Frederick Douglass UnknRichard D. Webb, December 5, 1845
Belfast 5th. Dec. 1845
Dear Friend, After a tedious journey I arrived here last night about half past Eight oClock. I was met at the Depot by a gentleman directed by Mr Stanfield to meet me and to bring me to the Victoria Hotel. I found Mr. Stanfield at the Hotel awaiting for my arrival. I was much pleased with his face and more so with his Conversation. I observed a heartyness about him a little uncommon to those of his age. He was somewhat fearful I might disappoint them. In consequence of the severe frost our horses—made little headway in the morning—so much were we detained that we missed the train which usually brings Dublin passengers. I have seldom seen any one that appeared more glad to see me. Soon after my arrival
at the Hotel There came Two other antislavery friends whose names have escaped me. They appeared to be in ernest about my meetings and doing what they could to make them successful. Though here as elsewhere the enemies of Anti slavery have been busy in creating prejudice against me. On the ground of my heterodoxy. From what I can learn, The Methodist Ministers in Cork as well as Dublin, have united here, against me. So you see mine will be no bed of roses. These Revd. Gentlemen, are determined to identify themselves with their slave holding brethren in America, They must take the consequences—for despite of them I shall have a hearing—and if I do they shall gain nothing for their pains. I have a meeting tonight in
Independent Chapel—the Mayor is to preside, good notice has been given, and the probability is strongly in favor of a large meeting. Friend Stanfield Thinks there is no doubt but that we shall get the primative Methodist meeting house, and has some hope of the Wesleyans since he has seen My letters of introduction from Mr. Shortt to the Ministers here. I go at 11 O'Clk to day to see the person to whom I have letters. I am sorry Friend Allen did not find it convenient to introduce me to his friends here. He may do so yet—send them. I shall need Books immediately—if I may judge from the representations of friends here. The gentleman that met me at the railway is named Calder. He is deeply interested. He has this moment sent me a number
antislavery documents bearing on the doings of the free Church—It will be necessary to say much about them here. I got a letter from Wm. Smeal pressing me to come to Glasgow—instead of going to Birmingham. I shall write him to day that I do not feel at liberty to break my engagement at Birmingham—but that I will come if it will suite his purpose immediately after the Birmingham meeting. I got the package of letters from Dublin. The letter from James was quite satisfactory. In haste Yours
F. Douglass