Letter from J. W. LoguenLoguen, Jermain Wesley

Jermain Wesley Loguen (c. 1810-72), son of a slave mother and his Tennessee owner, escaped to freedom in Canada in 1835. After working as a farm laborer and a hotel porter, he attended the Oneida Institute in Whitesboro, New York. Loguen taught school in several New York communities and then became a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. After passage of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, Loguen moved to the comparative safety of Syracuse, where he was active in the Underground Railroad. In 1851, when indicted for his part in the Jerry Rescue, Loguen briefly fled to Canada. He later supported Gerrit Smith's Radical Abolition party and aided John Brown to recruit men for the Harpers Ferry raid. After the Civil War Loguen was elected a bishop of his denomination and championed missionary work among the freedmen. New York Daily Tribune, 1 October 1872; San Francisco Elevator, 5 October 1872; Quarles, Allies for Freedom, 39-44, 65-66, 73-75; idem. Black Abolitionists, 66-67, 154, 188; DAB, 11:368-69. .

Mr. Editor: Dear Sir:—I notice in Frederick Douglass' last paper a letter of mine addressed to Rev. J. R. JohnsonJohnson, James Rawson

Probably the frequent correspondent of Frederick Douglass’ Paper, James Rawson Johnson, an African American abolitionist from Syracuse, New York. Johnson was a supporter of the Liberty party and the religious abolitionist cause, as well as hydropathy. FDP, 26 June, 11 September, 9 October 1851, 1 January, 12, 26 February, 25 March, 8 April, 20 May, 9 July, 15 October 1852; DouglassPapers, ser. 3, 1:582-84, 587-88, 590-92, 596, 599. , of Syracuse, and am much delighted with your remarks under it, respecting the state of public feeling in Central New York, and the prospect of my having protection on returning to my family. I trust it will not be long till the reign of pro-slavery terror will explode and I shall have the unspeakable happiness of returning to my family, to dwell with them securely, even if perils have to be encountered in the attempt. I am willing to encounter perils and conflicts in the cause of freedom, but would much rather be myself the marked victim of oppression than to have my friends exposed to any bodily danger on my account. As I said before I am ready to meet my enemies single-handed if they will come one by one, and will ask no insurance against being wounded in the back, and I am prepared to give them a warm reception.

Fearing that some remarks in my letters may have made a wrong impression respecting the condition of the colored people of St. Catharines, and vicinity, I take the liberty to say that they were not intended for general application; though the condition of some here is truly deplorable, on account of their sufferings by slavery and the Fugitive Slave Bill. Many, very many of my colored brethren in St. Catharines, by good conduct and persevering industry, have made themselves, and their families as happy and comfortable, and are as much respected by good men in this country, as any other class of men of any complexion. They have generally com-

menced here to great disadvantage, having nothing to begin with; but when here a few years, they will compare with any other class of laboring men in this country. We have a goodly number in this place, who set a worthy example for good industry, good economy, and generous hospitality. This class are being incessantly drawn upon for the comfort and well-being of strangers, and others less favored than they. The colored people here are numerous, and have two places of worship. I am permitted to preach frequently for them at each place. When alarming news came over respecting my liabilities, on account of indictment at Buffalo by perjured testimony of the vilest of scamps, and the danger of requisition being made, they were prepared both men and women, to stand by me to the death, and would have made any attempts at arrest by my enemies an extremely dangerous business. Thus far the Lord has sustained me in my exile. I have a charming good home with my friend Rev. H. Wilson. I trust my efforts here this winter will result in much good to the cause of my afflicted brethren on this side of Niagara's waters; but if I can be more serviceable to the cause of my enslaved and down-trodden people by returning to the State of New York now, I stand ready to come. I have only to say that I have counted the cost and am prepared for the conflict. I suppose the trials of those noble men who are charged with the rescue of Jerry, are in progress at Albany the present week. I would have to be there, and, having

broad shoulders, would willingly sustain my full share of the obloquy which will come upon those who are prosecuted and persecuted for righteousness' sake. The shame of the rescue of Jerry is all glory; and, through a pro-slavery executive, vengeance may come down upon the heads of a few. The rescuers of Jerry, were the people of Syracuse and Onandaga County, with exception of an odious few of the meanest of God's creation who were on the wrong side conspiring against the liberty of a fellow-man. Truth and righteousness will ultimately triumph and God will blast the evil designs of slave-catching, whether officials or non-officials, and turn their counsel to folly.

I am respectfully and truly yours,

J. W. Loguen.

St. Catharines, Jan. 13, 1852.