J[ermain] W[esley] Loguen to Frederick Douglass, March 22, 1856

LETTER FROM REV. J. W. LOGUEN.

DEAR DOUGLASS:—The world is moving in the right direction, making startling developments in its progress. The wicked begin to fear that though they "go hand in hand, they shall not go unpunished." The true observers of human progress see the fact more clearly. It is but the order of Providence.

The science of reading character by principles was always understood in a measure; but it was never applied to use, as it is now-a-days. Men are becoming classified by this rule in these terms. The reign of conservatives grows short in this land. It will take time, however, to raise a crop of true men and women in it. The cruel, base, rotten-hearted have ruled so long that they have impregnated the masses with their terrible vitality. Thank God! a counter vitality begins to grow, and make its appearance on the surface. Men and women multiply, which the down-trodden may trust and love. They are the precious jewels of the Church and State. They make green and grateful fields around them for the abolition lecturer. But when such abolition lecturer is a black man, and a fugitive slave, too, as I am, he readily distinguishes between the true and the counterfeit.

I have lately visited Vernon Centre, and it does me good to say, that there I found our long tried friends, Hill, Moses, Bronson, and others, whose houses are always open, and whose

hospitalities are always abundant and free.—At Brockett's Bridge, too, I found our friends and brothers Brockett, Spofford, Dea. Reed, and others, whose hearts are as big as the world. At Naples, there is Mr. William Marks, Dea. Brown, &c., whose hands and hearts are always reaching relief to the suffering slave. In Rush, also, I found Mr. Hill, and others, true and tried friends. We had a fine time with them in the M. E. Church, where I addressed them in my poor way. But why speak of these when I have been literally borne on a wave of kindness and compassion for the slave, all around the State. Almighty mercy is in the growing surge, depend on it.

But when may we expect another visit from you? You have honored Syracuse by your calls, repeatedly, in years past, and the citizens have been bettered, and are grateful. Your last lecture on the unity of the races is the one most admired. Scholars and philosophers praise it. Be assured you made your mark here. No lecture for the season in Syracuse has made so deep an impression as yours on the Unity of the Human Race.

Our good friend W. L. Garrison failed us on account of sickness. What think you of Gov. Chase, of Ohio? Think of the mother's anguish—yes, that poor mother—no, that noble mother!

Yours, truly,

J. W. LOGUEN.

SYRACUSE, March 22, 1856.