Rochester[, N.Y.] 6 May 1854.

HON. GERRIT SMITH.

MY DEAR SIR:
I am grateful for your notice of me in Congress.¹Perhaps Douglass refers to remarks made by Smith during a House debate over the Kansas-Nebraska Act on 3 May 1854, during which he referred to Douglass as “the man of America” and “one of the ablest speakers and writers in this country.” Douglass later republished Smith’s remarks in his newspaper. FDP, 19 May 1854.
How lost to all sense
of right, are your Brother Legislators, that in the face of your Manly and
Christian opposition, the abominable and proScriptive amendment was
adopted.

Of your Speech on the Nebraska Bill, aSide from all my admiration
and love for the friend of my poor people—I must pronounce it the might-
iest and grandest production, ever before delivered in the House or Senate
of this Nation.

I am about leaving home for Newyork.²Douglass traveled to New York City to attend the meeting of the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, held as part of the city’s “Anniversary Week.” FDP, 19 May 1854. I am glad to See you intend
Speaking at length on the post office. And Pacific Rail Road question.³When a bill was introduced in the House of Representatives to reduce postage rates, Smith proposed an amendment to permit the reduction for two years and then to abolish the entire Post Office Department. Smith opposed federal grants of land to railroads, but favored appropriations of tax dollars to support such construction projects. Congressional Globe, 33rd Cong., Ist Sess., 1342, 1405; Harlow, Gerrit Smith, 323-24.

In haste Your faithful friend

FREDERICK DOUGLASS

ALS: Gerrit Smith Papers, NSyU.