Journal Sketches.

Dear Douglass: — This is a somewhat noted place. It is noted for an elm tree, in front of Morgan's Tavern, around which tree, is a white fence. Now, said tree is noted on this wise: SAMUEL RINGGOLD WARD once came to this place to make a speech for freedom, and no church or school-house could be procured for this eloquent man. By the consent of Mr. Morgan, he took his stand within the fence, by the tree; the people flocked around him; the ladies stood on the piazza, and a speech was made which the masses will never forget.

Yesterday, (Lord's day) was rather celebrated in McLean, for the presence of strangers in that small place. An Episcopal minister from Homer, preached in the Episcopal Church. Mr. Austin, of Auburn, preached to the Universalist Society, and the "Blind Vocalists," from New York city, were present, in the Methodist Church, and sung

"Before Jehovah's awful throne,
Ye nations bow with sacred joy,
Know that the Lord is God alone,
He can create, and He destroy."

Mr. Coe is blind. Mrs. Coe accompanies him. Curious idea—he has never seen his wife. Miss Smith and Miss Bush, two blind young ladies from the New York Institution, for the blind, (in which Mrs. Coe is a teacher,) were in the company, and if ever I felt the force of that great truth, "GOD IS LOVE," it was then, when I heard their melodious voices, in songs of praise, and also listened to Miss Bush, as she passed her fingers over raised letters, and read to us the words of Jesus, behold how God in His goodness provides for all! Whereever these vocalists go,

let the people crowd to hear them. Those who attend, will pay money for a good object; they will happily embrace the most innocent amusement, with the most useful instruction.

FRIDAY, Jan. 23d.—Now at Groton City, a small cluster, though thus largely named.—In Groton, there are five post-offices, named as follows: Groton, Groton City, West Groton, Peru, and McLean. Groton village (P.O. Groton,) is the largest settlement in the town. The people of this town are very independent in their mode of thinking and acting about the doctrines which I advance in their meeting-houses and school-houses, they have various opinions, but all agree with me when I assert that it is cold weather. This they feel. Could they as fully feel that slavery cannot be legalized, and that it is wicked to vote for those who will attempt to "frame iniquity by law" we should be quite harmonious in our theories. A few more Jerry cases will hasten on the time for such unanimity. The work will be done, if we heed the command—" Remember those in bonds, as bound with them."

Yours,

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. .

[McLean, Jan. 19th, 1852.]