George T. Downing to Frederick Douglass, December 21, 1853
Letter From Geo. T. Downing
Providence, Dec. 21, 1853
Dear Douglass:—I am performing a task with most pleasurable emotions giving you an account of movements for elevation a vindication of the right. Last Sunday, a notice was sent to each of the colored churches in this city for a public meeting which was held last night in the Bethal (Methodist) Church ; the same was read in all of them, except in the Pond St. Baptist meeting.
Mr. Samuel Rodman, the clerk getting possesion of the same, refused to read it, because of his opposition to the movement as a connexion with the Rochester Convention. The ministers of the two Methodist Churches urged their congregations to attend. I am thus particular in giving this account, that it may be known who is for us and who is against us. It is not necessary to be white to be an oppressor.
There is unfortunately a subserviency on the part of some of the leaders of the churches of Providence. Bethal generously threw open its doors, that the oppressed, the slave might there feel at home. Its minister, the Rev. Mr. Hall, was present, and gave the fullest countenance to the meeting. It was a noble, a harmonious, a unanimous meeting a respectable, an intelligent one—ably addressed by Messrs. Waugh, Iverson, Hall, and others. Mr. Thos. Howland presided with dignity and precision.
The following resolutions were unanimously adopted after having been discussed:
Resolved that we have a common foe
without which calls for union within to the end
of which we must put aside all petty
strifes jealousies and animosity that each
may feel that he is working with a brother
for a common inrerest for our interest is a
common one our enemies know no high no
low no rich no poor but black men all to
despise reject and oppress
Resolved that we hail with delight the
union foreshadowed in the organization of
the National Council of our people
believing that if the people will give the same a
hearty support their interest and happiness
will be immeasurably enhanced.
Resolved that we will give our State
Council (auxiliary to the National Council)
our hearty and generous co operation.
Resolved that Messrs Downing and
Iverson be requested to visit the different
towns of the State and urge upon our
people the necessity of their giving their
support to this movement as well as to arouse
a general interest among all classes.
Resolved that in Frederick Douglass we
hail the pride of the free colored man of the
North as well as the hope of the slave in the
South.
Resolved that it would be black
ingratitude on our part did we fail to acknowledge
and appreciate tthe life devotedness of Wm
L Garrison and Gerrit Smith with the many
others who have stood up manfully and
uncompromisingly for our rights—rights
precious to all mankind.
Resolved, that we have noticed with
painful concern the unfortunate controversy
directed against Frederick Douglass and are
satisfied with his manly defence and do
respectfully but earnestly say to our friends—desist—said forces should be levelled against foes without, rather than against friends within.
Resolved, that with us the colored citiziens
of the city of Providence and Frederick
Douglass there is not only a common but a
special identitiy and interest. That we are
fully persuaded that he possesses an
"unswerving fidelity" thereto. That he is ever
ready to "crucify all personal considerations"
to the cause of his people. That he
possesses "high moral attainments" that
"a paramount regard for principle absolute
faith in the right" are shields and weapons
which he posseses and wields in our
common battle. That we deem it fit and meet to
proclaim to the wide wide world our full
appreciation of confidence in and gratitude
to Frederick Douglass as our acknowledged
leader and exponent and that we believe
him entitled to a place amoung the foremost of
those "truest to the cause of human freedom."
Resolved, that crushed, despised,
ill abused as we have been by professed friends
as well as foes nevertheless we feel that
human freedom is a universal heaven given
right intended for all.—a right not so
mystical and intricate that we cannot "perceive
what are its demands" or "understand the
philosophy of its operations;" for were it
so, then it were possible that it might be
felt; that there was some justification in the
God-defying act of holding men women and
lisping babies in bonds, as at the South—a
crimes which a noble Garrision has declared
to be piratical and man-stealing.
Resolved, that Messrs Geo. T. Downing, John Waugh. John N. Smith, David Blue, and our worthy Chairman Mr. Thos.
Howland, be a Committee to invite Frederick
Douglass, Esq., to the city of Providence to
deliver a lecture and that they be
empowered to make all needed arrangements.
Resolved, that the proceedings of this
meeting be sent to Frederick Douglass'
Paper for publication and that all anti-slavery
papers be requested to copy the same
Thus passed Tuesday evening. When will
you be with us?
Geo. T. Downing.