PRODUCE OF FREE LABOR. CIRCULAR.:To the Farmers, Planters, Merchants, and others, in the United States and elsewhere.

PRODUCE OF FREE LABOR. CIRCULAR.: To the Farmers, Planters, Merchants, and others, in the United States and elsewhere.

The system of slavery, as it exists at present, particularly on the American continent and islands, has produced much uneasiness and deep concern among the philanthropists of our time. It is very evident that the evil resulting from it is increasing steadily, and in an alarming degree. It is also susceptible of the clearest demonstration that, unless something be done speedily to arrest the progress of this evil, those sections of country wherein it prevails are destined to witness the most direful calamities; for all experience teaches us that, if the course at present pursued be long preserved in, that must, in the nature of things, be the inevitable consequence. Much has been said by persons who have the welfare of mankind at heart, to awaken the public attention, and exercise the public mind upon this subject. Many plans have been proposed with the view of totally abolishing the slave system, as the only means of preventing a state of things that must destroy the peace and prosperity of the nations, in which it is tolerated. But the advocates of this measure have difficulties of the most imposing kind to encounter at every step. The habits and prejudices contracted in several centuries, and all the calculations of avarice and self-interest (however blind, mistaken, and erroneous they may be,) are arrayed before them, and present obstacles altogether insurmountable. Many are convinced that free labor is, invariably, more profitable than that of slaves: and when this shall be fairly proven, an important point will be gained. For this reason and from motives of a conscientious nature, many have resolved to abstain from using the productions of slave-labor, and encourage those who may produce the staple commodities of slaveholding countries by free hands.


Although much good has been done by the friends of humanity for a portion of our fellow-men, who have had unjustly to drink of the bitter cup of slavery, still much more remains to be done. There are, at this time, several millions of human beings, in our own and other countries, who are held in bondage, and must continue to groan under the tyrant's yoke, while the hopeless sign for liberty is heaved in vain, unless the philanthropic and the truly conscientious shall put forth their peaceful, but effective energies, in their behalf. While the love of money prevails over that of justice and humanity, but little can be hoped for through the medium of argument. While we continue to purchas and consume the labor of slaves, the cupidity of their owners will be nourished, and their chains more firmly rivetted.

In order, therefore, to lessen the inducements for the continuance of this unhallowed practice; first, by aiding the philanthropic in effecting their wishes, as aforesaid, whereby the attention of many more may be drawn towards the subject; and secondly, by assisting to facilitate the making of experiments that may have a tendency to throw light upon it; we, the undersigned, have opened a mercantile house in the city of Baltimore, for the purchase and sale, on commission, of the products of free labor in general, (particularly article in the grocery line,) with the excption of spiritous liquors. The business of the firm will be transacted in the name of M. LAMB & LUNDY: and from the arrangements which we have made, and are making, together with a studied and careful attention to the orders of our friends and the promotion of their interests, we hope to be able to give general satisfaction. We shall strictly confine our dealings to commodities which are the production of free labor, as aforesaid, and shall endeavor to keep constantly on hand a general assortment of articles of that description, to dispose of by wholesale or retail.

Farmers, Planters, and Merchants, in the United States and elsewhere, who may be disposed to make consignments to our care, may depend on having their business promptly and faithfully transacted.--And all, willing to patronize such an establishment, are hereby assured that the utmost care will be taken to guard against deception in the articles offered by us for sale. Having taken a commodious ware-house in a central part of the city, and being determined to use every exertion to accommodate such as may favor us with their custom, we shall confidently look forward with the hope of success in our undertaking.
Persons at a distance, who may desire to correspond with us on business of a commercial nature, will please direct their communications to M. LAMB & LUNDY, No. 61. South Calvert Street, Baltimore.

MICHAEL LAMB
BENJAMIN LUNDY
Baltimore, 8th mo. 5th, 1826.

Michael Lamb and Benjamin Lundy

Genius of Universal Emancipation 1:49, p. 388

8.5.1826