J[ames] R[awson] Johnson to Frederick Douglass, June 27, 1859

MORE ABOUT THAT CONCENTRATED PLAN OF ACTION AGAINST AMERICAN SLAVERY.

ANDOVER, N. Y., June 27, 1859.

FRIEND DOUGLASS:—In addition to what I said in your paper of June 17, permit me to suggest, that the 'PLAN' there sketched, might be blended with the movements of the Hon. J. R. Giddings and his associates. The phrase 'SONS OF LIBERTY' would strike well on the ears of the masses. Unite the idea, that there cannot be LAW for slavery, with the bold announcement which the Ohio 'Sons' have given us, and the advocates of such a combination of needful truths would make their mark on the world. In a letter to me, dated June 13, William Goodell says:—'The plan you propose would do very well, I have no doubt, if we have any body to put in operation. But who have we? I know not now by whom the people are to be reached as set at work.' Hon. Gerrit Smith says, (June 20th,) 'Your plan was read in our Convention on Saturday evening, June 18th, but no action was taken upon it. The plan is good, but where are the means to carry it out?'

Now, brother Douglass, please give us your mind about it. If that gifted and learned man, Rev. H. H. Garnet, would consent to be our General Agent, I think he would thus accomplish much for 'African Civilization.'—If brother J. W. C. Pennington would join him, what a power they would constitute!—If, in the outline, the plan is good, let us study upon it, and by faith and works overcome obstacles.

Yours,

J. R. JOHNSON.