Oliver Johnson informs William Lloyd Garrison that he has secured release by the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society's Executive Committee to pursue a transfer to New York, proposed by the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society's Executive Committee, and Mr. (Sydney Howard) Gay. Johnson urges Garrison to come to a decision regarding his transfer as quickly as possible, due to his poor health. Johnson expresses his discomfort with the prospect of leaving Philadelphia, where he had hoped to remain permanently, but asserts his willingness to do so if he might be of better service to the cause in another position.