My
Key will be stronger than the Cabin."
In regard to this "Key" Mrs. Stowe also wrote to the Duchess of
Sutherland upon hearing that she had headed an address from the women
of England to those of America:--
It is made up of the facts, the documents, the things which my own
eyes have looked upon and my hands have handled, that attest this
awful indictment upon my country. I write it in the anguish of my
soul, with tears and prayer, with sleepless nights and weary days. I
bear my testimony with a heavy heart, as one who in court is forced by
an awful oath to disclose the sins of those dearest.
So I am called to draw up this fearful witness against my country and
send it into all countries, that the general voice of humanity may
quicken our paralyzed vitality, that all Christians may pray for us,
and that shame, honor, love of country, and love of Christ may be
roused to give us strength to cast out this mighty evil. Yours for the
oppressed, H. B. STOWE.
This harassing, brain-wearying, and heart-sickening labor was
continued until the first of April, 1853, when, upon invitation of the
Anti-Slavery Society of Glasgow, Scotland, Mrs. Stowe, accompanied by
her husband and her brother, Charles Beecher, sailed for Europe.
In the mean time the success of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" abroad was already
phenomenal and unprecedented. From the pen of Mr. Sampson Low, the
well-known London publisher, we have the following interesting
statement regarding it:--
"The first edition printed in London was in April, 1852, by Henry
Vizetelly, in a neat volume at ten and sixpence, of which he issued
7,000 copies.
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