For Frederick Douglass' Papers.

FRIEND DOUGLASS:—We are pleased to say that we had the valuable services of the Rev. Dr. Pennington, for a few days last week.—He lectured twice on the subject of slavery, and the manner in which it is upheld by the mercantile or cotton interest of this country, and sustained by a large class of the English people. He lectured once at the State House, to a large and respectable audience of white and colored persons; and once at the Union Church, at which he reproved his colored audience for their opposition in the anti-slavery cause, and their want of energy in improving their condition. True, they had gained something by their efforts in improving the condition of their day school, by having attached to it the intermediate apartment [sic], under an able and interesting teacher—as, in fact, both departments are—for which reason they should be encouraged, and continue to persevere. He seemed to make an impression upon the religious portion of our community, and to give pretty general satisfaction. This place, you know, is a great field for anti-slavery labor; and our few anti-slavery friends regret very much that we have not more anti-slavery effort exerted in our behalf. We expected to have had Wells Brown to lecture for us, but circumstances were against us. But, sir, you have no idea of the disposition that exists among all classes of our people to hear you again, especially as we can do so under more favorable circumstances than we did last winter; we have now a comfortable place; and if you should visit New York this winter, you will confer a great favor upon the cause, if you will let us know, when we will make suitable arrangements to have you lecture for us.

Yours, &c.,

H.W.J.

NEWPORT, R. I., Dec 27, '54