Letter from an English Gentleman to Gerrit Smith, Esq.

Letter from an English Gentleman to Gerrit Smith, Esq.
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GERRIT SMITH: RESPECTED FRIEND: - I feel persuaded that a lengthened apology will not be required of me for this communication. I still feel anxious to observe proper courtesy, while I introduce myself (I hope not for notoriety) and my subject to thy attention. Although not American by birth, I have been long enough in this country, with a large family of children, to believe I am very much American by adoption, though now exclusively so, or I still think I can, without committing an act of treason against my adopted country, entertain the sentiment.

"England, with all thy faults, I love thee still,"

I have for many years believed that my Anti-Slavery principles require me to desist from expending what little patronage I have to bestow upon dealers in slave grown produce, and have labored, in my feeble way, to spread "Free Labor" doctrine. I never supposed myself alone in this sentiment. I now find individuals here and there that have the same views; among these, I reckon my highly esteemed friend, Lewis Tappan, and others.

I paid a visit to my friends in England in 1850. When their, I attended several meetings, and took a little part in some, at which Dr. Pennington of New York, was the principal speaker in favor of the free labor movement. I was delighted to find the movement so well approved by many that I conversed with, Joseph Sturge amongst them. Thou knows, probably better than I do, to what extent it is received at the present time in that a country, and the extent of the preparations now making to facilitate its more full development. I learn from good authority that there is ca considerable amount of free grown cotton produced in this country; there certainly is, in this country, too, an increasing demand for it when manufactured, and it seems folly to send it to Manchester to have it converted into clothes, while we have the ills suitable to the work here. I am much inclined to the belief that could the scattered friends of this movement be brought under proper organization, and concentration of their efforts and friends, a large amount of free labor cotton could be procured and the demand increased. Thou knows that individuals, as such, can do but little; that to effect anything of moment, we must have the organization and concentration of our peaceful forces, which may be done, I apprehend, without opening our influence, politically or ecclesiastically. I have been invited to address my neighbors on this subject, which I purpose doing, as soon as I can get the statistical information I am in search of. I can avail myself of the assistance of the "Non-slaveholder," and occasional hints in other newspapers. I am glad to find the "Wesleyan,' is taking up the subject.

Fact sand arguments weigh most with some people; with others, the authority of a name is more regarded. J. Wesley Loguen, from Syracuse, has been in this neighborhood, collecting funds of the underground railroad. He informs me that the slaves friend, Gerrit Smith, is a consistent advocate of the Anti-Slavery- enterprise, and assured me I could get his, the approval of our movements, as well as some statistical information of value to us and advised me to write thee, as I now doing. I have seen rice and cotton growing by the aid of free abolitionist in the south eastern counties of Virginia; and, as Napoleon Bonaparte said he could march an army where two men could walk abreast, I cannot see why the little cannot be converted into much, by proper management.

Allow me to press upon thy consideration the propriety of our organizing as "The American Free Produce Association;" of holding a Convention during the fall or winter, at some convenient locality. Let us have a demonstration that there is dome "resolution in our resolves," to have no Union with slaveholders, politically, ecclesiastically or commercially.
It thou would counsel me in relation to this, I shall esteem in a great favor; and I trust that however feebly I may use it, it will to be productive of harm to any one engaged in a lawful occupation. Waiting thy reply,

I am, with high regard, thy friend,
HENRY MILES.
MONKTON, Vermont, 9th month, 12th, 1853.