J[ohn] S[ella] Martin to Frederick Douglass, September 12, 1858

DOINGS AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE AT BUFFALO

FRIEND DOUGLASS:—On last Sabbath, the following notice was read in the colored churches of this city:

"There will be a Convention of the colored citizens of Western New York, held at Buffalo on Tuesday and Wednesday, 21st and 22nd of September, to take into consideration the question of Suffrage and Emigration, or any other subject that may concern the colored people generally

(Signed,) Peyton Harris, George Wier, Jr., J. Sella Martin, N. D. Thompson, Wm. Qualls, George Dover, And others."

This was resolved on the second of August, a notice of the celebration of which my time has not permitted me to give you before. The day was propitious, and before the hour arrived for the commencement of the exercises, the Court House was well filled, some of our most influential citizens being among the number of the auditors. Among the listeners was a Mr. Thompson, a missionary from Jamaica, with whom I afterwards conversed; and as there is much doubt in the public mind in regard to the statement that Rev. Samuel R. Ward had been banished, I will give you his statement in regard to the matter. To my question, Has Mr. Ward been banished? he answered unhesitatingly, "No!" He then went on to state that Mr. Ward was preaching to the largest congregation on the island; "but," said he, "Mr. Ward is no financier, and doubtless his pecuniary embarrassments have given color to the reports that I have heard concerning him since I have been in America." I have been satisfied of the falsity of these reports, since Mr. Garnet told me that he had a letter from Mr. Ward within the last six months.

But to return to our celebration. Soon after the organization of the meeting, Mr. George Wier, Jr., commenced reading an account of the emancipation, written by that noble man and good Christian, Mr. Wm. Goodell, and brought from that account such a well authenticated array of facts in proof of the beneficial influences of West India Emancipation, that I saw that great and noble monument of national justice in a different light to what I had ever see it before.

At night, Rev. J. T. Holly, of New Haven, delivered a lecture on the principles of Free Missionary, before the Masonic fraternity of this place—the Grand Master Constant Hesdra, of New York City, being present, together with many of the eminent Masons of this city. I need not tell you it was one of the best lectures I ever heard on the subject, as your acquaintance with the man prepares you to form a very proper estimate of his superior powers as a writer, and his erudition as a thinker.

On Tuesday night, Miss Frances Ellen Watkins,

the colored poetress of America, delivered her inimitable lecture on the "Influences of Home," which was pronounced by all to be a masterpiece in it truthfulness, its application and simplicity. May the Lord hasten the time when we shall have many such women as Miss Watkins. I have had many lectures in my church since I have been here, but have never seen such general satisfaction on any other occasion.

I have read your speech at Poughkeepsie, in which Douglass out-Douglassed himself, and without detracting from its merit, or the interest that all must have felt as it came warm and powerful from the orator, I think I can safely say, our joy and rejoicing for two days was equal to the celebration at any point in America, not so much from the eloquence of the orator, as form the unanimity in spirit and expression among the people.

We hope, if it is possible, to see you at our Convention. I have no doubt that you may do much in securing the votes of our citizens for that great and good man, Gerrit Smith. I would attempt it, but I am not politician enough to be successful. Many of our citizens are undecided, in consequence of the false but ingenious representations of designing politicians.

Yours as ever, J. S. Martin.

BUFFALO, Sept. 12.