[W. W. Brown to FD, London, Eng., 1 Sept. 1854--excerpt in Liberator, Oct. 20, 1854.]

Knowing that there were many proprietors and agents dissatisfied with the abolition of slavery in the West Indies, and that a species of slavery had been carried on under the name of emigration, I frankly told these men upon what conditions I thought our people would go to the West Indies.

But as to going there to be bound or fettered in any way, I assured him that no fugitive slave would ever consent to. And although I was assured that the utmost freedom would be enjoyed by all who might consent to go, I understand that a secret move is on foot in London to induce our unsuspecting people in Canada to go to the West Indies, and that agents are already in Canada for that purpose. The Rev. Josiah Henson is said to be one of these.

As my letter in the Times first brought this subject before the people, and fearing that some might be entrapped by this new movement, I take the earliest opportunity of warning all colored men to be on their guard, how they enter into agreements, no matter with whom, white or colored, to go to the West India Islands, least they find themselves again wearing the chains of slavery.

A movement that is concocted in secret, and that, too, by men, many of whom would place the chains upon the limbs of the emancipated people of the West Indies to-morrow, if they could, and which is kept from the knowledge of the abolitionists of this country, should find no countenance with our oppressed people. He who has made his escape from the cotton, sugar and rice fields of the southern States is ready to finish his life among the cold hills of Canada, and, if needs be, to subsist upon the coarsest of food; but he is not willing to enter into a second bondage.

Then I would say again, Beware lest you are entrapped by the enemy!

Yours, for our people,

W. W. BROWN.