FREDERICK DOUGLASS TO RICHARD D. WEBB

Kilmarnock, Scot. 29 March 1846.

MY DEAR FRIEND WEBB, —

It struck me to day that it had been a long time since I wrote to you—some three or four weeks I believe.¹Douglass wrote to Webb on 2 March 1846, requesting more copies of the Narrative to sell in Glasgow. He also discussed his speaking tour of Scotland. That letter appears in this volume. I fear you will begin to think I have forgotten you. I have therefore resolved to write although I have nothing of importance to communicate. I should have done so before—but I knew you were a business man and like to get letters written for some purpose more than stating the good health of the writer.

I have received the books—and am pleased with them. I got the liberty bell²The Liberty Bell was a gift book that the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society sold at its annual fair. with a note from Mrs. Chapman which you sent. I got the letters from home, for all which I thank you, until you are better paid. I did not expect a ‘liberty bell” from Mrs. Chapman. Since she is so fearful that I may be bought up by the London committee [i]t may be pleasant to her to learn that I am not yet bought up by the London Committee[.]³British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society. I am still an old organized-garrison abolitionist And shall probly remain such. At any rate poverty shall not drive me nor money allure me from my present position.⁴In a letter that infuriated Douglass, Maria Weston Chapman told Richard D. Webb that Irish abolitionists should “watch over” Douglass in the handling of any funds collected for the American Anti-Slavery Society. Taylor, British and American Abolitionists, 259–60.

Yours in haste,

FREDERICK DOUGASS

ALS: Anti-Slavery Collection, MB. PLSr: Foner, Life and Writings, 5:41–42.