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Introductory Note

by the Rt. Hon. John Bright, M.P.

132, PICCADILLY, LONDON,

March 8, 1882.

To MR. JOHN LOBB,

DEAR SIR,

I am glad to hear that you are about to publish AN ENGLISH EDITION OF THE
LIFE AND TIMES OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS. in his youth a slave in the State
of Maryland, now holding an honourable office in the District of Columbia, in the
United States of America.

I have read the Book with great interest. It shows what may be done, and has
been done, by a man born under the most adverse circumstances;--done, not for
himself alone, but for his race, and for his country. It shows also, how a great nation,
persisting in a great crime, cannot escape the penalty inseparable from crime.

History has probably no more striking example of the manner in which an
offence of the highest guilt may be followed hy the most terrible punishment, than
is to be found in the evrnts which make the history of the United States, from the
year 1860 to the year 1865.

The Book which you are about to offer to English Readers is one which will
stimulate the individual to noble effort and to virtue; whilst it will act as a lesson and
a warning to every nation whose policy is based upon injustice and wrong.

I hope it may find its way into many thousands of English homes.

I am, with great respect,

Yours sincerely,

JOHN BRIGHT.

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