Free Labor Produce (Article)
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Title
Free Labor Produce (Article)
Description
FREE LABOR PRODUCE
Monkton, Vermont, 9th mo. 2d, 1853
ESTEEMED FRIEND:--I have been a member of the Free Produce Association of Friends of N.Y. Yearly Meeting for some years, but regret we have to report, year after year, of the existence of so much apathy amongst those that it is reasonable to expect would manifest the opposite--that is, interest. It is now gratifying to observe others are taking the subject in hand. The "Wesleyan" is discussing it, the "Burlington Courier" admits an article occasionally in support of the doctrine of abstinence; and thinking people hereaway are beginning to inquire if there is not some other way by which they can procure cotton than by going to the slaveholder for it? The "Non-Slaveholder" is curculated here, and is doing good; may be it will be enlarged some day, so as to do more good. Some of the friends of the free labor movement are desirous of carrying their views more thoroughly into practice than they can by individual action alone. They are beginning to think the "outsiders" might have a free labor association. I have written to Gerrit Smith on the subject, and he has returned me a favorable answer, and has sent my letter to F. Douglass's Paper. The proposition is to form an American Free Produce Association, admitting all that are willing to conform to the conditions of membership, to raise a little capital for investment in free labor goods, cotton especially, and have it manufactured, so as, if possible, to offer it at the price of that from slave labor cotton.
I am induced to make this application to three, believing the Pennsylvania Freeman has heretofore advocated this plan of antislavery action, for information in relation to it, viz: Is the "American Free Produce Association," that has held its meeting in Philadelphia, still in being? Is it aiming at extending its influence into ts or other regions? If it has suspended its operations, would it be desirable to reorganize upon a plan that would admit all those friendly to it, &c.? Its constitution and such other statistics as thee thinks would be acceptable to us here, will be thankfully received.
Allow me to inquire, also, do not the labors of our transatlantic friends in this department increase the inducement for exertion on this side the ocean? And do not the plans developed in the "Cotton Plant" against us give an additional inducement?
The best apology I have at hand for this communication, is a desire to co-operate in my feeble way with those laboring for the abolition of slavery.
I remain, respectfully, thy friend.
HENRY MILES
Monkton, Vermont, 9th mo. 2d, 1853
ESTEEMED FRIEND:--I have been a member of the Free Produce Association of Friends of N.Y. Yearly Meeting for some years, but regret we have to report, year after year, of the existence of so much apathy amongst those that it is reasonable to expect would manifest the opposite--that is, interest. It is now gratifying to observe others are taking the subject in hand. The "Wesleyan" is discussing it, the "Burlington Courier" admits an article occasionally in support of the doctrine of abstinence; and thinking people hereaway are beginning to inquire if there is not some other way by which they can procure cotton than by going to the slaveholder for it? The "Non-Slaveholder" is curculated here, and is doing good; may be it will be enlarged some day, so as to do more good. Some of the friends of the free labor movement are desirous of carrying their views more thoroughly into practice than they can by individual action alone. They are beginning to think the "outsiders" might have a free labor association. I have written to Gerrit Smith on the subject, and he has returned me a favorable answer, and has sent my letter to F. Douglass's Paper. The proposition is to form an American Free Produce Association, admitting all that are willing to conform to the conditions of membership, to raise a little capital for investment in free labor goods, cotton especially, and have it manufactured, so as, if possible, to offer it at the price of that from slave labor cotton.
I am induced to make this application to three, believing the Pennsylvania Freeman has heretofore advocated this plan of antislavery action, for information in relation to it, viz: Is the "American Free Produce Association," that has held its meeting in Philadelphia, still in being? Is it aiming at extending its influence into ts or other regions? If it has suspended its operations, would it be desirable to reorganize upon a plan that would admit all those friendly to it, &c.? Its constitution and such other statistics as thee thinks would be acceptable to us here, will be thankfully received.
Allow me to inquire, also, do not the labors of our transatlantic friends in this department increase the inducement for exertion on this side the ocean? And do not the plans developed in the "Cotton Plant" against us give an additional inducement?
The best apology I have at hand for this communication, is a desire to co-operate in my feeble way with those laboring for the abolition of slavery.
I remain, respectfully, thy friend.
HENRY MILES
Creator
Henry Miles
Source
Pennsylvania Freeman
X/IX: 42, p. 166
X/IX: 42, p. 166
Date
10.20.1853
Collection
Citation
Henry Miles, “Free Labor Produce (Article),” No Stain of Tears and Blood, accessed October 22, 2026, https://productsoffreelabor.com/items/show/63.
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