FREDERICK DOUGLASS TO SIMEON S. JOCELYN¹While a student at Yale University, Simeon S. Jocelyn (1799-1879) became the minister of an African American congregation in New Haven, Connecticut. In 1831 he worked with both William Lloyd Garrison and Lewis Tappan on a controversial proposal, which provoked much local opposition, to found a college for black students in the city. In 1839 he worked with Tappan on a committee to free the slave rebels from the Amistad, who were being held for trial in New Haven. For many years Jocelyn served as the American Missionary Association’s corresponding secretary for domestic missions. McKivigan, , 77, 114, 191-92; Ripley, , 5:36-37.

Rochester[, N.Y.] 15 Dec[ember] 1855.

S. S. JOCELYN

MY DEAR FRIEND.

Your letter enclosing ten Dollars in aid of my paper and expressing an interest in my labors for the emancipation and elevation of the oppressed and enSlaved, came Safely to hand this morning. I thank you my good friend for both your kind words—and for your money—and not less for the former, than for the latter.

I can easily underStand why you prefer to do what you have done in a Silent way—and Shall therefore attend to your directions in this regard. I Should nevertheless gladly place your name among the kind friends who have assisted me in this my time of need.

“A ten Dollars”—will Serve as well—since you So will it.

I hardly know any time during the past eight years—when a donation to my paper was more opportune than that you have now Sent me.

The past has been a trying year for Anti Slavery papers of limited Circulation and that Circulation mostly among the poor.

Your Grateful and faithful friend

FREDERICK DOUGLASS.

ALS: American Missionary Association Papers, LNArc.