Belfast 7 Dec. [1845]

Dear friendWebb, Richard Davis

Richard D. Webb was a Garrisonian abolitionist from Dublin, Ireland, whom Douglass met on his first trip to the British Isles in 1845. Originally a Quaker, he turned toward Unitarianism as his antislavery passions became more radical. A successful printer, Webb guided the small, but intensely active, Hibernian Anti-Slavery Society in Dublin, of which James Haughton and his family were also members. Webb printed the organ of the British Garrisonian abolitionist movement, the Anti-Slavery Advocate, out of his Dublin-based office. The British Garrisonians were active pamphleteers, and Webb's own The National AntiSlavery Societies of England and the United States (1852) was one of the most confident and able statements of the Garrisonian cause to appear on either side of the Atlantic. Temperley, British Antislavery, 210, 212-13, 227, 237, 239, 244, 252-54, 256, 259; Taylor, British and American Abolitionists, 241-44, 248, 258-59, 293-94. —Ive read yours of yesterday I approve of its contents. So I'll say no more of Bermingham, I hardly think fifty copies of the narrative will do. I shall probably sell them all on tuesday night. Will you send me more emmediately—50 copies more would not be too many. I received a letter this morning from Cork full of affectionate Sayings of you of course it was from your Correspondent.

Your hint respecting being prompt—in replying to letters—is useful. I replied to Mr. Smeal as soon as possible. The substance of my letter was to the effect, that I had made the engagement at Bermingham, I felt myself bound by it. I was not at liberty to break it. I would try to get released from it. But if they insisted upon my coming—I should feel myself bound to go. So thus far I am safe.

I however think that I ought to go to Glasgow as early as I possibly can. They are certainly anxcious to see me—and hear me. They ought to be gratified—They have taken every pains to secure me. Thus far to no purpose. I fear they'll grow impatient.

Another letter this morning from Shortt — by no means a shortt letter. What a misnomen?

I bought a watch yesterday—a right down good one £7-10 Shillings—I swell, but think I shall not burst. I attend Church to day—tis not a sin in itself. Every body I meet with here seem full of religion. Drink wine and pray. Sir John McNeal's letter introducing me here has been of service.

Why Did not my friend Haughton give me a letter He is said to have friends here. I wrote to Cork Friday—and to Limerick yesterday I may lecture on temperance to morrow I have had a committee to write upon me requesting me to do so. It will all help to prepare me for Bermingham.

I have just got an invitation to Speak to day before a Sabbath School, and to tell how I learned to read. How Different from Dublin.

A speedy deliverance of Mrs. Webb—and Ricky from their cold—If you see Sussanah Fisher tell her to write.

In great haste truly yours,

F. Douglass