Frederick Douglass Samuel Ringgold Ward, May 4, 1849
FREDERICK DOUGLASS TO SAMUEL RINGGOLD WARD
[Rochester, N.Y. 4 May 1849].
SAMUEL R. WARD Esq.
MY DEAR SIR—
While I can profess no desire to debate with you, the difference which may exist between yourself and me, respecting the relation sustained by the Constitution of the United States, to the system of American Slavery, the direct, earnest, and at the same time respectful manner of your challenge, leave me no alternative but to cheerfully accept it. I will therefore meet you in New York on the tenth of May, at such place as you or your friends may provide, and discuss this question any number of evenings you may please, not
exceeding five.1Douglass and Ward debated whether the Constitution was proslavery in New York City on 11 May 1849. Douglass Papers, ser. 1, 2:193–97. Of course, as the challenging party, I shall expect you to assert, in the manner of distinct propositions, the various points of difference between us.
Very respectfully yours,
FREDERICK DOUGLASS.
PLSr: NS, 4 May 1849.