Faculty Report on Student Anti-Slavery Society 1835

To the Rev. & Hon. the Trustees of Phillips Academy.

Gentlemen,

You will not think it strange that the excitement on the subject of slavery which has shown itself so extensively in our country, has reached this place. But we are happy to inform you that, so far as respects this Seminary, it has subsided in a manner, which will gratify all who love the order & prosperity of our literary & religious institutions.

During the month of January last, Mr. George Thompson visited this place, & delivered a course of lectures in the Methodist Church, on the subject of Slavery. By request of the students, a meeting was held in our chapel, in which Mr. Thompson undertook to answer questions proposed to him by men connected with the Seminary. The views he advanced during that visit were [crossed out word] for the most part temperate &

2

candid; & there was nothing specially exceptionable in the spirit he exhibited. In consequence of his labors, a considerable number of students had a deeper impression than before, of the evil of slavery, & the importance of its removal, & were inclined to join with others in helping forward the desired event, by forming a society in the Seminary. But the Faculty had many apprehensions as to the consequences which might result from the existence of such a [crossed out letter] society in an Institution like this. And their apprehensions were fully expressed to the students, who, after a full consideration of the subject, came harmoniously to the result set forth in the following communication; which was published in the Boston Recorder the first week in February.

Andover, Theological Seminary, Feb. 2. 1835.

Dear Sir Recent occurences which must not be detailed, under it incumbent on members of this Seminary, as a duty which they owe to themselves & the public to state in what attitude they now stand in relation to the subbject of slavery. We therefore request an induction in your paper of the following communication.

We would briefly promise, that a Committee on Colonisation, in connection with the Society of Inquiry, has existed here for many years, & that most of the students have been advocated of the Colonisation Society - that about two or three years since an Anti- Slavery - Society was formed among us, embracing a small portion of our members & that since that

of slavery; nor do we feel called upon to express an opinion with regard to the different plans which are now before the public for the removal of this evil.

Mr. ^^Thompson while here, was treated with Christian courtesy; & we saw nothing in him which could justify us in witholding such courtesy. By his visit & addresses our attention was drawn with some interest to the subject which he advocates; but replecating the effects of deep excitement on this absolving topic, we have with caution emanating among ourselves, & the full appreciation of our respected Instructors, concluded to refrain for the present - from all action in any associate capacity. The Committee on Colonisation has been voluntarily dissolved. The Anti Slavery Society aboe referred to, has been given up. The formation of a new society which was commenced

of slavery; nor do we feel called upon to express an opinion with regard to the different plans which are now before the public for the removal of this evil.

Mr ^^Thompson while here, was treated with Christian courtesy; & we saw nothing in him which could justify us in witholding such courtesy. By his visit & addresses our attention was drawn with some interest to the subject which he advocates; but repre cating the effects of deep excitement on this absolving topic, we have with entire unanimity among ourselves, & the full appreciation of our respected Instructors concluded to refrain for the present from all action in any associate capacity. The Committee on Colonisation has been voluntarily dissolved. The Anti Slavery Society above referred to, has been given up. The formation of a new society which was commenced