Letter from Hamilton Willis, Saint Marys Lake, [Battle Creek, Michigan], to William Lloyd Garrison, [18]62 M[ar]ch 28th

Hamilton Willis writes to William Lloyd Garrison about his flour, calling it "Antislavery flour," and assuring Garrison he is "under no obligation to me in the Least because I sent you a Barrel." Willis then outlines his views on race and his long history of sympathizing with the work of Garrison and other abolitionists before charging General George B. McClellan with working with northern Democrats to "Reunite the party, make a shamefull compromise, Bring Back the South & by a United Effort Elect McClellan president in [18]64." He asserts that "Emancipation is the only cure for Insurrection" and discusses a postwar South where "thousands of Antisalvery men & women will settle" and protect the newly freed slaves. Willis also says there is a "standing invitation" for Garrison and other well known abolitionists to "make this a home when any & all of you come this way" and tells Garrison he will meet him "at the Depo" [sic]. He then relates a story about Josephine Griffin and the water cure at Saint Marys Lake, describing her problems with her husband and her legal divorce.
Courtesy of Boston Public Library