J[ohn] Sella Martin to Frederick Douglass, November 18, 1858

OUR BUFFALO CORRESPONDENCE.

FRIEND DOUGLASS:—In my last, I mentioned the revolting features of my visit to Philadelphia. In this letter, like a diver looking for gems in the slimy bed of the sea, I shall try and present some of the pleasant features, if beneath the contents of my last any may be found. And I may mention a colored High School which, but for the adjective colored, would be an honor to any people, and even that, objectionable as it is, is the disgrace of the whites, rather than of the colored people. I would be understood in these remarks as condemning that spirit of caste which would go through a physico-chemical process, to find out if the brain to be developed, the affections to be directed, has a drop of African blood, and finding it, make it sufficient ground for colonizing such brains and affections in colored schools. I would explain myself further, by setting without the scope of this condemnation those noble-hearted Quakers who keep that school in existence by the sacrifice of both time and money. I think, since they must have a separate school, that no more benevolent trustees could be found anywhere than those connected with this establishment. Nor does their benevolence and charity exceed the efficiency and zeal of its gentlemanly and accomplished Principal, E. D. Bassett, Esq. Associated with him is Robert Campbell, one of the commissioners of the Niger Expedition party, a young man, whose practical ideas and active vital temperament will render him a beneficial associate in any capacity. Jacob C. White, Jr., completes the number of male teachers, and, like the gentlemen already mentioned, he possesses rare qualifications for usefulness, modest and retiring in his demeanor, thorough in his acquirements, and energetic in their employment. He is a fit companion for so laudable an enterprise, and responsible position, as instructing immortal souls.

Beside this school, there are two Societies—the Philadelphia Library Association, and the Banneker Institute—embracing much talent and energy. Many young men of promise are connected with these Societies. The only names that I now remember, are Johnson, Smith and White. The Lebanon Cemetery is also a colored enterprize. I confess to you, that of all the inexpressibly mean and intensified horrible evidences of prejudice that I met with in Philadelphia, this was "the unkindest cut of all." The black and hideous spirit of American Christianity, that draws its dagger of prejudice around the communion table of the Lord, that twangs its bow of proscription in the counting room, that thunders its volleys of disfranchisement from the capitol, should at least die with the object of its cruelty and injustice; but in Philadelphia it becomes a general undertaker to provide not only the shroud and coffin, but to find a grave for the black man, and the last must be dug in a spot unsanctified by a white man's corpse. I wonder if the white and colored Christians who die in Philadelphia, go in the same chariot to heaven. I confess that I wonder no more at the infidelity of the world; yet, notwithstanding these unwelcome facts and painful reflections, the Lebanon Cemetery is a

credit to the city, as it would be of any other under the superintendence of Jacob C. White, Sr., President of the Board of Trustees. The artistic taste evinced in laying it out, enhances the architectural beauty of a most solid stone chapel that adorns it. There is a fence alone in front costing seven hundred dollars. I should mention also that this is not the only sphere of usefulness which employs Mr. White's labors.—No one can listen to his private conversation, or examine his public acts, without admiring the deep earnestness and the impelling energy which evince themselves in all he says and does. Like his son, he is engaged in all literary movements.

There is another fact of interest and encouragement to all public men. The audiences that I addressed while there, were very liberal, in a pecuniary point of view. When men feel as deep as their pockets, we may hope to do some good.

In my humble efforts while there, I had the co-operation of the most intelligent persons in the city; among whom I will mention the name of Wm. Still, the Conductor of the Underground Railway at that point, and clerk of the American anti-slavery office there; and permit me to say just here, that all the good qualities of this gentleman, which are many, are shared by his amiable spouse. Should you go to Philadelphia, my friends, I would say, go to Mr. Still's to board. This is no newspaper puff Mr. S. probably is as ignorant of the impressions made on me by his house, as any one else. I recommend the house to the traveling public, because I know him to be a gentleman, a polite host, and an earnest anti-slavery man.

Another pleasing feature is that there are many stores kept by colored men. Indeed, I was much surprised at the amount of business done by this class of the citizens. There are many mechanics also doing business on their own hook. There are some reflections arising out of the facts in my first letter, in connection with the statements of this, which I shall indulge in, in my next.

J. SELLA MARTIN.

BUFFALO, Nov. 18th, 1858.