George Weir, Jr. to Frederick Douglass, October 7, 1859

BUFFALO, Oct. 7, 1859

F. DOUGLASS, Esq.: DEAR SIR:—I have anxiously looked and listened (but in vain) for some effort upon the part of our people in this State with a view of securing at the hands of the people in the coming political campaign what our hearts have long desired, and for which the deepest and most fervent aspirations of our souls have been faithfully poured our. Now that the great and all-important question of Universal Suffrage is about to be submitted to the electors of the State, is it not right and proper that we should bestir ourselves, and labor faithfully and arduously to no work upon the hearts and consciences of the people, that this Heaven-bought blessing may be secured? To my mind, there certainly never was a more favorable time; and I am clearly of the opinion, that by a united and vigorous exertion upon our part, victory will be ours. But we have no time to repose; we much be up and doing. The battle to be fought requires all the strength and energy of our souls. We have mountains of prejudice to overcome; deceit and hypocrisy runs wild through our midst; every base stratagem no doubt will be resorted to in order to defeat its passage. Nevertheless, if we boldly enter the contest—resolve ourselves into an army of earnest and untiring workers—we have nothing to fear.—Buffalo means to do her part. We have appointed a Central Committee of nine, and Ward Committees of twenty-six, two in each Ward, whose duty is to labor through their respective Wards up to the day of elections, and on that day to be at the polls from sunrise to sunset, and urge if possible upon every voter to vote for extending to us our political rights.

Now, my dear sir, you above all other men (if you have not already done so) should at once enter the field; for I speak but the sentiment of the masses when I affirm that you are a best within yourself, and can probably do more than any ten men in our State in

reference to this great matter. That you always have been earnestly engaged in behalf of our people, no one dare dispute; but just at this crisis, would it not be well to lay aside, as far as consistent, everything else, and direct with unerring precision your Herculean powers alone in that direction. Would to God that Bro. Garnet, instead of humbugging his time and talents with that base, stupendous swindle, the African Civilization Society, would lay aside for the time being his clerical robes, and enter the arena in favor of securing his and our rights! for we have no time to lose in idle discussions and personal assaults when our efforts are so much needed in reference to this great matter. Better that we leave the work which Bro. Garnet & Co. have on hand to be performed by its legitimate sire, the American Colonization Society. For my part, I am ashamed to know that any colored man is found dabbling in such dirty water.

But, friend Douglass, we look to you as the people's man to take the lead in pushing the battle to the gate, and in my humble opinion the day is almost at hand when you shall be permitted to see the fruit of your labor; only get the people right, and the Legislature will do their duty this winter.

Our Committee meets on next Tuesday evening, 11th inst., and any advice our encouragement, which you may be pleased to give us will be most kindly and thankfully received.

Yours for the contest

GEO. WEIR, JR.