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at their office, and obtained an interview with Wil
liam L. Garrison, one of the leading Abolitionists
and editors of the Liberator. He seemed rather to
question the authority of the Mayor thus to inter
fere in their affairs, but on my assuring him that
the only object the Mayor had in view, in eliciting
the information, was to do all he could to preserve
the peace of the city ; and also, stating to him
that, in case Mr. T. did address th.e meeting, it was
feared a riot would take place, and that blood might
be shed, he gave me the desired information, but it
seemed to me with great reluctance, undoubtedly
thinking that a different motive other than the true
one prompted the inquiry.
I should not omit to mention that subsequently
to the morning interview* both Mr. Garrison and
Mr. Knapp told me that he (Mr. G.) owed his life,
under God, to the Mayor. I more readily make this
last statement, having understood that Mr. Garrison
has indulged in very violent and ungrateful lan
guage upon the conduct of the Mayor of the city
on that day.
This is? as near as I can recollect, the substance of
the interview with Mr. Garrison on Wednesday,
October 21, 1835. I had further conversation with
Mr. Garrison on the expediency of holding their
meetings during the highly
excited state of the
community on this occasion, but which I do not
think relevant to the present statement.
CHARLES B. WELLS,
One of the Assistant-Marshals^ of the City of Boston.
* That is to say, after the riot had occurred. ED.
| At that time there were two Assistant Marshals, and their duties
corresponded pretty nearly to those of our present Health Officers. ED.