Thomas Garrett

Thomas Garrett (21 August 1789 – 25 January 1871) was an abolitionist and leader in the Underground Railroad movement before the American Civil War.

Friend, I haven't a dollar in the world, but if thee knows a fugitive who needs a breakfast, send him to me.

Quotes

• Friend, I haven't a dollar in the world; but if thee knows a fugitive who needs a breakfast send him to me.
  • In a closing address at his trial (1848), after a judge said to "Thomas, I hope you will never be caught at this business again"; as quoted in History of the Rise and Fall of the Slave Power in America, Vol. 2 (1874) by Henry Wilson, p. 85; also in Station Master on the Underground Railroad : The Life and Letters of Thomas Garrett (2005) by James A. McGowan, p. 65
  • Variant:
  • Judge — thee hasn't left me a dollar, but I wish to say to thee, and to all in this court room, that if anyone knows of a fugitive who wants a shelter, and a friend, send him to Thomas Garrett, and he will befriend him!
    • As quoted in Harriet, the Moses of Her People (1886) by Sarah Hopkins Bradford, p. 54

• I should have done violence to my convictions of duty, had I not made use of all the lawful means in my power to liberate those people, and assist them to become men and women, rather than leave them in the condition of chattels personal.
  • Said after his conviction (1848), as quoted in A Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin (1853) by Harriet Beecher Stowe, p. 55

• I rejoice that I have lived to see this day, when the colored people of this favored land, by law, have equal privileges with the most favored. And I have faith to believe that ere long equal justice will be granted to the poor Indians and the Chinese.
  • Letter published in The Liberator, when the 15th Amendment passed on March 30, 1870, as quoted in Station Master on the Underground Railroad : The Life and Letters of Thomas Garrett (2005) by James A. McGowan, p. 194