The Douglass Testimonial.

The tone of the British press, on the subject of my exclusion from the saloon of the steam ship Cambria, during her April voyage from Liverpool to Boston, has been all, and more than all, I had ventured to hope or expect. How nobly and successfully has the press performed its duty—that of vindicating the right, denouncing the wrong, and throwing its broad shield of protection around humanity in its humblest and most defenceless form. Their promptness in this instance has done more to impress me with a sense of your nation’s honor, than all the other incidents connected with my visit to your land. I feel that my mission would have been incomplete without this crowning chapter in its history. It is a nation’s press defining a nation’s position in a question of the greatest importance to my down-trodden and long-abused race. I will point Americans to that definition, and with its testimony I will confound those who slander your country (as many here are wont to do) by the charge of prejudice against color in England.

You speak of the printing press, and ask, shall I like to have it? I answer, yes, yes! The very best instrumentalities are not too good for this cause. I should feel it quite improper to express myself thus, if the proposed present were merely an expression of personal consideration. I look upon it as an aid to a great cause, and I cannot but accept of the best gifts which may be offered to it. . . . . . I hope to be able to do a good work in behalf of my race with it.

Yours respectfully,

F. Douglass.