Miami to Frederick Douglass, April 13, 1860

CINCINNATI LETTER.

MR. EDITOR:—I promised you a sketch of [illegible] resides I believe in Connecticut, and is traveling Secretary of the Colonization Society, was the gentleman selected to enlighten us.—His address was merely a historical sketch of the origin and progress of the colonies of Sierra Leone and Liberia, ending with the usual appeal for the civilization and christianisation of Africa. Letters were read from Judge James and others, asserting the great prosperity of Liberia. He was respectfully listened to throughout his address.

When he closed, Mr. Peter H. Clark offered the following resolutions:

Resolved, That we return our thanks to the Rev. gentleman for the lecture he has given us this evening.

Resolved, That while we feel none but the most friendly sentiments towards the people of Liberia, and hope their Republic may realize the most [sanguine] hopes of its friends, we yet feel assured that the American negro has an American destiny; and we cannot regard as friends those who seek to induce us to leave a continent upon which, for two centuries, our race has done its part in the great work of civilization, earning, by its labors and sufferings, a birthright which we have resolved never to relinquish.

Resolved, That we say this not defiantly, but firmly. Knowing the immense odds of numbers, wealth, and intelligence arrayed against us, we do not expect an immediate recognition of our rights; but feeling assured that the God who brought Israel out of Egypt, with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, is with us, we accept the martyrdom of the present, and are content to bide our time.

Mr. A. V. Thompson now sprung to the floor. He had been in Liberia for eighteen months, and was boiling over to relate his experience of that African Arcadia. And his experience was rich. His picture of the long-legged President reviewing the Liberian militia, mounted on a long-eared jack, was so comical that the house roared. Again his house-building experience—the bug-a-bugs eating his ground sills, while he reposed himself during the mid-day heat—gave a lively idea of the activity of the insect tribes of that 'land of our fathers.' Mr. Thompson was succeeded by Mr. Clark, whose speech was an amplification of the [revolutions?] he had reported

His speech was very moderate, exciting some suprprise in those of his friends who knew his radical [illegible]. [illegible] the speech illegible], I shall not [illegible]. The speech of the evening was [made?] by Mr. Andrew J. [illegible]. He is a [model?] [illegible]. Eloquent in style, [forceful?] [illegible], he charms even those who disagree with him. He contrasted the argument of the Colonization Society [illegible]. Then, they [illegible]

New to this audience, composed of [illegible] churchmen and politicians, they whine about civilizing and christianizing Africa, and profess that none are so well [fitted?] to develop the resources, and improve the morals of that continent, as those same '[vicious] and degraded' colored men. When he had concluded, Mr. Orcutt said his friends lifted their hands in holy horror, shook the dust from their feet, and departed, I trust wiser than they come. They resolutions were then adopted.

Mr. John G. Mitchell, a graduate of Oberlin, of the class of 1858, gave us an anti-slavery lecture a few evenings since. His lecture was a review of slavery and its effect in ancient and modern times. It gave general satisfaction. Mr. Mitchell has settled among us as Principal of the Eastern District Schools, and we anticipate much good from his efforts as an educator of the parents, as well as the children of the city.

I ventured to the Lyceum last night, carrying a silk umbrella, steel [illegible], as a protection against rain and thunder. The proceedings were quite orderly and interesting. Mr. Josephus Fowler, who had been assigned a poem by the Business Committee, astonished them by reading a poem, "I will be a Poet," several stanzas of which had quite the flavor of genius poetry. Miss Virginia Tilley read a paper on 'True Education,' which was quite good. This young lady read once before in the Lyceum a paper on the 'Object of Life,' which was published here. I send it to you, and would like to see it re-published on your fourth page. The debate was concerning the capacity of the free colored people of the United States for self-government. The disputants acquitted themselves well. The friends of Mr. W. F. Fuller were disappointed that.

he did not take a part in the debate. Mr. Fuller 'wears the belt' in the Lyceum; every body talks prize ring slang, now, and the 'fellers' on the back benches, among whom was Miami, were prepared to split a pair of ribs applauding his efforts; but he remained perversely silent. He should ponder the Scripture that speaks of hiding a candle under a measure. I suppose it will apply to Drummond lights, as well as to candles. The Lyceum will love an active member in the person on Rev. Tabbs Gross, who departs on an eastern tour next week. Miami's benediction goes with him.

And now, Mr. Editor, at the risk of the wrath of the Lyceum, I will assert, that on Tuesday evening, April 3d, 1860, the meeting night of the Lyceum, it did rain. If you had been present and heard the volley of threats and uncomplimentary epithets hurled at the head of your devoted Miami, you would not have wondered at the shower.—Meantime the silken and steel-pointed umbrella preserved me unscathed. Always carry an umbrella when you go to the Lyceum.

MIAMI.