William Sanders et al. to Frederick Douglass, May 16, 1852
Lockport, March 16th, 1852.
Friend Douglass:—
We, the colored people of Lockport, feeling a deep interest in the well being of the human family, and the cause of humanity in this country, place a few thoughts before you and your readers, for consideration. In looking around upon community, we see a general state of apathy on the subject of human freedom.
Considering the great efforts of the tyrants of our land, the friends of freedom should be awake, and alert at every point.—As light increases upon the subject, the monster writhes, and puts forth every effort to retain and continue his dominion. His smiles are insidious, his wiles to the unwary are fascinating, and if we quietly fold our arms, and let his iron heel come down upon us, we must suffer the consequences.
Let us bare our bosom to the storm, for a mighty struggle is coming on, and we must prepare for the contest; let us go forward with our trust and confidence in the Lord, asking Him earnestly for wisdom to guide and direct, in this contest between freedom and tyranny between the powers of darkness, and the light of eternal truth. Oh how lamentable it is to see the condition of things, as they are exhibited, from time to time; it is at times, almost disheartening, but our motto is onward, to victory or death.
The fugitive slave law is continually goading to madness and desperation, for the bloodhounds are baying on the track of every colored person in the Union. And then comes the delusive scheme of Colonization, which is singing its Siren songs, to lull to sleep every spark of manliness, and the ability to dwell among the civilized, which remains in our hearts. And must we endure all this? We answer no.
And in view of this aspect of things, the colored people met at Zion's Church on the 12th inst., at 7 o'clock, P.M. Mr. Boyd being called to the Chair, Mr. L. Morgan was appointed Secretary. Mrs. Morgan offered the following resolutions, which were adopted, after some brief remarks for Mr. Sanders, Mr. Boyd, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Morgan, and Mr. Mills.
Resolved, That the colored citizens of Lockport, do agree to pray for Millard Fillmore, that God would bring him to repentance, and forgive him of his great sin in signing the Fugitive Slave Bill.
Further resolved. That christians, and all who love God, are earnestly entreated to pray for Mr. Fillmore, and all those who are connected with him in schemes of tyranny, such men as Daniel Webster, and Henry Clay, and others, who are so near a bar of divine justice.
Resolved, That we are obliged to Governor Hunt, for bringing before the Legislature of this State, the scheme of colonizing the free people of color: and when weare ready to colonize, we can colonize ourselves to the dominion of Queen Victoria.
We wish all Democratic papers to copy the Resolutions, for we wish to let them know how to receive such insults.
In behalf of the colored people of Lockport.
Wm Sanders,
W Mills,
Mr Johnson,
Mrs Morgan,
Executive Committee.