Speech of G. Thompson, Esq., at a Meeting of the Great Anti Corn Law Convention, Held at the Crown & Anchor, London, on Thursday, Feb. 10, 1842.

Broadside printed in three columns, 405 x 260 mm. bottom shaved losing the imprint, old central fold. This item may have at some time been mounted and will bear traces on the reverse of adhesive or removal of mounts. George Thompson cut his oratory teeth as a travelling orator for the Anti-Slavery League. "With 'his voice pealing like a trumpet', 'perspiration dripping from his head' and his imposing frame 'throbbing with emotion', Thompson's speeches for the society drew increasingly large crowds. His status as a national celebrity was established in 1833, when he distinguished himself in a series of week-long debates in towns across Britain with the slavery advocate and future MP for Evesham, Peter Borthwick." Following abolition he turned his attention to the Americas where he failed to endear himself to President Jackson and was forced to flee the country. He then turned his attention to the corn laws, undertaking a large number of engagements [as here] until they were repealed, then establishing the Anti-Slavery League in 1846 along with William Garrison and freed slave Frederick Douglass to further campaign the issue in the United States. He was elected M.P. for Tower Hamlets in 1847. No locations traced. …