Frederick Douglass Letters for the years 1845 thru 1851

Dublin, IRL - 29 September 1845

I have but just returned from a great Repeal meeting, held at Conciliation Hall.

Dublin, IRL - 1 December 1845

It is clear that slavery in our country can only be abolished by creating a public opinion favorable to its abolition, and this can only be done by enlightening the public mind...

Belfast, IRL - 1 January 1846

I have no end to serve, no creed to uphold, no government to defend; and as to nation, I belong to none. I have no protection at home, or resting-place abroad. The land of my birth welcomes me to her shores only as a slave, and spurns with contempt t

Perth, SCT - 27 January 1846

Slavery has its own standards of morality, humanity, justice, and Christianity. Tried by that standard, it is a system of the greatest kindness to the slave - sanctioned by the purest morality - in perfect agreement with justice - and, of course, not

Royal Hotel Dundee, SCT - 29 January 1846

I had a view the other day of what are called the Grampion mountains that divide eastern Scotland from the west. I was told that here the ancient crowned heads used to meet, contend and struggle in deadly conflict for supremacy

Dundee, SCT - 10 February 1846

We held a very good meeting here last night, crowded to overflowing with a people whose influence cannot but be felt by the free Church.

Montrose, SCT - 26 February 1846

The immediate, and it may be the main cause of the extreme poverty and beggary in Ireland, is intemperance. This may be seen in the fact that most beggars drink whiskey.

Glasgow, SCT - 15 April 1846

Of the low and vulgar epithets, coupled with the false and somewhat malicious charges, very little need be said. I am used to them. Their force is lost upon me, in the frequency of their application.

Glasgow, SCT - 16 April 1846

I doubt not that my old master is in a state of mind quite favorable to an attempt at re-capture. Not that he wishes to make money by selling me, or by holding me himself, but to feed his revenge.

London, ENG - 23 May 1846

The main object of my visit was to attend the annual meeting of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society - to do which, I had received a pressing invitation from the Committee of that Society.

Edinburgh, SCT - 30 July 1846

I shall never forget those days and I may add those nights. I shall never forget how like two very brothers we were ready to dare, do, and even die for each other.

Manchester, ENG - 22 December 1846

I am legally the property of Thomas Auld, and if I go to the United States, (no matter to what part, for there is no City of Refuge there, no spot sacred to freedom there,) Thomas Auld, aided by the American Government, can seize, bind and fetter, an

Liverpool, ENG - 3 April 1847

(the Liverpool agent) answered that the London agent, in selling me the ticket, had acted without authority, and that I should not go on board the ship unless I agreed to take my meals alone, not to mix with the saloon company, and to give up the ber

Rochester, NY - 3 September 1848

There are those North as well as South who entertain a much higher respect for rights which are merely conventional, than they do for rights which are personal and essential.

Rochester, NY - 4 June 1851

The paper must appear as early as the first of July. It should come forth with all the marks of strength, which can be given it. Your own highly valued name must not be wanting on the first sheet.