Julia Griffiths to Frederick Douglass, November 1, 1856

For Frederick Douglass' Paper.

LETTERS FROM THE OLD WORLD.

Number XXXIII.

Wheeley's Hill, Birmingham, November 1st, 1856.

MY DEAR FRIEND:—I snatch a few minutes to jot down recent journeying and events.

My last hastily written letter ended in "the Dargle," somewhat abruptly this day week, since which I have re-crossed the Irish sea, (in the hope of soon seeing my valued friends in Dublin again)—spent two days with my dear friends at Cheetham Hill, and four days in Birmingham. Hither I come to fulfil a long engagement made with "the Maternal" and "Working Missionary Societies," connected with the Church of the Rev. JOHN ANGEL JAMES, a name revered by Christians wherever the English language is spoken. I esteemed it a high privilege to meet the many excellent ladies who comprize the above named Societies, to tell them of the woes and wrongs of the slave, and to invite their co-operation in aid of the efforts making in his behalf. Very pleasant were both our meetings, held in the large vestry of the celebrated Carrs` Lane Church; and doubly pleasant was our tea drinking there —for both Mr. James, and his assistant minister, Rev. Mr. Dale, (who is a thorough going anti-slavery man,) joined our party then. Mr. Dale, in an earnest and eloquent address, appealed to the ladies, in behalf of the cause of the slave. He is, you know, an old subscriber to, and reader of your paper; nor was the word of the aged minister wanting, in advocacy of the claims of the Negro. It was decided to form an Anti-Slavery Society among the ladies; but was deemed desirable not to confine this new Society to members of Carrs' Lane—So, yesterday morning, a meeting of ladies was held in the vestry of the New Church, built in commemoration of Mr. James's Jubilee, and "the Birmingham Ladies Anti-Slavery Association," was then and there organized. I trust that the blessing of God will rest on the effort; and we know that when he blesses, it cannot be reversed. Let neither friend nor foe imagine, for a moment, that this new Society is, in any way, intended as a rival to the "Birmingham Negroe`s Friend Society"—a Society to be venerated and respected for the efficient aid it rendered, in days of old, to the work of Emancipation in our own Colonies—a Society that largely assisted the West India Schools—a Society that has from time to time, given tangible evidence of the sympathy of its

members with the Rochester Anti-Slavery So[ciety] and the objects aided by its, by sending out contributions to its Annual Bazaar. To Mrs. Goodricke, and Mrs. Edmund Sturge, (of that Society,) are the ladies of the Rochester Association especially indebted in this respect.

Time fails me to tell you of the old friends I have seen, and the new ones I have made, during the last few weeks; and it is still more impossible to speak of the places I have visited while in Manchester; my dear friends took me to the "Manchester Exhibition," (which is well worth seeing,) and to Concert at the New Free Trade Hall—a spacious and elegant building, admirable adapted for Concerts—but of necessity, my stay was short, for my appointments in Birmingham were of many weeks standing. First, spending a few days with some excellent people, who are members of Mr. James's Church. I am once again in the midst of these old and devoted friends of the slave, the Sturges, and find it "good to be here."

Nov. 4th—This is the day that is to decide whether Kansas be made a Free of Slave State? Whether the men of the North "quit" [illegible] "like men," and are "strong," or once [again?] bow their necks to Southern lords of the [illegible]. Whether that "favorite servant" of the [illegible] Mr. Buchanan, or the man who made California a Free State, Col. Fremont, be President of the United States for the next four years? Would that the Atlantic telegraph were commenced and completed—for than should we know the worst at once. As it is, nearly a fortnight must elapse before the news reaches us.

I paid a pleasant visit yesterday to a Ladies' Seminary; and meeting forty of the young ladies, I strove to interest them in the Slavery subject. My efforts, in this direction, were warmly and feelingly seconded by the excellent mistress of the establishment, (Mrs. Southwell,) and the French Governess, whose name I cannot remember. The latter designs introducing "My Bondage and Freedom," for her pupils to translate into French, and intends that they write a French Essay on what I said to them yesterday.

THE MEADOWS DUFFIELD, Nov. 11th.

I am, once more, in Derbyshire, among your valued friends, the H—s; but she, who was the life, and joy, and charm of the home circle, is no longer here. "Her sun went down while it was yet noon;" the sunny smile, the sympathizing word, are no more here to gladden and to soothe us. M. E. L. was deeply loved,

and is truly mourned by all who knew her—yet, why should we be selfish? Our loss is her eternal gain—for

"It matters little at what hour o' the day

The righteous falls asleep; death cannot come

To him untimely who is fit to die;

The less of this cold world, the more of heaven:

The briefer life, the earlier immortality."

* * * * *

I found a large number of ladies convened to meet me on my arrival at Derby, last Thursday; and after a very pleasant conversation with them, upon slavery, and anti-slavery efforts, it was decided to hold another meeting for the re-organization of the "Derby Ladies` Anti-Slavery Association."

The second meeting (which took place this morning) was very large and influential. The Anti-Slavery Association was re-formed, with extensive additions; and I think it probable that the next mail may carry you the Constitution of the Derby Association. I am to meet a yet larger gathering of ladies next week, and trust that henceforth, the ladies of Derby will (amidst their many earnest efforts in behalf of suffering humanity at home) "remember them that are in bonds, as being bound with them." Only two or three members of the old Society (devoted friends of the slave) are "yet alive;" and, therefore, as the ranks thinned, it was needful to have them filled up.

* * * * *

The weather is very fine for the season of the year. Beautiful views abound in this lovely neighborhood; but the leaves are falling fast, and ever and anon the Autumn blasts sweep through the trees, wildly and mournfully—yet

"There is a beautiful spirit breathing now

Its mellow richness of the clustered trees."

Though no yellow, nor crimson-leaved maple is here, our English woods are, at this season, full of solemn grandeur; and when the sun shines brightly on the wood crowned hills of beautiful Derbyshire, the sight is a grand one.

We are all impatient for the arrival of the next week's mail.

Every truly yours,

(in much haste,)

JULIA GRIFFITHS.