J. T. Trowbridge, Mrs. Allen (Mrs.
Stowe's daughter), Mrs. Annie Fields, and Miss Charlotte F. Bates,
were also read, and speeches were made by Judge Albion W. Tourgee and
others prominent in the literary world.
Letters from many noted people, who were prevented from being present
by distance or by other engagements, had been received. Only four of
them were read, but they were all placed in Mrs. Stowe's hands. The
exercises were closed by a few words from Mrs. Stowe herself. As she
came to the front of the platform the whole company rose, and remained
standing until she had finished. In her quiet, modest, way, and yet so
clearly as to be plainly heard by all, she said:--
"I wish to say that I thank all my friends from my heart,--that is
all. And one thing more,--and that is, if any of you have doubt, or
sorrow, or pain, if you doubt about this world, just remember what God
has done; just remember that this great sorrow of slavery has gone,
gone by forever. I see it every day at the South. I walk about there
and see the lowly cabins. I see these people growing richer and
richer. I see men very happy in their lowly lot; but, to be sure, you
must have patience with them. They are not perfect, but have their
faults, and they are serious faults in the view of white people. But
they are very happy, that is evident, and they do know how to enjoy
themselves,--a great deal more than you do.
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