Minnesota to Frederick Douglass, April 7, 1855

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Minnesota to Frederick Douglass. PLSr: Frederick DouglassP, 27 April 1855. Proposes the acquisition of Canadian lands for settlement by free blacks.

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ST. PAUL, April 7, 1855.

FRIEND DOUGLASS:—I noticed in your editorials, some time since, a request to all friendly to the cause of freedom, to propose some plan for to affect the freedom of the American slave. I fear the invitation will cause you to be flooded with communications, and many, perhaps, containing valuable suggestions. It is a subject much thought of in Minnesota, by the colored people, and considerably talked over by them during the past winter. Some have recommended a day of fasting and prayer, to be generally observed by all the friends of freedom throughout the United States, (it would be a sort of test of faith.) Others propose a plan of emigration, and the establishment of a free and separate government; they are all, with one exception, opposed to Liberia. Others say, remain where we are—agitate, keep up a fury, holding to the promise, "Blessed are ye when when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company." The latter will do very well for those that feel thus inclined; but I am an emigrationist, and willing to move with the mass, or any sufficient number, to any point far or near, where it would be considered safe to stand erect and breathe free the pure air of heaven. And to suit the minds of those with whom I have conversed, who desire to emigrate, but to some point contiguous to the United States, I recommend to them, to yourself and your readers, for your serious consideration, the subject of emigration—and also recommend to your notice that portion of the British north west possessions, lying west of the Rocky Mountains, on the pacific coast, between latitudes forty-nine and sixty north, and one hundred and twenty and one hundred and thirty-five west, comprising an extent of country nearly sixteen times the size of the State of New York, admirably adapted to agriculture and navigation. The climate is mild and pleasant, reported to be quite healthy. This country is bounded on the north, by the Russian territory, on the south, by Oregon, on the east, by the Rocky Mountains, on the west, by the Pacific Ocean, having within its limits, a very fine timber region, with some admirable water power. On the Pacific coast also, within its limits, are some of the finest natural harbors that can be found on the Pacific anywhere. The climate is similar to Maryland and Virginia, exactly such as they have in Oregon. Cannot these lands be procured of the Queen for a very small compensation? Would we not further the cause of freedom? would we not advance ourselves and those that come up after us, morally, politically and financially? I should prefer not to be established independently, but to be subjects of the Crown. I think it would not be prudent, in this age of fillibusterism, to establish ourselves in any country as an independent government. But anything for a change. Our condition cannot be worse, even to our total extermination. As regards our efforts towards freeing the slaves, reminds me of a passage which is, no doubt, familiar to you, and reads as follows: And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, and perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye; either, how canst thou say to thy brother—brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye; or, in other words, can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch?

Last edit 9 months ago by JOHN R KAUFMAN-MCKIVIGAN
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Now, should we not go rightly to work, to first improve the condition of ourselves, and them would we not be better able to assist those that are, as you think, in greater bondage than ourselves? Can we ever better our condition by living in a country where the rights and wishes of the acknowledged cannot be correctly represented and carried out, without their being tainted with fraud? where politics is so very corrupt, where scarce none else than doughfaces can be found to represent the North in the halls of Congress, and where everything in relation to the public weal is becoing more and more corrupt? I say, can you see any sign of better times? In my opinion, we are equally as much in the mire as those we wish to help. Dear friend, please read the following, and say the signs are in our favor.

"MISSOURI JUSTICE.—Mr. Jacob Cantrill, who lives at Independence, Mo., had the words 'Kanzas Free State' painted on his wagon in large letters. This excited the indignation of one Otho Hall, who jumped in the forward end of the wagon, and attacked Cantril with a knife. He was, however, prevented from doing much injury to the man, so he contented himself withcutting the covering of the wagon to pieces. Cantril had Hall arrested and upon the trial it was fully proven that Hall had threatened to kill Cantril. The justice, however, examined Cantril as to hs political opinions, and finding him to be in favor of keeping slavery out of Kanzas, fined him $13, and let Hall go free!"Galena Jeffersonian.

Don't this look as though thatwould, dare not, shortly speak in our behalf?

Respectfully yours,

MINNESOTA.

Last edit 9 months ago by JOHN R KAUFMAN-MCKIVIGAN
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