinted the essay in the Liberator on September 20, 1839, and wrote as follows about Lundy: "To Benjamin Lundy, more than to any other human being, am I indebted for having my attention called to the wretched condition of the slaves in this liberty-worshipping, slavery-idolizing country. He it was who first informed, quickened, inflamed my mind on the subject of American slavery, and by whom I was induced to consecrate my life to the overthrow of that dreadful system of iniquity."

The Editor to the Public. Again I find myself, alone, at the editorial desk; and again I resume a monthly correspondence with the readers of the Genius of Universal Emancipation. I yet hope to have the assistance of an amiable and talented writer, whose services in the cause are invaluable, but the care and responsibility of the publication devolve entirely upon myself.

Nine years have nearly elapsed, since this work first made its appearance. During that period I have witnessed many vicissitudes in the affairs of life; have experienced something of the fickleness of fortune, and a good share of what the world calls hardship and privation. From the commencement until very lately, however, it gradually increased in size, and it is believed in interest. The many difficulties that presented themselves, have occasionally produced some irregularity in its publication; and this, together with the unpopularity of the subject upon which it treats, in a portion of the

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