A[sa] A. Caldwell to Frederick Douglass, March 21, 1853
NEW YORK CENTRAL COLLEGE,
March, 21st, 1853.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS: DEAR SIR:—Our
world is full of changes, and even we here,
in the centre of creation, are not quite free
from them. Last week, Prof. Allen resigned
his connection with the Board of Instruction
in this school, and accepted an agency for
this College in Europe. Although he has left
us with the best of feelings on both sides, we
fear we shall find it difficult to fill his place
in the school—for he is a superior teacher;
but we hope he has gone into a field where
his capabilities will have ample room and
most healthful influence. He is going where
he will be relieved from the intolerable pres
ence of public prejudice and hate. Those
that know him know that he has suffered
more than ten crucifixions from this infernal
nightmare. Oh! when will this bitter cup
be taken from the hand of our colored peo
ple? When I think of this one sin of our
nation in its relations and bearing, I feel that
this alone would be enough to crush it. How
much the diabolical crusade of last winter has
done to determine him in leaving his native
land, I do not know; but we may readily see
it would be quite likely to effect a manly in
dependent mind strong in that direction.
Most respectfully yours,
A. CALDWELL.