Abolitionism in America

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Wendell Phillips, ca. 1853. Engraving
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Wendell Phillips
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Wendell Phillips (1811-1884) was one of the movement’s most powerful orators. The Harvard-educated lawyer came from a wealthy and influential Boston family, many of whom were appalled by his activism in support of the abolitionist cause. However, he was undaunted in his work and was thrust into prominence when he gave a riveting speech in Boston’s Faneuil Hall in defense of Elijah Lovejoy in 1837. The Rev. Lovejoy had been murdered for his repeated attempts to run a printing press sympathetic to the abolitionist cause. Phillips used plain, yet metaphorical language to convey his message. He also gave generously to abolitionists in need of financial assistance.

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Cornell University Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections Cornell University Library