H[enry] O. Wagoner to Frederick Douglass, April 26, 1859

LETTER FROM H. O. WAGONER.

CHICAGO, April 26, 1859.

FRIEND DOUGLASS: DEAR SIR:— You will see by the Chicago daily papers a call for a meeting, headed "Emigration among Colored People." At the bottom of that call you will find my name, among others. In explanation of this, I cannot do better than to send you the following:

NOTE FROM H. O. WAGONER.

CHICAGO, April 24, 1859.

Editors Press and Tribune.

I observe in your paper of Saturday, an article headed "Emigration among the Colored People." In the last sentence of that article, (as well as in the editorial which says, "a large number of their people contemplate a speedy emigration to Hayti,") it says: "The following colored citizens are in favor of the movement--H. O. Wagoner, and thirteen others." To the import of the passage in the editorial, and the sentence referred to, I beg respectfully to say they misrepresent me, as I gave my name only to the extent of being willing to meet—not to "contemplate a speedy emigration"—and "to consider the propriety, authenticity, nature and extent of the invitation," as reported in the newspapers to have been given by Geffard, President of the Republic of Hayti. In regard to any movement, which has for its object the bettering of the condition of the colored man—and even the white man —I am ever willing, calmly, but not hastily, to investigate the same, and to act as experience and wisdom may dictate.

Now while on the subject, I wish further to say, that unless the men mooting this subject are in "dead earnest," and will give evidence of their earnestness by carrying their professions into practice, I boldly assert it as my humble judgement, that such public demonstrations are productive of evil rather than good. I am frank, thus publicly to admit, that our qualifications for carrying on a government, and all that pertains to the affairs of an enlightened nation, have not so multiplied and arisen to the height that we have on hand to surplus of such men; therefore, I say, since we have so much to do, right here at home, and no good men—qualified men—to spare, let us continue here to labor and to wait. H. O. WAGONER.

Now, in further explanation of this matter, that I may be properly understood, I send you the proceedings of the meeting referred to, and as reported by the Chicago Tribune. You will perceive that I was appointed one of the Secre-

taries of said meeting. Now, in regard to the resolutions. The first resolution, I opposed; and, though it is reported to have passed, yet it did not; for, in my judgement, as well as that of others, the "Noes" had a majority. The other resulution I did not oppose. Thus you have my position, as briefly as my pressed time will allow me to state it.

Your friend and brother,

H. O. WAGONER.