The cartoon "The Disappointed Abolitionists" that prefaces the article, is about the case involving the fugitive slave of John Darg who stole $7000 from him, fled, and was harbored and assisted by African American abolitionist and writer David Ruggles, Quaker arbitrator Barney Corse, and Quaker abolitionist Isaac T. Hopper (1).

Corse had arbitrated a deal with Darg that in exchange for the return of the money, the slave’s freedom would be granted, and a small stipend would be paid to Corse.

The arbitration was discovered and annulled by the New York police who then arrested Ruggles and Corse, although they eventually won the slave’s freedom. The illustrator seems to criticize the Quakers and Ruggles for their supposed timidity and self-interest when confronted by the slave owner.

In the cartoon, Quaker Isaac Hopper says: “Verily friend Darg since we have returned thee thy money, I claim the reward of $1000. Brother Barney Corse was merely my Agent, verily!!”

David Ruggles: “I don’t like the looks of this affair. I’m afraid my pickings will not amount to much!”

White Man Barney Corse (Quaker arbitrator): “Yea verily I was but thy instrument Brother Hopper as Brother Ruggles here knoweth!

Man with a Chair: "Of all the d—-d pieces of impudence I ever know, this surpasses! Reward indeed! Get out of the house! The only reward you deserve is the halter or the States Prison, you scoundrels!”

--- (1) Quakers were a Christian denomination very involved in human rights since the 17th century.