FREDERICK DOUGLASS TO THE SECRETARY OF THE EDINBURGH LADIES’ NEW ANTI-SLAVERY ASSOCIATION¹Founded in 1856, the Edinburgh Ladies’ New Anti-Slavery Association was an active abolitionist society in Scotland for ten years. Though the name contained the word “new,” the association was one of many in Edinburgh during the mid-nineteenth century. For several years the association held bazaars to raise funds for the abolitionist cause. After one such bazaar in 1857, the association sent 30 percent of the proceeds to Frederick Douglass in America, and 40 percent to aid fugitive slaves through American abolitionist societies. The remainder supported the organization’s continued existence. Its guiding motto was “Remember them that are in bonds as bound with them.” Although the organization identified itself as a “ladies” association, its prime benefactors were men. The society disbanded in 1866 and recorded the final distribution of its remaining funds. , 5:279 (December 1857), 14:86 (February 1866).

Rochester. N.Y. [9] July [1857.]

TO THE SECRETARY OF THE EDINBURGH NEW ANTI-SLAVERY ASSOCIATION

DEAR MADAM:

Your note of june third²This correspondence has not survived. has been received. I beg in response to it, to thank the members of the Edinburgh New Anti Slavery association for the donation of five pounds in aid of the publication of my Anti-Slavery paper. Please assure the association that I also feel deeply grateful for the kind co-operation extended to my zealous and untiring friend Miss Griffiths³Julia Griffiths.—who has labored very earnestly both here and in Great Britain to place my Anti Slavery paper on a firm and permanent basis. I much fear that these exertions, of hers have been greatly beyond her Strength, but that She is, now Seriously Suffering the Consequences of over taxed persons. I am really indebted to Miss Griffiths for these voluntary—and disinterested exertions and am deeply grateful to those dear people who aided and cheered her on in those exertions. I the more especially, Speak of the of Miss Griffiths, because evel minded persons, I learn, have insinuated that Miss G. is receiving donations in my name for her own benefit. There is no truth in this inSinuation or charge. All all donations made through her for the paper—or for the Fugitive fund—come directly and unfailingly to those objects.

You need not be told that we have not the friendship of Mr Garrison and his friends either in this Country or in England. They have carried on the war against me with no delicate regard to the means. I am not Sure that I am more obnoxious to them than is Miss Griffiths. Indeed they regard my repudiation of their religious or irreligious teaching to her influence. I am hated not as an apostate from the Anti Slavery Cause—for all know that I am, as faithful to that Cause as I ever was, but I am an apostate from Garrisonism—an “ism’”—which comprehends, opposition to the Church; the ministry, the Sabbath, and the Government as Institutions in themselves conSidered—and viewed a part from the question of Slavery. I am opposed to them at these points—and could not Send my humble influence to the spread of Such opinions in the name of the Slave or his cause. No persecution which I have received causes me any regret for the Course I have felt my duty to pursue.

I have nothing new—(or that you will not get through public channels) to tell you about the present prospect of our Cause. My speech at New York⁴Douglass probably alludes to his address on the Dred Scott decision, delivered in New York City in May 1857 before a meeting of the American Abolition Society. Douglass Papers, ser. 1, 3:163–83.—which I hope may have met your eye states my views of the present aspects of our cause. I am now at work less under the influence orinspiration of hope—than the Settled assurances of faith in God—and the ultimate triumph of Rightiousness in the world. The cause of the Slave is a rightious and humane one—and I believe precious in the Sight of Heaven. Though long delayed, it will triumph at last.

Please excuse this short epistle—

Write me when ever you may desire any information I can give—
I am Dear Madam, With grateful Regards to the Edinburgh new A.S. association— With great Respect, Yours &c.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS—

ALS: General Correspondence File, reel 1, frames 661–63, FD Papers, DLC.