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: Johnson, Ezra R.
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal
Speech given to praise and honor Mrs. George M. Washum for her donation of money, time and effort to the First Congregational Church.
Description of file(s): PDF 2 page, 453 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Johnson, Ezra R.
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal
Speech encouraging patience in the fight for emancipation and emphasizing the speaker's belief that it wouldn't be long before President Lincoln would abolish slavery nationwide.
Description of file(s): PDF 6 page, 1,200 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Johnson, Ezra R.
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal
Patriotic speech regarding the pride the speaker felt towards the black troops who were fighting and dying for their country in the Civil War. He was most impressed with how well they were received and celebrated for their heroism by the general population.
Description of file(s): PDF 11 page, 2,386 word document (text and images)
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 lecture by historian George Bancroft. While Mr. Bancroft poetically expresses that the U.S. will be admired by other countries because of its freedom and liberty to all, the writer wonders aloud if slavery is included in this "beautiful" picture. The writer finds nothing beautiful or romantic in this depiction of the U.S. as long as there is slavery here.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)