J. W. FOX¹The identity of this correspondent remains unknown. TO FREDERICK DOUGLASS

[n.p.] [29 August 1856.]

BRO. DOUGLASS:—

I see that your reasons for acting and voting with the Republicans this fall,²In the 15 August 1856 issue of his newspaper, Douglass published an editorial entitled “Fremont and Dayton,” in which he endorsed the Republican party’s presidential ticket. Acknowledging that this endorsement would be an “unwelcome surprise” to many of his readers who supported the Radical Abolitionist party, Douglass used more than two columns to present seven arguments in the Republicans’ behalf, which concluded, “Their election will prevent the establishment of Slavery in Kansas, overthrow the Slave Rule in the Republic, protect Liberty of Speech, and of the Press, give ascendancy to Northern civilization over the bludgeon and blood-hound civilization of the South, set the mark of National condemnation on Slavery, scourge doughfaces from place and from power, and
inaugurate a higher and purer standard of Politics and Government.” are disposed of by the , in a very summary manner.³Probably the , published weekly in McGrawville, New York, and edited by Abram Pryne. The issue with the editorial attack on Douglass has not been located. Claudine L. Ferrell, (Westport, Conn., 2006), 165. The Editor has not read your reasons; but in his wisdom affirms, that only one true reason can be given. He is very . For he says you are too honest to give any other reason for your course that “self interest.” He does not tell us how he reaches this conclusion. As to this, we are left in the dark; unless we can divine it from our knowledge of the man.

Perhaps a position assumed in the same paper will shed light on this point. He has found out how men can know God, who have never heard of Him. This new discovery will reveal how he can tell your reasons, though he has not read them. For if the Divine Existence and Character, and our relations to Him can be known by “,” then, as an Editor, he has the advantage of all the rest of the world: he can reply to an opponent without reading him. This saves time. But it is a manifestation of charity. Perhaps, however, it is a fair specimen of his religion of love—a love in no way, , connected with light. For Christianity, in his estimation, has no doctrines essentially connected with the existence of love in the heart of fallen man.

But, you have one thing to console you, under such an unchristian
mode of disposing of your motives, in this case. Mr. Pryne⁴Abram Pryne (c. 1822-62), a theologically liberal clergyman, entered New York abolitionist circles in the 1850s. Originally a supporter of Gerrit Smith and the Liberty party, he served a term in the state legislature as a Republican representative from Wayne County (1860-62). In September 1858, Pryne and the Tennessee minister William G. Brownlow participated in a public debate over slavery, which was stenographically reported and published as a book. Along with his clerical responsibilities, Pryne edited several newspapers of his own in the mid-1850s, including the and the . Later, he assisted Douglass with editorial tasks on and . , 3:724 (October 1862); ., 30 October 1862; (Philadelphia, 1858). has treated you as and , as he is accustomed to treat others from whom he differs. And I am not surprised that in a connection he should speak of the danger of losing subscribers.

It is sad that a brother reformer should treat an associate in such a way. But I hope you will hold on your way, until met by more valid arguments.

Yours for the truth,

J. W. FOX

PLSr: , 29 August 1856.