A. A. Luca to Frederick Douglass, June 15, 1856

LETTER FROM A. A. LUCA.

RAVENNA, O., June 15, 1856.

MR. DOUGLASS: DEAR SIR:—Circumstances, rather than inclination, have induced me to "lay down the fiddle and the bow," to take up the pen instead—and, (from the fact that I was never "in practice,") I fear that my "notes" will be anything but "harmonious." Still, hoping that my "audience" will overlook the imperfect "execution," considering it as the "first appearance," also that my subject will serve to draw attention from the manner in which it is presented, I will "stop" the "preclude" and "introduce" the "theme."

Your suggestion that our "travels" might be interesting to many, and your kindness in tenderingthe columns of your paper as a medium, have persuaded me into giving our Ohio experiences.

A person who stays at home cannot realize the marked difference that characterizes the inhabitants of the different States, though gazing, perhaps, with all the acuteness of a philosopher, on the features which the newspapers and other channels of information present—the light will fail to reach and discover the sharper outlines. Though this will hold good in others, I am referringmore particularly to a social point of view. For instance, take the towns and villages of this State, and, as a general thing, there is much less refinement an none of the classificationsof society which pervade those of the East. I will relate an incident which occurred a short time ago, and gives an idea of the "ways and means" of the people in this part of the "Reserve" At one of our concerts a Southernman found fault with one of our Anti-Slavery songs, and after a demonstration in keeping, left the room. Just before closing, we announced another concert, and on reaching the hotel, found that a body of men had convened and decidedon asking of us repetition of the same song—inviting him to attend—and if he recapitulatedhis demonstrations, he should be taken out and whipped. He got wind of the kind intentions and kept clear.

While in Cleveland, we "put up" at the "Bennet House" and we were called to take our (two first) meals after the others had finished. This fact touched our sensitive feelings, and on going to the proprietor to protest, we found some of the boarders were before us, and discountenancing, in unmistakable terms, such treatment of ourselves. A favorable change was speedily made, and with this you will receive one potent instrument used!

I find that I am branching out to a greater length than I anticipated, and not wishing to take undue advantage of your kindness, I will close, and reserve more of the same till another time.

A. A. LUCA