In Philadelphia, a speech by visiting abolitionist is postponed due to threats of violence
George William Curtis, the New York writer and journalist, was scheduled to give a lecture on abolition to the People's Institute in Philadelphia on this day. Rumors of violence against the gathering were such that, with tensions running high in the streets, Philadelphia Mayor Henry asked for a postponement. The issue was decided when the owner of the Concert Hall, where the event was scheduled, withdrew its use and the talk was cancelled. (By John Osborne)
Source Citation
Thomas Scharf and Thompson Wescott, History of Philadelphia 1609-1884, in three volumes (Philadelphia, PA: L.H. Everts & Co., 1884), 1: 738.