My Dear Friend MayMay, Samuel Joseph

Samuel Joseph May (1797-1871) mixed abolitionism with a variety of other humanitarian concerns during his long career as a Unitarian clergyman. Boston-born and Harvard-educated, May studied theology at Harvard Divinity School and was ordained in 1822. During his forty-year ministry he championed such causes as temperance, women's rights, pacifism, universal education, and abolitionism. Originally a supporter of African colonization, May joined the abolitionist ranks in 1830, supported Prudence Crandall's efforts to establish a school for black youths in 1833, and enjoyed a long tenure as an agent of the New England Anti-Slavery Society. During the 1840s and 1850s he helped many fugitive slaves reach Canada; in 1851 he helped rescue Jerry McHenry from slave catchers inSyracuse, New York. After the Civil War he worked with black colleagues such as Jermain W. Loguen and Douglass to fight racial segregation in New York schools. Donald Yacovone, Samuel Joseph May and the Dilemmas of the Liberal Persuasion, 1797-1871 (Philadelphia, 1991); Pease and Pease, Bound with Them in Chains, 276-307; NCAB, 2:313; DAB, 12:447-48. : I owe you an apology for not achnowledging a former kind note of yours sent me enclosed with one to Miss Owin.—That old excuse of editors "pressing engagements"—must be my excuse for this seeming neglect. I feel grateful to you for the kind words of The Star, and hope it is not unmerited.

I shall be most happy to stop in your good City on my way from the Annual meeting of the Massachusitts Antislavery Society in January—and you shall have notice of it due season.

I was more than sorry for your absence from our Annual meeting, held here last week. The cause had need of you. If you could have known the strength of our desire to have you among us on that occasion you would have found it hard to

have stayed away. We shall however hold you engaged to lecture on the subject of slavery at least two Evenings, when you come to Rochester. A line to Issac Post—or Amy Post informing them of the time you may be expected, and preparation will be made.

I am somewhat encouraged with the prospect of the North Star—Though a few weeks will be necessary to make up a decision as to the future success of the enterprise. It was an attempt and if successful it will be a source of good to the cause—and not a little satisfaction to me.

I am not aware that you are at all indebted to me—and am willing if you are, to consider ourselves square. I have doubtless been paid for as many of the Narratives—as you

have—and not unlikely a few more. So we will let it stand at that.

Please make my kindest regards to Mrs. May—and the Dear children, and

Believe me yours Sincerely & gratefully

Frederick Douglass

Samuel J. May.

Rochester, 29th. Dec.