Letter from Amos Townsend Jr. to Lewis Tappan
Description
A letter from Amos Townsend Jr. to Lewis Tappan acknowledging news of the Supreme Court decision which states, "The oppressor is confounded, & the oppressed delivered." Townsend writes about the reaction of the Amistad Captives, claiming that they "received the tidings of their deliverance with great joy, yet their joy was not that tumultuous outbreak of feeling, which the first decision of the lower court produced. It was a more Christian like & dignified gladness, chastened & modified no doubt by the remembrance of their former disappointed hopes after being apprised of the decision of the circuit court." In regards to whether the Africans wished to remain in the U.S. or return home, they replied, “ask Cinque," who responded, "I think. Can't tell now. I think. We talk together & think, then I will tell." Townsend believes many would prefer to stay, but considers it a "serious question.” He describes the Africans as "entire strangers to the art of gaining a livelihood in a civilized country, liable to the designs of wicked men.” He explains that Stanton Pendleton is determined to secure the girls and writes that he believes prompt measures are needed for fear Pendleton will "turn [the Africans] all adrift" when they are discharged and his pay ceases. He adds that Brother [John W.?] Hill's presence is no longer needed and he wishes to leave. He also mentions that Tappan's stand on "behalf of these oppressed men deserves the acknowledgement of all the friends of human liberty."