Letters of Lydia Maria Child, with a biographical introduction by John G. Whittier and an appendix by Wendell Phillips.

1 06 LETTERS.
Coming, as you propose, to minister to the captive
in prison, you will be met, doubtless, by all our people, not only in a chivalrous, but in a Christian spirit.
You have the right to visit Charlestown, Va.,
Madam; and your mission, being merciful and humane, will not only be allowed, but respected, if not
welcomed.. A few unenlightened and inconsiderate
persons, fanatical in their modes of thought and action to maintain justice and right, might molest you,
or be disposed to do so; and this might suggest the
imprudence of risking any experiment upon the peace
of a society very much excited by the crimes with
whose chief author you seem to sympathize so much.
But still, I repeat, your motives and avowed purpose
are lawful and peaceful, and I will, as far as I am
concerned, do my duty in protecting your rights in
our limits. Virginia and her authorities would be
weak indeed - weak in point of folly, and weak in
point of power -if her State faith and constitutional
obligations cannot be redeemed in her own limits to
the letter of morality as well as of law; and if her
chivalry cannot courteously receive a lady's visit to a
prisoner, every arm which guards Brown from rescue
on the one hand, and from lynch law on the other,
will be ready to guard your person in Virginia.
I could not permit an insult even to woman in her
walk of charity among us, though it be to one who
whetted knives of butchery for our mothers, sisters,
daughters, and babes. We have no sympathy with
your sentiments of sympathy with Brown, and are
surprised that you were "taken by surprise when
news came of Captain Brown's recent attempt." His
attempt was a natural consequence of your sympathy,
and the errors of that sympathy ought to make you