Gamaliel Bradford (1795–1839) was an American physician, the superintendent of Massachusetts General Hospital, and an abolitionist.
[2] While studying medicine, he worked as a private tutor and as an assistant teacher at the Boston Latin School.
He was put off by William Lloyd Garrison's manner and thought his insistence on immediate emancipation was unrealistic.
He argued that the abolitionists had as much right to try to influence public opinion as supporters of the Temperance movement, and noted that Benjamin Franklin had signed an anti-slavery resolution in 1790.
[6] Early in 1836, leaders of the Society met with state legislators to try to persuade them not to suppress their activities "by political fiat."
Bradford argued that the abolitionists' activities were in keeping with international, constitutional, and moral law.
[8] The abolitionists won this particular battle, and in January 1837, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted to allow the Anti-Slavery Society to use their hall.