Chicago, Feb. 4th, 1848,

Friend Douglass,—I embrace a few minutes of leisure time, to put you in possession of a few facts in relation to the colored people of this city, which may not be uninteresting to your readers.

We have here a debating society, which is admirably calculated to bring out the talents of our young men. The subjects discussed are of a miscellaneous nature.

The number of colored inhabitants in this city is small—there being only about 250.

A circumstance occurred in this city a few days ago, which caused considerable excitement. A colored man, who was thought to be a spy, was taken into custody. An examination took place, the result of which was a severe flogging. In consequence of this, a law-suit is expected, of which, if it does take place, I will inform you in due season.

In my next, I will give you an account of the proceedings at a public meeting held in this city by the colored citizens, in relation to the merits of the colonization scheme, as a means of ameliorating the condition of the free colored people of the United States.

Yours for the slave,

J. J.