Henry O. Wagoner to Frederick Douglass, August 26, 1852
Chicago, Aug. 26th, 1852.
Frederick Douglass: Dear Sir:—I am again at home, after a short visit to Maryland. I found Hagerstown my birthplace duller than when I left it fourteen years ago. The spirit of enterprise does not seem to have worked its progress there. I could see none of that hurry and bustle which I had left behind me in the great North West. But I can well remember a time in Hagerstown when the thunders of stage coaches were almost constantly ringing in ones ears, as they came in alternately from Baltimore, Wheeling, Chambersburg, Williamsport and other places. Then, too, large covered wagons, some with five and others with six large horses attached to them, were seen passing to and fro in every direction, loaded, some with 18, 20, and 22 barrels of flour, and other produce, as also the various kinds of merchandise, &c. But this state of things no longer exists there; for, instead of progression, go a-headativeness and vitality, things have assumed the appearance of decay, quiet and inactivity.
But Hagerstown is pleasantly situated in the heart of a rich and fertile valley of about forty miles in width, commanding a delightful prospect of what is there called the "North" and "South Mountains." The town is built mostly of stone, and it is a clean and healthful location, well adapted to a peaceful quiet life. Good water, pleasant springs, and delicious fruit, such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, gages, grapes, &c., as also mellons of every variety.
My friends there, of the whites, persons of prominence in that place, received me with all the cordiality and open frankness for which the Southern people are so justly distinguished.
While in Maryland, I concluded to take very little notice of politics, as such, for I went there expressly to see the host of relatives and friends I have there, and to converse quietly with them, and to note with some care the changes which my mind and feelings had undergone during an interval of fourteen years. But enough of this private matter.
As I returned through Pittsburgh, there I learned the great fact of the consummation and promulgation of the "Free Democracy,"—a name which I much admire; for, after all, there is much in a name, and especially, if that name has the charm of being appropriate to the thing it represents.
Of the platform erected at Pittsburgh, I can say but little, nor need I say much; for it proclaims on the face of it, in tones louder than thunder, in favor of its own merits. It is, in my humble judgment, "nearly perfect." I had long hoped that the friends of freedom throughout the country would unite upon some platform, broad enough, and strong enough for all to stand upon, and at the same time so circumscribed as to embrace the purest of the various shades of anti-slavery sentiments of the country. Thank God, however, my hopes are now in a great measure, realized through the action of the Pittsburgh Convention! That convention, selected with great care the plank which compose their platform. I have faith to believe that the moral influence of that Convention will tell with a powerful effect upon the present, as well as future generations.
I am truly glad to learn that this movement has been of such a nature as to permit our friend, Gerrit Smith, without any less of principles, to acquiesce in it, and to promise his support and influence in its favor. And may he, and all the good men with whom he acted, live a long—I had almost said—yes, I will say, immortal life. I trust they will never swerve from the path which they have marked out. To have their names written on the imperishable altar of fame, they have only to live a life corresponding to their professions.
And the ball is set in motion, and the good work is now before us, I trust every man of us will endeavor to do his duty. All that we, colored people of Illinois, can do in this matter, is, as we have no vote, to use our influence with others to induce them to vote for John P. Hale and George W. Julian - Let us ask spiritually for spiritual guidance, but let us go to work physically for physical success. Let us be spiritually, morally, and physically active.
You have spoken of "light" and "fire" on a former occasion; but I tell you, friend Douglass, that the people, in many localities outside of New York State, want "light" rather than "fire." Would to God the poor white men in Slave States could be reached in some form! They want "light," and so do many of the laboring classes in Free States. I mean those bordering all along the line of Slave States. We should drop, for a time, our appeals for sympathy, and address the laboring classes in regard to their true interests in this matter. No laboring white man ought to be in favor of slavery, for certainly slavery is no advantage to him, but on the contrary an injury. It decreases his prospects for living, and degrades him to the level of a slave. But you are better able to explain and enforce this matter than I am, therefore, I shall leave it in good hands.
Yours for God and Truth,
H. O. W.