William Lloyd Garrison, Boston’s most famous abolitionist at the time, who called Sumner’s argument “luminous and profound,” printed it over several issues in the abolitionist Liberator. Garrison predicted—prophetically it turned out—that Sumner’s ideas would not be a matter of “temporary local interest” but would be part of any antislavery and equality discussion in other states for years to come. The opinionated Garrison added one final thought on the upcoming court decision, a sentiment consistent with the confidence of Chase and the hopes of Sumner, Benjamin Roberts, and the entire Boston
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