Former slave (1818–1895) who lent his eloquent, powerful voice to the abolitionist movement. LS, one page, 5.5 x 8, Cedar Hill letterhead, March 13, 1893. Letter to Frederic P. Noble, secretary of the World’s Congress on Africa at the Chicago Colombian Expedition. An obviously angered Douglass offers yet again to set the record straight. In full: “I am just in receipt of your letter of inquiry, It is a long time since I listened to anyone of sufficient temerity to attempt to represent as ‘idyllic’ any feature of human bondage. If notified in time, I cannot refuse to bear my testimony upon this subject.” In fine condition, with light toning and soiling, a bit heavier along top edge, missing top right corner tip, and partial separation along hinge with second integral page.
Douglas spent his freedom discrediting the idea that slavery was anything but repugnant. Today, no historian would present an opposing viewpoint, but in the 19th century, some did offer a defense to such actions by trying to depict the atrocities in idyllic terms, saying slaves were fed, clothed, and given medical attention when ill. Douglass, rightfully so, found such beliefs horrifying and, as shown here, was deeply troubled by the Colombian Expedition. The previous year the Haitian government had appointed Douglass as its commissioner to the Exposition.
While African Americans desired to show the world their accomplishments since emancipation, Exposition directors insisted that African American proposals for exhibits be approved by all-white state committees, with most requests immediately rejected. Although some leaders encouraged blacks to boycott the event, Douglass refused, instead encouraging participation. When exposition managers set aside a “colored American” day, Douglass insisted that Americans stand by their promise of social justice for former slaves. Yet the fair only managed to reinforce national acceptance of the separate-but-equal doctrine, creating fake “African villages” and offering free watermelons to African American fairgoers—with the endorsement by Noble and other Colombian Expedition executives further infuriating the abolitionist. A terse and poignant commentary from one of the greatest of abolitionists. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA
