The father of our host, Mr. Cropper, was one of the first and most efficient supporters of the cause in Liverpool; and the whole circle was composed of those who had taken a deep interest in that struggle.  The wife of our host was the daughter of the celebrated Lord Chief Justice Denman, a man who, for many years, stood unrivalled, at the head of the legal mind in England, and who, with a generous ardor seldom equalled, devoted all his energies to this sacred cause.

When the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin turned the attention of the British public to the existing horrors of slavery in America, some palliations of the system appeared in English papers.  Lord Denman, though then in delicate health and advanced years, wrote a series of letters upon the subject—­an exertion which entirely prostrated his before feeble health.  In one of the addresses made at table, a very feeling allusion was made to Lord Denman’s labors, and also to those of the honored father of the two Messrs. Cropper.

As breakfast parties are things which we do not have in America, perhaps mother would like to know just how they are managed.  The hour is generally somewhere between nine and twelve, and the whole idea and spirit of the thing is that of an informal and social gathering.  Ladies keep their bonnets on, and are not dressed in full toilet.  On this occasion we sat and chatted together socially till the whole party was assembled in the drawing room, and then breakfast was announced.  Each gentleman had a lady assigned him, and we walked into the dining room, where stood the tables tastefully adorned with flowers, and spread with an abundant cold collation, while tea and coffee were passed round by servants.  In each plate was a card, containing the name of the person for whom it was designed.  I took my place by the side of the Rev. Dr. McNiel, one of the most celebrated clergymen of the established church in Liverpool.

The conversation was flowing, free, and friendly.  The old reminiscences of the antislavery conflict in England were touchingly recalled, and the warmest sympathy was expressed for those in America who are carrying on the same cause.

In one thing I was most agreeably disappointed.  I had been told that the Christians of England were intolerant and unreasonable in their opinions on this subject; that they could not be made to understand the peculiar difficulties which beset it in America, and that they therefore made no distinction and no allowance in their censures.  All this I found, so far as this circle were concerned, to be strikingly untrue.  They appeared to be peculiarly affectionate in their feelings as regarded our country; to have the highest appreciation of, and the deepest sympathy with, our religious community, and to be extremely desirous to assist us in our difficulties.  I also found them remarkably well informed upon the subject.  They keep their eyes upon our papers, our public documents and speeches in Congress, and are as well advised in regard to the progress of the moral conflict as our Foreign Missionary Society is with the state of affairs in Hindostan and Burmah.