Antislavery Activism in Lowell
Document 25

Mr. Thompson’s Journal

Second Visit to Lowell, Massachusetts-- . . . The Sabbath evening's address was attended by an immense crowd, who listened with profound interest to a strictly religious discourse, illustrative of the evil and guilt of slavery. On Monday evening, the Hall was again crowded, and a large number in the avenues. After I had spoken for about an hour, there were indications of a disturbance near the door; a great deal of yelling and stamping. . . . Soon afterwards, a heavy brick-bat was hurled with tremendous force through a window immediately behind me, and passed upon an exact level with my head, about half a foot to the right. Had it struck me, I believe my lecturing would have terminated for ever. Although the Hall was crowded in every part, the missile fell to the floor, without touching a human being. . . . A Lady and Gentleman, sitting near to where the brick-bat fell, were the only persons who retired. A young Lady, immediately before whom the shot fell, calmly placed her foot upon it, and sat, heedless of the danger, unmoved, throughout the remainder of the meeting. . . . 

Early the next morning an inflammatory handbill appeared, calling on the citizens of Lowell to assemble in the evening, and prevent the “foreigner” from “intermeddling” in their affairs. The excitement increased hourly throughout the day. . . . [That night, the assembled mob blocked access to the hall and prevented Thompson from speaking.]

(The following day) I addressed a most interesting assembly in the same Hall. A more than ordinary proportion of Ladies was present. Not the slightest interruption occurred. . . . Before leaving this town, I met 36 Ladies under the roof of the excellent clergyman, Mr. Pease, by whom I was entertained—formed them into an Association—gave them a constitution, and laws of a society, and urged upon them the great importance of assisting us, while so much opposed by the ignorant, the prejudiced, and the anti-Christian. Since that time, their number has increased from 36 to between 10 and 11 hundred; and a petition for the Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia, has received the signatures of 1640 females. Behold the effects of persecution! 

Your affectionately attached, and devoted servt.,

Geo. Thompson.