L. C. to Frederick Douglass, March 29, 1855

For Frederick Douglass' Paper.

CHAMPION, March 29, 1855.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS: SIR: -- The new "Association" which we see proposed in your paper of March 9, '55, we consider a grand "Idea," and should be very happy to become members, should God favor us with the necessary qualifcations. For what can be more beautiful than the "Association," of noble ideas for a great and philanthropic object -- Mrs S. W's Idea or Plan -- There is no property in man, neither can any law be made to make property in man; preach this doctrine, practice it, let the press and pulpit proclaim

{F.D.P. 20 April, 1855 p.1 c.5-6 }

it, and it shall take root deserved and bear fruit upward, until it shall fill the whole earth. Mrs. A. W's Plan -- Touch not, taste not, handle not the productions of slavery. One gentleman being asked his Plan, says, powder and shot. Another says, in the most busy time of the year, Let the slaves to a man, declare to their masters that they will not work without pay, and persevire, though their lives should be taken. 'L. C's Plan -- "He that would be free, himself must strike the blow." Therefore, resolved, that the free colored people themselves must engage in earnest in this work; and that the matter may be brought home to the heart and conscience individually, let those who are already engaged, send out an address through all the public journals that will publish it; also in hand-bill form, through the Post Office, accompanied with petitions for the removal of any and all grievances, under which they are laboring; and having also a Central Committee appointed, to whom the signatures when obtained can be sent, and by whom, in person, they will be presented to the State Legislatures, and to the United States Congress, speaking also in behalf of the Petitioners. Let the colored people speak and act for themselves, whether they are apes or brothers, capable of understanding and defending their rights, and of comprehending high responsibilities, and performing great duties.

Resolved, That the free colored people of the North, inviting their colored friends in Canada to join with them, send an address in the above manner described to the slaveholders, both men and women South, in behalf of their brethern in bonds.

An appeal from the heart may reach the heart. God is able to send home the truth with power and efficancy. As this is a moral question, and one in which the whole people are deeply interested, and implicated; therefore,

Resolved, That the women of the land, North and South, colored and white, must engage heart and soul in the work, or it will be long before this curse will be peacefully removed.

And to the end, that the masses of the Northern people may see more clearly the degrading position which they now occupy in reference to this matter, and feel more forcibly the responsibility which rests upon them. Proposed, that the Rochester Ladies' Sewing Society send out an address to the men and women of the North, accompanied with a wood cut or picture, representing the Syracuse farce, the Boston scene, or the Milwaukie tragedy; accompanied also for signatures, with a protest of the Fugitive Slave Law; and a demand for its repeal, and with a petition that each State withdraw its sustaining hand from slavery, in any and every form. The mass of the intellectual and moral mind must be awakened, and brought to act unitedly in this matter. This course might possibly be like scattering sparks of fire over the land. That God may send this spirit into the hearts of the people [ ] [ ]

L C