Cincinnatus W. Perkins to Frederick Douglass, August 23, 1855

FIRST OF AUGUST IN CINCINATTI.

Black clouds hung over us early in the morning, and much rain had fallen in the night, but soon after sunrise the clouds parted and we had a brilliant day. The 21st year of Slavery Emancipation in the British Colonies was celebrated by our Colored friends.

The procession formed on 6th St., east of Broadway, and was the largest ever known in this city. The band, Anderson's (Colored) performed exquisite Music—but the most interesting part of the procession was a large car, containing 60 girls of various ages, and divers colors, all dressed out for the occasion; some of them "in flowing robes of spotless white;" others in the more variegated hues which delight the eye, and gratify the taste. But the singing of these children excited universal admiration. The songs were Freedom's songs, and the effect produced on our citizens was highly beneficial. One lady, wife of a member of our City Council, remarked to her friends, "I saw several white children in that car, it seems to me I shouldn't like to mix with the colored." A friend remarked to her, "Oh the children all were happy, they make no distinction about the shade of the skin and color of the hair, and why should we? "True enough," rejoined the lady, " to hear them all sing; any one would think they were full of happiness. I never heard sweeter singing from white children." In this matter of singing, unquestionably, the Colored people cast the White into the shade. Their voices are rich and mellow.

After passing through the principal streets, the procession moved to the river, when over 700 embarked on board a Steamer, and spent the day joyously in a pleasant Grove; and were addressed by J. Langston, Peter Clark, and others; friend Walker read the act of British Emancipation. Who will read the act of American Emancipation? When will that be read? And where? It will rank among the Magna Chartas, Declarations, and Constitutions of other days.

We admire the noble Declaration of Independence! We hallow the Constitution of the United States. But we long for another document, the act of American Emancipation!—This precious document will be produced some day, and if a Jefferson can't be found to write it, a Douglass can. Not an Arnold Douglas, but one who has tasted the bitter cup of Slavery and drank it to the dregs thereof.

THE TRIMBALL NOMINATION,

Which occurred on the 9th inst., at Columbus, was a miserable affair. The design of it is, if possible, to defeat our worthy citizen of whom we fell "mighty proud," Salmon P. Chase, of whose election we have not the slightest doubt. Some few disaffected persons found a mouthpiece in the Times, who has been using all his influence to defeat Chase; but if we may judge of the signs of the times, Chase will distance all his competitors in the next election.

There is a marvelous inconsistency in these bolters; they oppose Chase because he is an Abolitionist. They will support Trimball because he is one. They say Chase is a Theoretical Abolitionist; but Trimball a practical one, for he emancipated his slaves years ago and removed to Ohio. We admire this act in the man, but feel sorry he should be so ready to be slaughtered by his would-be friends. His nomination fell on the State in a still born style.—The votes he will get will be very few. He may possibly have the wisdom before the October election to withdraw his name. Ohio will no doubt give a good account of herself next fall, and we trust all the Free States will follow her example. Really we have but two parties now in the State, one for Freedom, and the other for Slavery, one for fraud and corruption the other for honesty and justice. The present administration loves plunder and has signalized itself by blundering, villanous legislation. We feel utterly disgraced at having such a man as Senator Pugh, taking the place of our noble Ex-Senator Chase.

SALMON P. CHASE'S SPEECH,

Delivered in the Fifth St. Market, on Tuesday evening, was listened to with deep interest, by a highly respectable mass of citizens. There could not have been less than 2,000 persons present. It was an able effort, worthy of the man and cause he represents. He touched all these points which affect the Republican movements of Ohio; he stated clearly and fearlessly his views of duty, and was listened to with eagerness all through. His speech has made a marked impression on the public mind for good. Only one man has expressed dissatisfaction, and that is the Editor of the Times, who boldly declares, he did not touch the points at issue.—The fact was, he was not down like thunder and lightning on the foreigners—the Catholics in particular. Capt. Ford spoke in his usual felicitous, humorous style, his blows on the Democratic party were starling and effective.

Yesterday a meeting was held on Walnut Hills, in front of Lane Seminary, beneath the leafy trees, at which Hon. L. Campbell, Capt. Ford, and Genl. Cary spoke. Each in his way interested a considerable number, in the great question of the day, Liberty.

A bountiful Providence has crowned the labors of the husbandman this year with amazing success. Vegetables of all kinds are cheaper now than they have been for years past. We doubt not this abundant harvest will bring along with it a revival of trade. There has been in our midst considerable sickness this summer. Cholera has carried off many to the grave, but it has now greatly abated since the weather became cooler.

CINCINNATUS.

CINCINATTI, Aug. 23, '55