H. D. Pinney to Frederick Douglass, July 10, 1855

For Frederick Douglass' Paper.

OSWEGO, July 10, 1855.

FRIEND DOUGLASS:—Much do I regret that circumstances beyond my control, would not permit me to attend the glorious meeting of the Old Guard" at Syracuse. It must have forcibly brought back to the memory the thrilling scenes of our earlier struggles in the holy cause of freedom, to see so many of the veterans of the cause again. I wanted more to be there to suggest that we hold a series of State Conventions, as we did in 1838-39, which were productive of such a glorious harvest. Never was the heart of the "people" so ready to hear—aye, and pay too, as they are at present. Shall we "strike while the iron is hot," or wait until the pulse grows sluggish again. The colored people of this State owe it to themselves, to make an effort the present season to have that odious clause in our State Constitution, which deprives them of the right of suffrage, stricken out. I believe the present is the time to move in this matter.

Our oration on the Fourth was after the usual namby-pamby style, although we imported for the occasion one of Theodore Parker's new race, the Rev. Thos. K. Beecher, of Elmira, supposing, of course, we should get a fish, but instead of which he gave us a stone. He said many good things, to be sure, but destroyed the whole of it by the declaration that the "slaves of the South should no more be emancipated immediately, than a minor should be immediately freed from the control of the parent."—He took the ground that the best place to prepare for freedom was in slavery. The slaves should be educated for freedom before they should be set free—and this from one of the Beecher family—an unworthy son of a noble sire. Silver Grayism, Hunkerism, Coxism (with which we are greviously afflicted) were in extacies to think they had one of the Beecher family to aid and comfort them; but I must close.

Will you not visit us and give us a talk?—We have waited long for you. Any time you will come, we will give you a generous recep-

tion. I will make appointments for you throughout the county if you will fill them. Let me know when you can come—and come as soon as you can conveniently do so.

I send you $5, which please give me credit for. Stick to the payment in advance plan—that is the true course.

Very truly yours,

H. D. PINNEY.