E. J. A[dams] to Frederick Douglass, August 7, 1856

THE CELEBRATION AT CLIFTON SPRINGS.

GENEVA, August 7, 1856.

MR. EDITOR:—The First of August Celebration at Clifton Springs was certainly one worthy of inscription on the historical pages of this country. A better and more convenient spot could not have been selected for such an occasion in any part of this State. Water, of course, which is a very essential element at such times, was profuse and close at hand—About seven or eight thousand persons were gathered at the place of action. A more intelligent, respectable and orderly crowd, never gathered together, at any time or in any place.

Although the Hon. Gerrit Smith was not present to act as the President of the day, because of this sickness of his wife, as was stated to the audience, and the people seemed quite disappointed in consequence thereof, yet when the name of the Hon. H. Bradley, of Penn Yan, was announced as the substitute, there was a general satisfaction. A President more dignified and courteous to occupy a chair on any great occasion is not wanted.

The exercises were opened by Prayer from E. J. Adams, of Philadelphia, after which Mr. Clark, of Rochester, introduced the Song of Freedom; who rolled out notes melodious and heart-melting upon the breeze, which now and then brought forth from the vast audience deafning applause. When the song had ended, the renowned Garnet was introduced to the audience. And had Henry H. Garnet, been one who had risen from the dead, he could not have been looked upon with more anxious eyes and greater respect, and hailed with greater applause and listened to with profounder attention. He reminded the people that we celebrate the first day of August, because, the American people had given us no other, and that we are obliged to go to old England for a day to celebrate. In his speech, he confined himself mostly to the act and the effect of the British West India Emancipation. There could not have ben one selected who could have spoken more eloquently upon that subject; having resided several years where the effect of the great act took place. He spoke of it as one experimentally acquainted with its history, from first to last. How then could he be otherwise. He was logical, majestic and sublime—I venture to say that Mr. Garnet never was more eloquent than on that day on such an occasion. After Mr. Gr. took his seat, Mr. G. W. Clark introduced and interested the audience

with another beautiful Emancipation Song, by which the ladies seemed to be more enchanted than by any thing else. Oratory for men—music for women. I suppose it is because woman is more poetic in her nature than man.

Now Mr. W. J. Watkins is introduced to the noble assembly, and it does seem to me that more polished strains of eloquence never fell from the lips of any man, white or black, that he uttered that day, it was certainly a treat to hear him. He was 'mighty, clear and forcible.'

Mr. Watkins, like Mr. Douglass, when he came into this world, he brought eloquence with him. It flows out just as free as water—there is no straining to get off eloquent words. Although the people seemed to be somewhat restless, and began to hurry off when Mr. Garnet took his seat and music no longer enchanted the crowd, yet Mr. Watkins had spoke no longer than ten or fifteen minutes, before the multitude began to be attracted as by some magic power. He had the people wrapped around his very tongue. There were the D. D.'s and M. D.'s, and all sorts of men, women and children standing and sitting with mouths gaped wide open, eyes glaring and ears well set; and every few minutes, rapturous applause would break in upon the silence. The audience were more than two thirds white in complexion, and all colored as to excellent deportment. I have never heretofore had any great sympathy for First of August celebrations; being of the opinion that nothing much could ever be effected by it for the amelioration of the condition of the black people of this country, and the oppressed; but now I am convinced otherwise— and my conviction is, that it is one of the effectual ways of reaching the hearts of a great portion of the American people who are calculated to wield an important political influence in behalf of the oppressed of this country, for on such occasions both political and intellectual qualifications are exhibited to a fair advantage, and whenever and wherever manhood has a good opportunity to show itself in all its noble form, prejudice and complexional distinction, must tremble fall and crumble.

There were several speeches made after dinner; among them was one from Miss Steward, of Canandaigua which is said to have been a noble exhibition of intellectual qualification. I did not hear it: I only saw the lady, whose cranium indicated a more than common ability.

E. J. A.