George Weir, Jr. to Frederick Douglass, October 17, 1859

BUFFALO, Oct. 17, 1859

F. DOUGLASS, Esq.: DEAR SIR:—My letter published in your paper of last week, (which, by the way, was intended only as a private letter, and not for publication) places me in a somewhat unenviable position before the public. It is true I was mistaken in regard to the time as to when the great question of the right of Suffrage should be submitted to the people; and so eager was I in the matter, that I did not discover my mistake until the very day on which our Committee was to meet—11th inst.—and in this dilemma the only consolation left is the fact that I am not alone in my mistake; and thought it may show but very little wisdom on my part, yet numbers of our most able and leading politicians of the other class may be placed in the same category with me, for I had consulted with several of them in reference to the matter, and every one of them labored under the same erroneous impression as myself, for they all were of the opinion that the question was to be submitted this Fall, and promised me their hearty and united co-operation in endeavoring to bring about the much desired result. This in a measure may account for my not being more fully posted—for when every one with whom I conversed was of the same opinion as myself, I took it for granted, of course, that we were all right, and so dashed ahead!

There is also this consolation—we were one year ahead, instead of one year behind. So we have a longer time to work; and should the bill again pass the Legislation this winter, and our people only act well their part, 1861 will dawn upon us as the brightest day upon the page of our history. By giving this a place in your columns, you will confer a favor.

Respectfully yours,

GEO. WEIR, JR.