Title: Colored American - April 10, 1841
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer replies to an article in the American Citizen newspaper indicating that fugitives are being aided in their escape to Canada. He says that the belief that African Americans who succeed in other countries will reflect positively on those left in the U.S. is just another scam to realize the goals of Colonization. He wonders why it's necessary for African Americans to leave their home country to show their own worth when they can do this now where they are.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)
Title: Colored American - December 25, 1841
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer shares the story of a young girl's flight from slavery to freedom.
Description of file(s): Three scanned newspaper pages (five columns)
Title: Colored American - June 24, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer suggests that the free people of color can help the slaves by concentrating on improving their own lives through education, industry, and economy. He believes that fighting prejudice involves presenting an intelligent, hard-working social presence.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
Title: Colored American - November 18, 1837
Speaker or author: Ray, Charles B. (Charles Bennett), 1807-1886
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer notes that most African Americans are immigrating to Canada to find relief from prejudice and unemployment. He urges them instead to immigrate to Wisconsin, which is currently being settled. Land there is inexpensive, the territory is beautiful, and people live together harmoniously.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)
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 - June 23, 1854
Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.
Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)
The writer shares with his readers a recent decision made by the Supreme Court of Wisconsin. The judge decided that the Fugitive Slave Law was unconstitutional since it deprived a person of his liberty without "due process of the law."
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Impartial Citizen - October 26, 1850
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Impartial Citizen (1849 - 1851)
The writer details some of the provisions of the Fugitive Slave Law. He emphasizes the injustice and potential societal disaster this law can bring about.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)
Title: Pacific Appeal - May 16, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer notes that there are African Americans who were born free or freed early in life and who traveled north to live in free states. These people have never known slavery, yet all African Americans are effected by prejudice regardless of their life experience.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Palladium of Liberty - November 13, 1844
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Palladium of Liberty (1843 - 1844)
The editor answers those who have criticized the newspaper for publishing resolutions given at an unannounced public meeting.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Provincial Freeman - April 14, 1855
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer laments the continued perception among the Canadian public that people of African descent are unable to care for themselves. The automatic assumption that these people must be clothed, fed, and sheltered is degrading to the race.
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - August 19, 1854
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer offers his opinions of the views of two anti-slavery lecturers. This is mainly a critique of the opinons of Mr. Dall on the future success of people of African descent living in Canada.
Description of file(s): four scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - January 29, 1859
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer tells his readers that the question of "African civilization" is divided among two groups in Canada. One argues that civilizing Africa will put an end to the slave trade once and for all; the other is totally against anything that even sounds like immigration (or Colonization).
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Provincial Freeman - July 1, 1854
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer expresses his opinion of a circular he received calling for people of African descent living in Canada to work in the British West Indies. He believes this is another immigration scheme created by those who suppose these people are not smart enough to stay where they are.
Description of file(s): four scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - July 1, 1854
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer shares an article published in a Virginia newspaper about the idea of annexaction of Canada. He tells his readers that this article does more harm than good in its attempt to explain the political position of Canadians on this subject.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Provincial Freeman - July 19, 1856
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer underscores the benefits of the Provincial Freeman newspaper and publications like it in helping to promote justice and freedom among those of African descent. (Partially illegible; best copy available.)
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages (partially illegible)
Title: Provincial Freeman - June 16, 1855
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer briefly comments on the Crimean war.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Provincial Freeman - June 30, 1855
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer briefly comments on the status of the Underground Railroad. He suggests a couple of ways to improve this system.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Provincial Freeman - June 7, 1856
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer discusses rumors of an upcoming visit by author H. B. Stowe. He believes those who would make a profit off the condition of fugitive slaves in Canada are using this visit as a money making scheme.
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - March 24, 1853
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer discusses the role of Canada in U.S. efforts to capture runaway slaves. Since Canada is a British province, and since there are no slaves on British soil, slaves are not considered fugitives once they cross into Canada. He emphasizes the problems this relationship creates between the two countries.
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - March 8, 1856
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer tells his readers about some members of their community who are engaged in a confidence crime of soliciting money from people who are sympathetic to the plight of the slave by lying about their circumstances. This type of crime hurts those who are rightfully in need of aid.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Provincial Freeman - November, 1857
Speaker or author: Cary, Mary Ann Shadd, 1823-1893
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
[Copyright Permission granted August 2007.] The writer provides current news of insurrection activities in the southern states. While slaves are escaping in droves and heading to Canada, the tension and violent atmosphere is offering fertile ground for rumors of civil war. She also provides an update on the current political standing in the U.S.
Description of file(s): seven scanned, handwritten pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - October 13, 1855
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The author makes a comparison between the authority in the U.S. government of the "slave power," and the similar authority the Canadian government has given to the Roman Catholic Church.
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - October 14, 1854
Speaker or author: C.
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer responds to an article published in another newspaper relating the story of 56 liberated slaves. Funds are being raised by Colonizationists who are organizing transportation to send these people to Liberia. The writer wonders why this money couldn't be used to purchase land in Canada and settle these people there instead.
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - September 15, 1855
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer accuses an organization called The American Sunday School Union of attempting to subvert and destroy the Canadian government in its efforts to return fugitive slaves to the U.S.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Voice of the Fugitive - April 22, 1852
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Voice of the Fugitive (1851 - 1852)
Brief overview of the Canada Mill and Mercantile Company that offers opportunity for employment and a relief from charity for fugitive slaves.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column