J[ames] R[awson] Johnson to Frederick Douglass, October 4, 1855

SYRACUSE MARKET HALL MEETING.

BROTHER DOUGLASS:—The meeting at Market Hall for free discussion, on Sabbath P. M., Sept. 30th, pleased me much. The fundamental principles in relation to the union of all Christians in Jesus Christ were presented with much clearness, and with an appearance generally of an excellent spirit. A dash or two at "salaried priests" did not quite suit me—of course, as I want more salary—but that debater must have his say, or who else could have liberty? Market Hall is common ground. Such meetings arouse the people to think and speak for themselves. Pro-slavery teachers in the pulpit cannot blind such a class of self-made thinkers.

Yours, for the freest investigation,

J. R. JOHNSON.

SYRACUSE, N. Y., Oct. 4th, 1855.