_Dear Brother_,--I presume you have been consulted on the subject named below; but my anxiety on the topic, leads me to write you. We found, some time ago, that the admission of other subjects into the Liberator had entirely destroyed its circulation, in many parts of this County, and others were gradually dropping it, while a large proportion of our most efficient abolitionists were uneasy, and took it only because they must have the local Anti-Slavery news of this State. As a paper more generally circulated and exerting a better influence was felt to be necessary, to advance the cause in this County, we attempted to start a local Anti-Slavery paper here. But some were afraid--a few loudly opposed; and the _great expense_, (far exceeding our first estimates,) _finally deterred us from the undertaking_. Still the conviction of the necessity of a paper, devoted to Anti-Slavery alone, which might circulate without objection, among all classes of our friends, has daily gathered strength--and many who opposed our project then, alarmed at the _demoralizing doctrines now promulgated_ in the Liberator, say we _must have_ a paper, at all events. I have no desire to injure Mr. Garrison. His services in the cause entitle him to something more than gratitude. But the Liberator will, of course, remain under his control, and will continue, no doubt, to pursue the same course it has for a year past; and it _cannot, therefore, continue to be the Anti-Slavery paper of the State_, without a _virtual_ endorsement of its doctrines. Nor will it have a free circulation among the large portion, the immense majority, of the Anti-Slavery community, who dissent from its new views. Now the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society _is a pretty considerably large and somewhat important body_--and why should it not have an _official organ_, of communication with the public, to be devoted to _Anti-Slavery alone_? I am not particular about the editor. If Mr. Garrison would edit such a paper, and _devote his whole time and strength to it_, instead of leaving it to printers’ boys and every body, as he has the Liberator for two years past, I should be perfectly pleased to have him editor, _though of course he would not consent_. Quite a large number of our old and steadfast friends, who have been consulted, are favorable to the thing. It will be brought forward by me, at the Annual Meeting, if it is found that our discreet friends generally approve of it. Please communicate your views to me freely and confidentially (if you wish.) I have no time this morning to say a word on other topics. With respect and affection, CHARLES T. TORREY. _Salem, Dec. 19th, 1838._ DEAR BROTHER MAY,--