J[ames] D. Bonner to Frederick Douglass, September 12, 1855

LETTER FROM JAMES D. BONNER

CHICAGO, Sept. 12th: 1855.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS, Esq: DEAR SIR:—In your paper of the 7th inst., under the heading, "Who killed Cock Robbin?" you make particular inquiry as the whereabouts of Stephen Arnold Douglas the notorious renegade U. S. Senator our State. I regret, sir, that you thought it wise to disturb, or attempt to resuscitate the remains of this fallen statesman—I have decided objection of interfering with the quiet repose of the dead: especially in this case ought they have to remained among the things long since despised and forgotten.

Here in our city, his name is but seldom mentioned by respectable citizens, and then only in derision and as a warning to others, who, in their efforts to secure Southern influence and Southern Gold, might follow his example, and all the rights and liberties of their fellow men, by giving up to the Slave Power, that beautiful territory which had been so long dedicated to Freedom.

But sir, as you seem quite anxious to learn his whereabouts, or his present locality, I must forego my objections, and inform you.

The notorious individual is, at this time, lurking about Chicago. He who has once honored and loved by the people of Illinois, is now shuned and loathed by them. There is but few who stoops to do him reverence. He has a fine suburban residence near the southern line of the city; but I am told he is rarely to be found there. Young America and its inmates congenial with his taste and feelings, he makes that well known establishment his headquarters. It is located at the corner of Randolph and Dearborn streets, is owned in part by his bosom friend, Ike Cook, our Post Master, and is occupied and frequented (as its name intimates by the sporting gentlemen of the city. Here our Senator may be seen at any time holding forth to the delighted Patrons of Young America, and they in return, by their shouts, etc., seem to acknowledge him as their chief. These things are humiliating to the peaceful and good citizens, and seems as tho' some foul curse has been inflicted upon us, perhaps as a retribution for allowing the infamous Black Laws to remain on our Statue Banks. We are hopeful, however, that in a short time we have a Senator who will utter in Congress, the true sentiments of his constituents; and that our Legislature will expunge from its records those Hell black enactments which now degrade the State in the opinions of all wise and good men. I must not omit to mention at this time a little incident, connected with our Little Giant, and which shows some degree of shrewdness in him. The colored Methodists of our city have within the past year, erected quite a creditable church building, but being short of funds with which to finish the same, they have made appeals to the generosity of our citizens, to aid them in its completion. Mr. Douglas was called upon; here was an excellent opportunity of making capital by the use of a few dollars he could not only redeem himself with the Colored Methodist people, but would also reinstate himself with their voting white friends. He gave them one hundred dollars for the church, or in other words, for Buncombe, but the trick would not do. Its objects were to apparent not to be understood by all; and I question the propriety of our Methodist friends accepting the blood-stained money at all.

In reference to the National Convention, which assembles in Philadelphia, Oct. 16th. I regret to find the people hereabouts manifest but little concern; and I fear that our State will not be represented in the Convention; unfortunately, there seems to be a want of union with us here, and every effort put forth with a view of ameliorating our present unhappy condition, is sure to meet with opposition amongst ourselves.

I find that the Immigration Convention held in Cleveland last fall has done much mischief in the West. The colonizationists are making much capital out of it by using it to prove, that the colored people are restless, and dissatisfied in this country and favor colonization, or immigration, which is the same in principle. I hope the Philadelphia Convention may put a queitus on this Immigration Humbug, for I am confident it has no sympathy with the people themselves and I hope in all cases they may select delegates who are in all respects opposed to immigration.

Yours, for American freedomon American soil.

JAMES D. BONNER.