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Primary sourceDocument14 June 1837

Receipt from Garrison to the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society, June 1837

William Lloyd Garrison · 14 June 1837

A handwritten receipt signed by Garrison acknowledging $200 received from the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society.

A financial receipt signed by Garrison, showing his role managing funds for the anti-slavery society.

Handwritten receipt in brown ink on cream paper: 'Boston 14 June 1837. Receipt of the Treasurer Mass Anti-Slavery Society two hundred dollars on account, $200.' Signed 'Wm. Lloyd Garrison' at lower right. Bottom left shows a faint pencil mark.
William Lloyd Garrison, autograph receipt to the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society, 14 June 1837. Boston Public Library, Rare Books.

About this source

What it is

This is the first page of an autograph receipt written and signed by William Lloyd Garrison in Boston on 14 June 1837, recording two hundred dollars received on account from the treasurer of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. It is kept in the Rare Books department of the Boston Public Library.

Why it matters

Documents like this reveal the financial backbone of the anti-slavery movement that Garrison led. Behind the speeches and newspapers lay constant fundraising and bookkeeping, and this receipt is direct evidence of that practical organizing work.

Look closer

  • What can you learn about Garrison just from his handwriting and signature?
  • Why would a society need to keep careful written records of money received?
  • What questions does this receipt leave unanswered about how the money was used?

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