University Archives

Speaker or author: Augustus William Hanson

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

Rambling speech regarding the inherent rights of human beings in a free society regardless of race.

Description of file(s): PDF 13 page, 3,785 word document (text and images)

Speaker or author: Ruggles, David, 1810-1849

Newspaper or publication: Presscopy -- Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts, Anti-Slavery Pamphlets

Response to comments given by Philip A. Bell regarding a libel suit brought against Samuel Cornish and the Colored American newspaper. David Ruggles explains the circumstances leading up to the legal action.

Description of file(s): PDF 2 page, 582 word document (text and images)

Speaker or author: Ruggles, David, 1810-1849

Newspaper or publication: Emancipator

Speech delivered before a public meeting recounting the experience of Eliza Drummings at the hands of men who were helping her escape slavery.

Description of file(s): PDF 2 page, 453 word document (text and images)

Speaker or author: Ruggles, David, 1810-1849

Newspaper or publication: Presscopy -- Essex Institute, Salem Massachusetts, Anti-Slavery Pamphlets

Address given during a public meeting regarding a libel suit brought about by David Ruggles against the Colored American newspaper and its editor Samuel Cornish. When Samuel Cornish did not appear, David Ruggles was given the floor to explain the offense and a debate among various members of the Committee of Vigilance followed.

Description of file(s): PDF 10 page, 4,864 word document (text and images)

Speaker or author: Ruggles, David, 1810-1849

Newspaper or publication: Presscopy -- Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts, Anti-Slavery Pamphlets

David Ruggles replies to comments made by William P. Johnson in an ongoing debate regarding the circumstances leading up to the libel suit brought against Samuel Cornish and the Colored American newspaper.

Description of file(s): PDF 5 page, 2,083 word document (text and images)

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - April 11, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer expresses his views on what it takes to be a reformer in an oppressive society.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - April 12, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer comments on a speech delivered by former president Millard Fillmore delivered in New Orleans during his tour of the southern states.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - April 14, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer speaks out against the Kansas-Nebraska Bill currently under consideration. He believes this bill will not become law.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - april 14, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer calls for an "utter overthrow of 'Slave Power'" during this time of social crisis. He comments on the formation of a "League of Freedom" and the timeliness of such an effort. He calls for action; and ends his commentary with, "Then let all the foes of Oppression unite, and, in solid phalanx, march to the battlefield, and whip the enemy."

Description of file(s): three scanned newspaper pages (five columns)

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - April 28, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer comments on further developments in the evolution of the Kansas-Nebraska Act currently being considered in Congress.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - April 28, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer suggests that Stephen A. Douglas in his fight for the passage of the Nebraska Bill is actually helping the fight against slavery by bringing the issue to the public eye. There is now a very pronounced distinction between "the north" and "the south" as the country divides on the issue of slavery in the new territories.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - August 18, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer comments briefly on his visit to Toronto, Canada and the work being done there on behalf of its black citizens.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - August 25, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer asks the rhetorical question "Is color a constitutional disqualifier?" after relating the story of a fugitive slave being refused a passport while in a foreign country since he was black. The official of that country told him that since he was black he couldn't be considered a citizen of the U.S. He addresses the issue of citizenship in the U.S. and how this seems determined by race.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - August 25, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer describes some his experiences in several cities he visited during his speaking tour of New York and Connecticut.

Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - August 25, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer discusses the injustices of prejudice as it affects segregation in churches and schools. He stresses the distinction made in terms of skin color since an Irish immigrant is granted more consideration than an African American solely because of his skin color.

Description of file(s): three scanned newspaper pages (five columns)

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - December 1, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer begins to answer the question "What have the Abolitionists done?" by explaining what they have not done. He will respond further to this question in another editorial.

Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - December 1, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer gives brief comments on the results of the current election in a few states. He offers an overview of the way the election is proceeding at that point.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - December 15, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer alerts his readers to an upcoming lecture by Cassius M. Clay.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - December 15, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer comments on the possibility of slavery in Kansas.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - December 15, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

In an effort to push for revolutionary change, a new political party called the Know-Nothing Party has formed. The writer comments on the religious aspects of this party and those who oppose it. It seems to be an objectified tension between Catholicism and Protestantism in a political arena.

Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - December 16, 1853

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer comments on the Alabama governor's statement regarding separating slave families during the sale of slaves.

Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - December 16, 1853

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer briefly described his experience on a recent speaking tour.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - December 22, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer offers commentary on a recent speech by Lajos Kassuth asking for aid from the U.S. where he is living in exile. His goal is to return to power in Hungary. The writer is concerned that the U.S. will become involved in this bloody conflict along with several countries in Europe.

Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - December 22, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer makes a witty comment on the election of J. V. C. Smith as Mayor of Boston.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - December 22, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

(Text is partially illegible.) The writer urges John Mitchel, an Irish immigrant who fought for continuation of slavery in the U.S., to return to Ireland and stop interfering with politics in this country.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page