The American Anti-Slavery Society Requests the Continued Support and Services of Rev. Samuel J. May

"never was there a more favorable moment to move the public mind towards abolition than the present. The public attention is thoroughly aroused...The events of the last three years have burned the conviction deeply and painfully into our minds, that slavery or freedom in this country must soon be destroyed..."

New York, September 26, 1837. Bifolium, 10 x 8 in. (254 x 203 mm). Partially-printed circular letter addressed to reformer, abolitionist, and cofounder of the American Anti-Slavery Society (AASS) Rev. Samuel J. May, requesting his services and support from the AASS, signed by Chairman of the Executive Committee Arthur Tappan and Secretary Henry B. Stanton. In part: "you are earnestly invited to possess yourself of a full knowledge of the doings of the Executive Committee, and to co-operate with them in awakening an interest in your state on the subject of Slavery...Particularly are you requested to stir up abolitionists in your region to greater and more constant efforts in behalf of the cause...never was there a more favorable moment to move the public mind towards abolition than the present. The public attention is thoroughly aroused...The events of the last three years have burned the conviction deeply and painfully into our minds, that slavery or freedom in this country must soon be destroyed. A desperate effort is now making to sacrifice to Slavery, free discussion, the right of petition, of locomotion, of thought, and even prayer..." Hand-addressed on verso. Wax seal remnant. Creasing from old folds; some manuscript emendations to text; scattered light foxing.

Rare printed circular letter from the Executive Committee of the American Anti-Slavery Society, requesting the renewed efforts of Massachusetts minister Rev. Samuel J. May

Rev. Samuel J. May (1797-1871) was an American Unitarian minister, and ardent supporter of abolition, women's rights, and educational reform. Born in Boston, he was a descendant of two renowned colonial families, the Quincys and the Hancocks. His sister, Abby May Alcott was the mother of author Louisa May Alcott. May was one of the founding members of the New England Anti-Slavery society, being a close supporter of William Lloyd Garrison, the publisher of the famous Liberator newspaper. Throughout the 1830s and 40s, he was actively involved in the national abolition movement, traveling throughout the northeastern United States to local anti-slavery chapters or societies as a lecturer and agent. A friend to Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Douglass, May aided freedom seekers directly, led the Syracuse Fugitive Aid Society, and founded one of the nation's first Freedmen's Relief Associations in 1862. He was a prolific author and orator, writing a multitude of essays and speeches on reforming political and religious society until his death in 1871.

Arthur Tappan (1786-1865) was a New York businessman who along with his brother Lewis were prominent leaders in the early temperance and abolition movements. Arthur allied with William Lloyd Garrison in 1833 to found the American Anti-Slavery Society, and served as its President until 1840, when he split with the group over its support for women's rights.

Henry B. Stanton (1805-87) was a New York journalist, abolitionist, and the husband of renowned feminist activist Susan B. Anthony.