Letter to Richard D. Webb (February 10, 1846)
Frederick Douglass
Citation Information: Frederick Douglass, [Letter], Dundee, [Scotland], February 10, 1846. To Richard D. Webb. Foner, Philip (ed). Life and Writings of Frederick Douglass. New York: International Publishers, 1950. Vol. I, p. 137.
Frederick Douglass
Dundee, [Scotland]
February 10, 1846
To Richard D. Webb
Dear Friend:
- 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. Our faithful dealing with the Church has at length had the effect to compel them to a defense of their conduct. They have until a few days since affected to despise our efforts, deeming this the best mode of silencing and defeating our exposures. They now see we are not to be put down by such cunning. Their newspaper, the Dundee Warden, has attempted to ward off our blows by attacking us personally, denouncing us as strangers, unknown to respectable people in this country, but unfortunately for this purpose they say in the next place we are in the pay of the establishment, sent for and hired by them. Thus they give us a good reputation by associating us with persons against whose moral characters they dare not utter a single word. The agitation goes nobly on. All this region is in a ferment. The very boys in the street are singing out “Send back that money.” I am informed this morning by the Dundee Courier that the St. Peter’s session have unanimously recommended the sending back the money. I meet many free Church people who are anxious to have the money sent back. I am certain that the people are right on this point. If the money is not sent back it will be the fault of their leaders. We shall continue with unabated zeal to sound the alarm— the people shall be informed. James and myself leave here at one o’clock today for Arbroth where we hold a meeting this evening. There the people are wide awake. This battling is rather unfavorable to the sale of my book, but the cause first, everything else afterwards. My kind regards to Mrs. W. and all inquiring friends.
Yours truly,
Frederick Douglass
Antislavery Collection, Boston Public library