Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Paris, [France], to Helen Eliza Garrison, May 31, 1867

Item Information

Place of origin:
Paris, [France]
Language:
English
Notes:
Holograph, signed with initials.
William Lloyd Garrison tells of his travels. He was amazed at "the vast and astonishing variety of things to be seen at the [Paris] Exposition. ...The poorest display is made by our own country; for, excepting half a dozen creditable paintings, and one or two locomotives, and some agricultural implements, there is nothing worth looking at. Indeed, it is useless for the United States to attempt to compete with the old world in anything but our free institutions and the general condition of the people. Ultimately, we shall be able in all things to take perhaps the highest rank." Henry Villard neither drinks or smokes. Henry Villard "has had one or two attacks of neuralgic headache, but these have been short, and comparatively slight." Henry Villard has written letters to the Chicago Tribune, but very few of them have been printed. Fanny Garrison Villard has not been changed in any way by her marriage or European residence. William L. Garrison met Senator Doolittle, who was traveling to Russia. Sarah Remond called on Garrison. George Thompson's son Herbert died. Garrison has not seen Napoleon III. He says: "Nearly all the crowned heads of Europe are soon to be here [in Paris], including the king of Prussia, with the redoubtable Count Bismark, and several oriental grandees and rulers." There are special entertainments planned for the royals. Very few French people observe the Sabbath by attending church. In fact, people work or play on the Sabbath and are "more given to amusement and recreation."
On page six of this manuscript, there is a separate note from Francis Jackson Garrison to Helen Eliza Garrison. He explains that William Lloyd Garrison had to leave suddenly to start on a trip to the other side of the city, and he asked Francis Jackson Garrison to complete the letter. He says that William Lloyd Garrison is looking and feeling much better than when he left home. William L. Garrison, Francis J. Garrison, and Fanny G. Villard will probably leave Paris in two weeks to go to London; Henry Villard will remain in Paris.
Notes (citation):
Merrill, Walter M. Letters of William Lloyd Garrison, v.5, no.202.
Identifier:
3135112
Call #:
Ms.A.1.1 v.7, p.42A
Barcode:
39999066775188
mq8876265