Observer (James N. Still) to Frederick Douglass, January 15, 1852
Letter from Observer
Frederick Douglass, Esq.:—Gov. Hunt took occasion in his last annual Message, to recommend to the Legislature, to make appropriation for the removal of the people of color from this State, which he undertakes to justify with reasons presented in his message. On the same morning appeared with the message, a Call for a Convention of the colored people of this State, signed by the "Committee of Thirteen," of the city of New York. We have no objections whatever of those high dignitaries enjoying an official flourish for the purpose of attracting attention, and letting the country, North and South, know where they are, and what they think. Neither Governor Hunt's recommendation, nor the action of the Legislature can control the measure in question, and if they could the present action of the "Committee of Thirteen" could effect but little to arrest it. It is not official documents, although emanating from the executive department of the State, that can remove an enterprising people from the soil of their birth, that is, where they are left free to acquire property and engage in enterprises.
But what does the Convention of colored people contemplate doing, save hurl their denunciations throughout the country, and at the Governor, as ineffectual, for the object, as the Governor's recommendation. There is but one thing that can alienate us from the American people, (their prejudices notwith-
standing) that is our utter neglect to keep pace with the enterprise of the people. We must engage in the various industrial and accumulating enterprises in which they are engaged. The "Committee of Thirteen" were evidently not taken by surprise at the Governor's recommendation, as they had summoned a convention before the Legislature had scarcely got seated. But the government certainly have been surprised and pleased at the effect of his message. He could not avoid saying something on the subject of colonization. Neither he nor the white people of this State, expect the removal of the colored people. Should we neglect to make the necessary effort for our advancement, in common with others, we may expect, as a natural consequence, to be harassed by recommendations for removal. But should the colored people go vigorously and silently to work, and organize institutions for practical money-making purposes, they would soon become endeared to the people and country, exerting an influence that would forbid the idea of recommending our removal.
To exert an equal influence, and secure equal respect with the people of this country, can only be done by our becoming their competitors in energy and enterprise in the field of agriculture, in trade, or at whatever else the dollar is to be made. The time has come when we must not only demand the rights of men, but act the part of men, examine what our wants are, and to what extent we can exert an influence independent of others to supply them from the whites of this country. With a proper understanding on our part, we need ask nothing as a favor. We are Americans, and here let us work out that glorious destiny, even now to be seen in
the distance, which awaits us, although we are now scattered throughout this entire continent. We doubtless have been sunk lower than any other people in the world, and according to the common principles of rising, will, in our rise, have greater force to ascend higher. I feel proud that I belong to that race. I feel proud of our destiny which the black man may accelerate, but which neither Governors nor Legislatures can avert.
Observer.
Brooklyn, L.I., Jan. 15th, 1852.