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H[enry] O. Wagoner to Frederick Douglass, March 8, 1853

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Letter from H. O. Wagoner

CHICAGO, Ill., March 8th, 1853.
FRIEND DOUGLASS: DEAR SIR:—What can I say, what need I say to you, who, already know as well as I can tell you of the hell-black and heaven-daring enactment called LAW, passed by the late general Assembly of Illinois, to prohibit the immigration of colored persons into the State? Many of the states have, of late, as you also know, endeavered to pass similar enactments; but, I believe, "Egypt" has capt the climax of monstrosities in this direction. Of its provisions I need say but little, as they are too absurd in themselves to merit a series commentation. It imbraces all who may have one-fourth African blood in their veins.—On this branch of the Bill, there may arise many cases that would cause some hair-splitting, and nice discrimination to determine that exact proportion of African blood. But one of the most singularly benevolent and Christian features of this Bill—fanaticism would call it the lowest of all meanness—is, that the fines to be paid by the unfortunate victims, are to be put into the county Treasury, kept seperate, to be called the "charity fund," and to be applied in relieving the poor of said county. Now, in all sincerity, was there ever a piece of meanness to equal this. But the fact is, this Bill is so wholly at varience with every principle of reason and justice, that I think it must forever remain a dead letter; at least in this portion of the State. But suppose every State were to pass similar enactments, (and surely if one has a right, others may have the same right,) then, "whither, oh! whither should we fly." Truly would it seem as though "the Almighty had born into the world human beings for whom He had made no provisions to live anywhere." But what are we to think of our Legislators? It is said, and I believe, truthfully, that unreasonableness is a species of insanity. If this be true, then the more unreasonable a thing, the more apparent the insanity. As a further evidence of this, I have actually been told, by persons who spent the winter in Springfield, the capitol, that alcohol was at the bottom of all this diabolism. We have every reason to believe that this Bill was cooked up in a drunken spree, by members from "Lower Egypt." Mr. Blodgett, a young member from Waukeagan, made a powerful and eloquent speech against the Bill, but all to no purpose. Reason and argument are thrown away upon some communities as well as individuals.—One may as well reason with a pine-knot as with most of the legislators in the Southern portion of this State. But, enough of this.

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Now, friend Douglass, let me here say, that, I think the time has come when it is advisable to call, or rather to advise to be called, a North American Convention of colored men, to be held at some central point, which may be thought best, by friends generally, if approved of. Should yourself, and the friends throughout the country, feel inclined to favor such a Convention, every effort should be made to get out a full and fair representation of the most active, thoughtful, prudent, and efficient men we have in every locality of colored persons, where there would be sufficient numbers to send Delegates. And should it be, let it be like a band of brothers fully united, and with a will, not despotic, but pliable, with a mind in its purposes, and unwavering in its determinations. And let the result of their deliberation and determinations be promulgated to the world, fearless, strong, though respectful language. Let us choose some high eminence, that would serve as a monumental spot, to show to future generations, that here a body of men once met, and took a solemn oath that they would never, as a body, peaceably leave the country, and especially as long as a single brother remained in chains and slavery.
Since the above was written, I have seen your article headed "Learn trades or Starve." As an humble individual, I am much pleased with it, and think it just the thing. It is something practicable, and ought seriously to be considered, and at once acted upon.—That we are fast being elbowed out of our old employments, must be apparent to every observing mind. It becomes us, as thinking men and women, who desire to improve our condition, to look to this matter without delay.
Now, when I tell you that I fully and completely concur with you in this matter, I do not express my individual sentiments only, but also those of many of my intelligent friends with whom I have conversed upon the subject, both now and heretofore.
I am, as ever, yours
for God and humanity.

H. O. WAGONER.

Creator

Wagoner, Henry O.

Date

1853-03-08

Description

H[enry] O. Wagoner to Frederick Douglass. PLSr: Frederick DouglassP, 18 March 1853. Reacts to a law passed in the Illinois General Assembly prohibiting black immigration; recommends a “North American Convention of colored men.”

Publisher

This document was calendared in the published volume and has not been published in full before.

Collection

Frederick Douglass' Paper

Type

Letters

Publication Status

Unpublished

Source

Frederick Douglass' Paper