J. W. Adams to Frederick Douglass, April 26, 1852
"Samuel Ringold Ward" Recommending Retrogression.
Frederick Douglass:—Through the kindness of a friend, I had the pleasure of perusing a copy of your excellent journal for March 11th, 1852. Among other matter of interest there appears a communication from Samuel Ringold Ward, in the shape of an address "to the free black men of the United States."
The acknowledged ability of the author—your endorsement of that fact, if none other appeared—would be a sufficient guarantee of its truthfulness, as well as the deep-toned feeling which he always manifested, when advocating the humanity of those with whom he is identified in origin, and destiny, fully entitles him to the character assumed, vis: advisor to those he has left this side of the big pond.
I agree with you sir, that the address referred to, "is admirably adapted to promote right thoughts, feelings, and aspirations, among that class to whom it is addressed." As one of that constituency, therefore, I feel called upon to give color to the "thoughts," thus created. If I can concur in the sentiments advanced, my humble self will give a hearty response affirmatively; if, however, there be exceptions which are opposed to the best interest of the black race, the same should and will be repudiated by the whole man, though emanating from "S. R. Ward."
Before I proceed any further, I wish to lay down this as an axiom:
THE DESTINY OF THE BLACK MAN IS A PROBLEM THAT HE ALONE CAN SOLVE: and all outward influence which interferes with the exercise of this operation, be it in the shape of "advice," "counsel," &c., only confuses his ideas, dampens his onward progress, and otherwise throws him off the train of thought that otherwise would settle the question to a demonstration.
I say, then, leave the settlement of this matter to us, to whom alone it legitimately belongs, and we will connect (note a) and continue our operations until we deduce the TRUE result. It rejoices my heart to think that S. R. Ward has given us, the "black men of the United States," an opportunity to show the how we are to WORK OUT our own destiny. I am sure, Mr. Editor, that your columns are always open to hear both side ere a righteous verdict can be rendered.
Having said this much by way of preliminary, I will now state my points of exception to the address. Although our friend discourses truthfully upon our present position, as being deplorably bad—and every day becoming more so; that those of us who are nominally free are an anomaly—being neither actual slaves by special legislation, nor positively free and equal with our peers, but vacilating between them both; that though we are being driven from city to city, and have not a spot of ground upon which to stand or eat we can call our own; and although the barriers which intercept our path, and the multitudinous obstacles that encumber our onward progress, in this the land of our birth, is great, the wings of our ambition being clipt, the inherent longing of the soul, and the loftiest aspirations of humanity, as well as the holiest pulsation of the heart are made to cease, and we are grieved to witness with pain, that every movement and combined effort made by those who have assumed to be our friends has failed, and we are the victims to additional insults to our already aggraated injuries; that every gleam of hope is lost in the maze of despair; and although
the number of slaves has increased at a ratio that is unprecedented, and the area of slave territory is unlimited, &c. &c., yes he has suggested no new idea, advanced no other controlling principle, raised no other standard of action, or basis of union for the people to build upon; but, on the contrary, what is the substance of his recommendation? Why just this: remain, black men, just in the same position that you now and always have occupied, "endure your sufferings with patience," wait God's time, stand still, and ere long "He will so interpose in your behalf, as to redeem his promises," &c., and then he will say 'tis enough. Then "the oppressor will be overthrown." Do you not perceive, Mr. Editor, that this advice dates back to the earliest stages of slavery, and that such teaching is the same as that we have heard from our earliest recollection? Our good old fathers never thought any thing was gospel that had not such promises in them. Call ye this progress? Are we not taking a back step, like the sow to her wallowing in the mire? But I have gone into generalities. In next, I shall make my specifications more pointed.
Yours for free thought
and independent action,
J. W. Adams.
Philadelphia, April 26th. [1852]