For Frederick Douglass' Paper

LETTER FROM J. W. LEWIS

STANSTED, C. E., March 10, '55

MY DEAR DOUGLASS:—For a colored man to hail from Canada, would naturally incline the mind of a reader to suppose him to be in a position to breathe freely, and act like a man. I always feel a peculiar sensation in crossing the line between the two countries, not that I feel myself any more of a man when I get into Canada, yet I am in a place where the rights of men are more respected; and my sympathy with my poor brother is such, I love to feel his wrong, my wrong, and his right and my right. When on the soil of the American Republic, his is bowed down by the proscriptive influence of proslavery—a legitimate offspring of despotism —I love to sorry with him; and when he stands up as a man among men, on British soil, my free spirit bounds in pleasure among the Canadian hills, and over plains—"for I am a man, and whatsoever concerns men interests me."

But sir, there is some difference in the appearance of things, in stepping out of the States into Canada West; but the difference is not so great in Canada East. Here, one would hardly know that he is out from under the flag of stripes and stars, in going over Derby line, until he had journeyed far up into the province. The fact is, Canadians, in the border towns, on the part near the United States, have become so Americanized and Yankeeized, they do not manifest that noble spirit of philanthropy in all respects, that is seen and felt in the Western townships. This, no doubt, may account for the few fugitives coming into the Eastern, while so many crowd into the Western townships; yet, still the poor panting fugitive is safe, be he in the Eatern or Western province. People have a wrong idea about Canada. Some imagine it to be a cold, bleak, out-of-the-way part of the world, solitary and uninviting. This is a mistake. I have never been more interested in any section of country. Good roads, beautifully located farms, forming some delightful rural districts; and interspersed all through the country are some as pleasant, thriving villages as can be found in any other country. One of these villages is Coaticook, a flourishing village on the Portland and Montreal Railroad. I spent the Sabbath there, (March 11th,) and spoke to an immense congregation day and evening. I met some of the noblest specimens of humanity among them—deacon Ham, brother Levi Baldwin, and brother William Stoddard, with their families. I can assure passengers on the U. G. R. R., who wish to come into the province, by way of the East, through Portland, they would meet with all the hospitable kindness that heart could wish, in the village and vicinity of Coaticook. It is the first depot of any importance after crossing the line from Maine into the province.

There is a considerable sensation felt in this community where I now write, cused by the movements of the Catholics, in the erecting of a Convent. The Americanized Canadians, and Yankees on the other side of the line, begin to feel their blood running up to fever heat, in excited opposition. I was pending he night in the family of a good Protestant friend, right on my tour here.—In the evening, quite a respectable traveller came in and asked to be accommodated over night. He was a well dressed, respectable looking Frenchman. Much pains was taken to ascertain if he was a Catholic. The lady of the house said if he was, not one mouthful should he eat from her table, let im be ever so hungry. Well, now, if all our Yankee matrons would all hate slavery with as much holy horror as this one did the Catholics, the great work o reform would go on at a more rapid rate. This straining at a gnat, and swallowing a camel, is not good Christian policy. But the inconsistency of the Protestant American Church, has always made the work of reform drag along; yet, one thing is encouraging, though slow, yet sure, has been the progress of the anti-slavery cause.

I have been looking with some impatience for the mail to bring us intelligence of the New Hampshire election. Thank God it has come to us this morning. New Hampshire, the bulwark of old Hunker Democracy, has at last fallen before the genius of liberty, in the march of republican reform. The Pierce dynasty has received another rebuke that must make it quail. Mr. Metcalf, the Know Nothing candidate for Governor, is elected by a large majority, also the anti-Administration candidates to Congress, with two thirds of both branches of the Legislature. It is understood that Mr. Metcalf is an anti-Nebraskaite, and a strong opposer of the Pierce slavery-ridden Administration.—his drew to him almost the entire liberty vote of the State. If Governor Metcalf, of New Hampshire, on the Know Nothing platform, with his party, is as true to freedom as Governor Gardner, of Massachusetts, and the majority of the Know Nothings, then the New Hampshire election will be a glorious triumph for liberty. I cannot feel that exultation in a liberty victory, through another channel, as when it is gained on its own merits, free from other agencies; yet, after all, I can say, with the good apostle, some preach through envy and strife, and some of good will, and some of love; but, whether of either, he rejoiced that the Gospel was preached.

I feel happy in informing you that your paper meets with much approval in this State, in places where I have introduced it. I have no doubt but as soon as the season of bad travelling is over, and tight times lets go his grip on the financial interest of the community, I shall be able to do considerable for it. I hope, by exertion, to get quite a good list in this State during the spring and summer. The people here like its independent tone and spirit on reform.

Yours as ever,

JOHN W. LEWIS.