And then thou closest these assertions _without proof_, with the triumphant exclamation, ‘This is the record of experience, as to the tendencies of abolitionism, as thus far developed. The South is just now in that state of high exasperation, at the sense of wanton injury and _impertinent interference_, which makes the influence of truth and reason most useless and powerless.’ Hadst thou been better informed as to the real tendencies of abolitionism on the South, this assertion also might have been spared. Again I repeat, the _South_ does not tell us so. Read the subjoined extract of a letter now lying before me from a correspondent in a _Southern_ State. ‘12 or 15 at this place believe that _all_ men are born free and equal, that _prejudice against color is a disgrace to the man who feels it_, that such a feeling is without foundation in reason or scripture, and ought to be abandoned _immediately_, that slavery is a _malum in se_, yea, a _heinous crime_ in the sight of God, to be repented of _without delay_.’ Read also the following, extracted from the Marietta Gazette: ‘A citizen of one of the free states, not many months ago, observed to a distinguished southerner, that the operations of the abolitionists were impeding the cause of emancipation--or to that effect. ‘Sir,’ said the Southerner, ‘You are mistaken. Depend upon it, these agitations have put the slaveholders to very serious thinking.’ These, then, are the effects which Abolitionism is producing on some at the South. That others are exasperated, I do not deny. Hear what Bolling of Virginia said in 1832, in the Legislature of that State: ‘It has long been the pleasure of those who are wedded to the system of slavery, to brand _all_ its opponents with opprobrious epithets; to represent them as enemies to order, as persons desirous of tearing up the foundation of society thereby endeavoring to brand them with infamy in order to avert from them the public ear.’ Here then we find a Southern Legislator acknowledging that _all_ the opponents of Slavery have ever excited the same exasperation in those who are ‘wedded to the system.’ Who is to be blamed? Is _this_ any cause of discouragement? That we have succeeded in rousing the North to reflection, thou art thyself a living proof; for let me ask, what it was that set _thee_ to such serious thinking, as to induce _thee_ to write a _book_ on the Slave Question? Thy friend in haste, A. E. GRIMKÉ. LETTER X. ‘THE TENDENCY OF THE AGE TOWARDS EMANCIPATION’ PRODUCED BY ABOLITION DOCTRINES.