University Archives

Title: Colored American - October 19, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer makes a distinction between "political action" and "moral action" regarding the issues of slavery and emancipation. He tells his readers that some abolitionists are acting only as it serves their political purposes, not as a moral obligation to God. He urges his readers to continue going to the polls, but to cast their votes for what is religiously right, not what is best for the political party.

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

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

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: 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)

Speaker or author: Bell, Philip A.

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

Comments given on an address by David Ruggles regarding a libel suit against Samuel Cornish and the Colored American newspaper. Bell provided a statement regarding his participation in the events leading up to the suit. (Includes MP3 audio file)

Description of file(s): PDF 1 page, 590 word document (text and images)

Speaker or author: Johnson, William P., fl. 1839

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

Response to debate between David Ruggles and Philip A. Bell regarding the events and situation surrounding the libel suit brought against Samuel Cornish and the Colored American newspaper.

Description of file(s): PDF 3 page, 1,070 word document (text and images)