William R. Smith to Frederick Douglass, October 12, 1852
Macedon, 10th mo. 12th, 1851.
F. Douglass:
Dear Friend:—When at Syracuse, last winter, George Thompson said, "as you wish to know what kind of a Democrat I am, I am such an one as Gerrit Smith. I fully endorse every word of his speech, delivered in this Hall, last evening." He repeated this remark in private conversation.
The speech alluded to, was made before the "Free Trade League," of Syracuse. It was evidently prepared with much care, and embodied many of the speaker's peculiar opinions, in relation to the character and duties of Civil Government. Wilt thou unite with me, in soliciting a copy for publication, that Geo. Thompson, and his friends of all classes, may judge whether a man has a right to give assent to principles of such magnitude, and refuse co-operation in the direction they so obviously point out?
Thy sincere friend,
William R. Smith