John Jones to Frederick Douglass, January 5, 1857

FREE SUFFRAGE IN ILLINOIS.

CHICAGO, Jan 5th, 1857.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS: DEAR SIR:—I write to inform you of our movements in this State, for the amelioration of our political condition. You will remember that I gave you the Constitution and By-Laws of the Chicago Repeal Association. Under the patronage of that Association, I have been circulating a petition for the repeal of the Black Laws. I am meeting with great success and encouragement though I come across some hard cases, mostly Federal office holders, or expectants. They object to signing my paper, "because they don't know what the black laws are." I then hand them the Statutes which I carry with me; after reading, they sometimes sign, but usually ask me to call again. I leave the, saying to myself, "this is the last chance you will have to sign this petition this winter, anyhow." But, thank God! there is a large body of men independant enough to sign my petitions, and they are the leading men of the State. Many sign, and many give money besides, for the payment of necessary expenses.

I called on one gentleman who was in the Legislature when the infamous law, forbidding the settlement of colored men in the State, was passed. He said, "Mr. Jones, I want to sign your petition." I handed him the roll. After signing, I started out. "Stop," said he; "I want to do something more." Calling for a check, he filled it up for $10, saying, "I give it with my whole heart, and will give as much more if needed."—This was Dr. EAGAN, one of the rich and good men of Chicago.

I will circulate my petition a few days longer, then carry it to Springfield and see that it is presented. Petitions will also be sent from every important point in the State. By the bye, I am a member of the Legislature, (Lobby member, of course,) and will be in Springfield ten or fifteen days—that is, if they will let me; if they will not, I shall come to Chicago, quick as steam will carry me. We have four Repeal Associations besides this, all in active operation. The head-quarters of the Association are at Chicago; the others are auxiliary. It was by the State Association that your humble brother was elected to the Legislature; in this I have surpassed our big brother.— (How did Dr. SMITH find out that you were the big brother of us all?)

Yours, for Liberty,

JOHN JONES.