He was in time to greet his great spiritual kinsman, William Wilberforce, and to undeceive him in respect of the Colonization Society, before death claimed his body, and to follow him to his last resting-place by the side of Pitt and Fox, in Westminster Abbey.
A highly interesting incident of this visit is best told in Mr.
Garrison's own words.

He said: "On arriving in London I received a polite invitation by letter from Mr.
Buxton to take breakfast with him.

Presenting myself at the appointed time, when my name was announced, instead of coming forward promptly to take me by the hand, he scrutinized me from head to foot, and then inquired, 'Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr.Garrison, of Boston, in the United States ?' 'Yes, sir,' I replied, 'I am he; and I am here in accordance with your invitation.' Lifting up his hands he exclaimed, 'Why, my dear sir, I thought you were a black man! And I have consequently invited this company of ladies and gentlemen to be present to welcome Mr.Garrison, the black advocate of emancipation, from the United States of America.' I have often said that that is the only compliment I have ever had paid to me that I care to remember or to tell of! For Mr.Buxton had somehow or other supposed that no white American could plead for those in bondage as I had done, and therefore I must be black!" Garrison promptly threw down his challenge to Elliott Cresson, offering to prove him an impostor and the Colonization Society "corrupt in its principles, proscriptive in its measures, and the worst enemy of the free colored and slave population of the United States." From the first it was apparent that Cresson did not mean to encounter the author of the "Thoughts" in public debate.

Even a mouse when cornered will show fight, but there was no manly fight in Cresson.

Garrison sent him a letter containing seven grave charges against his society, and dared him to a refutation of them in a joint discussion.