J[ames] R[awson] J[ohnson] to Frederick Douglass, March 12, 1855
For Frederick Douglass' Paper.
"WHERE IS ALL THIS TO END?"
FRIEND DOUGLASS: — This question is asked by Rev. George B. Cheever, D.D., in the Independent of March 8th. He says:
"Some men, habitually sanguine, or striving to be so, affirm that in spite of all the apparent slave progress, the end will be peace and freedom; but we cannot share such confidence."
If we attempt to "share such confidence," without a distinct understanding that we must put forth great and well directed efforts at the ballot box, all will be delusion.—But if the friends of Freedom will do their duty at the polls—if they will endure patiently for a while as a right minded minority, the day of peaceful abolition of slavery will come. Let all who love the slave, construe our noble United States Constitution as designed to "establish JUSTICE," &c.; and this commotion will all end most gloriously for Freedom. If I am not "habitually sanguine," I confess I am "striving to be so."
Yours,
J. R. J.
QUINEBAUGH, Ct., March 12, '55