Details
DOUGLASS, FREDERICK. Autograph letter signed ("Frederick Douglas") to Francis Jackson, President of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society, ("Friend Jackson"), Rochester, [N.Y.], 17 September 1850. 1 full page, 4to, on pale blue-gray paper, minor trace of old mounting on verso, otherwise fine.
WRITING IN THE YEAR OF THE FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW, DOUGLASS REFERS TO HIMSELF AS "THIS FUGITIVE SLAVE" WHO "OUGHT TO BE FLOGGED"
A letter of otherwise inconsequential content but containing a striking, jocular reference to the Fugitive Slave Act (passed a few days before this letter), and with a remarkable closing. Douglass writes: "You will begin to think this fugitive slave ought to be flogged for his neglect and sloathfulness [sic] in replying to your letter of 19th August, but listen to me. I have been absent from home and sick since my return...I have just been in serch of the information which you require in respect to the where abouts of Levi Walker, and can learn nothing satisfactory. I have however hit upon a way to get the needful information on Monday next, when I can I am told see the will. I will attend to the matter and make you acquainted with the result. I will too by that time ascertain somthing as to the best Lawyer to be employed in the case. Yours to the end of the war..."
The Fugitive Slave Act was one of the five parts of the Compromise of 1850, passed after rancorous debate in Congress from 9-20 September. The most controversial part of the compromise, it directed that Federal powers be used to return former slaves to their masters; due process was not to be accorded suspected fugitives and stiff legal penalties were exacted for aiding or concealing escaped slaves.
WRITING IN THE YEAR OF THE FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW, DOUGLASS REFERS TO HIMSELF AS "THIS FUGITIVE SLAVE" WHO "OUGHT TO BE FLOGGED"
A letter of otherwise inconsequential content but containing a striking, jocular reference to the Fugitive Slave Act (passed a few days before this letter), and with a remarkable closing. Douglass writes: "You will begin to think this fugitive slave ought to be flogged for his neglect and sloathfulness [sic] in replying to your letter of 19th August, but listen to me. I have been absent from home and sick since my return...I have just been in serch of the information which you require in respect to the where abouts of Levi Walker, and can learn nothing satisfactory. I have however hit upon a way to get the needful information on Monday next, when I can I am told see the will. I will attend to the matter and make you acquainted with the result. I will too by that time ascertain somthing as to the best Lawyer to be employed in the case. Yours to the end of the war..."
The Fugitive Slave Act was one of the five parts of the Compromise of 1850, passed after rancorous debate in Congress from 9-20 September. The most controversial part of the compromise, it directed that Federal powers be used to return former slaves to their masters; due process was not to be accorded suspected fugitives and stiff legal penalties were exacted for aiding or concealing escaped slaves.