Sigma to Frederick Douglass, January 13, 1854
BUFFALO, Jan. 13, 1854.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS: DEAR SIR:—Buffa-
lo flourishes. To-day is celebrated the com-
pletion of the railroad running thence to
Brantford. Channels of communication so
increases and multiplies, and commence so
largely showers down golden rewards to in-
dustry and enterprise—that it would not be
problematical if within ten years our favor-
ed town should rival the commercial marts
of the Atlantic.
Last night I had the pleasure of hearing
Solomon Northup narrate his trials and ex-
periences as a kidnapped slave. The lecture
was in American Hall; but owing to inclem-
ent weather, the attendance was small. His
story is full of romantic interest and painful
adventures, and gives as clear an insight to
the practical workings and beauties of Amer-
ican Slavery, as any other exposition ever
given to the world. In following the wind-
ings of his career, from liberty to slavery,
with all its attendant horrors, and thence back
to life again, one cannot but feel impressed
with the flagrant enormities of that system
of oppression now existing in a land of self-
styled republicanism and equality, which so
degrades men in respective ranks of life, as
not only to curse them—to refuse to let the
clanking of chains to be stilled forever, and
the bondman go free—but also to forfeit ev-
ery title to humanity, by robbing a man
born on untained soil, of his life, liberty,
and pursuit of happiness, so expressly de-
fined and guaranteed in the American Con-
stitution.
Nothup tells his story in plain and can-
did language, and intermingles it with flash-
es of genuine wit. It is a sure treat to hear
him give some hazardous adventure, with so
much sans froid, that the audience is com-
pletely enraptured and the "house brought
down."
The war in Erie is still going on. It will
be needless hereafter to talk about "carry-
ing the war into Africa," for Erie has claims
which will enter a writ of ejectment on
that long-used expression.
Buffalo has a great interest in the matter,
and, of course, is anxious to "leave" it to the
enemies without money. How the troubles
will be solved, time only can determine. At
present, injunctions and decisions of courts,
seem sadly at a discount. "Oh for a lodge
in some vast wilderness," or an army to in-
force right, quell-riots, and protect life and
property.
I am stopping at the Mansion House, well
known as the best in town. The proprietor,
Mr. Clifton, pays such a gentlemanly atten-
tion to the wants of his house, that he has
now a well earned and highly deserved pop-
ularity from all quarters of the Union. Let
me commend the sojourner westward to the
Mansion. A well kept public house is, in-
deed, a rarity. May there be more of them.
Opposite the Mansion, is the law office of
Fillmore and Andrews. I have had some
extended conversations with the ex-Presi-
dent, on subjects of national interest, and
find him hearty in condemnation of the pol-
icy of Pierce and Cabinet. He expresses a
sincere conviction of the life and success of
the Whig party, and believes Democracy dis-
membered and so distracted as not able to
rally on any platform of principles. Fill-
more has not retired from public life to rest,
but has entered again the active arm of busi-
ness life.
Mr. Andrews is a gentleman of extensive
legal ability, and great eloquence, and for
some time has been in partnership with Mil-
lard P. Fillmore, only son of the above men-
tioned Millard. Webster's son, Fletcher, il-
lustrates the proverbial expression, great
men never produce great sons. Fillmore's son
is an exception to the rule, and I should be
not at all surprised if the world should hear
from him in an emphatic and profound man-
ner. Yours truly,
SIGMA.