The Relationship Between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln

Heather Bacon HST 201 Section 3: Slavery and New Media April 25, 2014

1 Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass relationship is often overlooked by many when studying the American Civil War. Douglass and Lincoln had a relationship that influenced both of them in a myriad of ways during the war. The two men grew to respect and even admire one another and Douglass used Lincolns memory to support further reform after his assassination. For Lincoln, the relationship caused shifts in his personal opinions, Lincoln somewhat grounded Douglassallowing him to better consider the delicate situation of the Civil War. These shifts are noticeable in the papers and speeches published by both Lincoln and Douglass in the time period spanning the late 1850s to 1865 with the end of the war and Lincolns death. In order to properly analyze any shifts in Lincolns or Douglass viewpoints that may have occurred during the Civil War, we must first set up a basis of their opinions on issues prior to the war. The time period consisting of the mid-to-late 1850s to the very early 1860s will provide the most accurate portrayal of this because it is before Lincolns election, so his opinions are most purely his own, without any shift due to presidency or any pressures that accompany it. May 30th of 1854 marks the passage of Illinois democrat, Stephen A. Douglas KansasNebraska Act. This act implicitly repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which decided that slavery would be prohibited in the western territory except in the state of Missouri. Douglass and Lincoln both made a statement concerning the passage of the new act which shows their opinions towards slavery. Douglass published an article in May 1854 in his own paper Frederick Douglass Paper, entitled The End of Compromises with SlaveryNow and Forever. In this article Douglass expresses his views on slaverys spread throughout the United States in reference to the Kansas-Nebraska Act. His article serves as a call to action of sorts as Douglass writes,

2 Why, let this be done: let the whole North awake, arise; let the people assemble in every free State of the Union; and let a great party of freedom be organized, on whose broad banner let it be inscribed, All compromises with slavery endedThe abolition of slavery essential to the preservation of liberty.1

Lincoln also expressed his opinion of the act, which had a tone different from the commanding one of Douglass. In 1854 at Peoria, Illinois, Lincoln makes it clear that he does not argue against slavery itself, rather just the spread of it. He says, Let it not be said I am contending for the establishment of political and social equality between the whites and blacks. I have already said the contrary. I am not now combating the argument of NECESSITY, arising from the fact that the blacks are already amongst us; but I am combating what is set up as MORAL argument for allowing them to be taken where they have never yet been---arguing against the EXTENSION of a bad thing, which where it already exists, we must of necessity, manage as we best can.2

This is a good example of both mens opinion towards slavery before the start of the Civil War. Douglass originally supported Lincoln upon news of his presidential candidacy, though without great confidence which can be accounted for in Lincolns hesitance to condemn slavery. Douglass knew the potential that the Illinois native with the well balanced head possessed, and reasoned that he had the opportunity to rise to greatness, not yet having a large reputation of a statesman. In his article, The Chicago Nomination, Douglass writes, once elected it will be no longer dangerous for him to develop great qualities, and we hope that in taking him on a

Frederick Douglass, The End of All Compromises with SlaveryNow and Forever, Frederick Douglass Paper, May 26, 1854. http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4378 2 Abraham Lincoln, Speech on the Kansas-Nebraska Act at Peoria, Illniois in Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 2. (Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Digital Library Production Services, 2001), 248-83. http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=lincoln;cc=lincoln;view=text;idno=lincoln2;rgn=div1;node=lincoln2%3A282

3 profession of his faith, rather than on the recommendations of his political life, his party will witness his continual growth in grace,.3 By the time Lincolns presidential win was announced in late 1860, Douglass was not exactly happy. Douglass calls Lincoln the most powerful enemy of the abolition movement not because he believes Lincoln supports slavery, but instead because Lincoln will not do anything to try to abolish the institution. Lincoln never states that his will is to abolish slavery and Douglass fears for the future of America. Douglass writes that [Lincoln] and his party will become the best protectors of slavery where it is now.4 This idea is supported in Lincolns Inaugural Address on March 4, 1861. In the address, Lincoln states his plan to combat the growing frustration concerning the issue of slavery. He states that his goal was to preserve the Union at all costs and this did not include abolishing slavery. In his speech Lincoln said, I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists.5 Throughout the year 1861, Lincoln continued to hold this idea of preserving the Union and of simply stopping the spread of slavery without completely abolishing it. In his Annual Message to Congress on December 3, 1861, Lincoln describes the many issues at hand including his military suggestions and specific strategies surrounding succession and the beginnings of civil war. Lincoln also suggests that with the emancipation of slaves by certain states, it should
3

Frederick Douglass, The Chicago Nomination, Douglass Monthly, June 1860. http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4376 4 Frederick Douglass, The Late Election, Douglass Monthly, December 1860. http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4404 5 Abraham Lincoln, First Inaugural Address in Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 4. (Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Digital Library Production Services, 2001), 263-71. http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=lincoln;cc=lincoln;view=text;idno=lincoln4;rgn=div1;node=lincoln4%3A389

4 be the federal governments responsibility to purchase territory on which to colonize the freedmen. Speaking of words that he had stated in both his inaugural address and to Congress in Special Session, Lincoln states in his Annual message that nothing now occurs to add or subtract, to or from, the principles or general purposes stated and expressed in those documents.6 Frederick Douglass held a very different idea of how to approach the issue of slavery during that time. Douglass felt that there could be no more compromise in America, slavery either had to exist wholly, in all of America, or not at all, in any part of America. Douglass recognized Lincolns desire to preserve the Union, but he felt that immediate action was required and that the approach that the entire North was taking was cowardice. Douglass published an article in February 1861 in which he wrote, Slavery is the disease, and its abolition in every part of the land is essential to the future quiet and security of the land.7 We can see that at this point, Douglass and Lincoln are on very different pages about slavery. It is also important to note that Lincoln and Douglass conversation at this point is entirely through speeches and documents. It is obvious that Douglass is aware of Lincoln, but it is unclear of Lincolns knowledge or opinions of Douglass. One of the issues Americans perceived in emancipating the slaves was what should be done with them afterwards. In one of his articles, Douglass gives his opinion on the matter. Fear of freedmen murdering their former master, that they would become a burden on the State, that
6

Abraham Lincoln, Message to Congress in Special Session in Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 4. (Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Digital Library Production Services, 2001), 422-41. http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=lincoln;cc=lincoln;view=text;idno=lincoln4;rgn=div1;node=lincoln4%3A741 7 Frederick Douglass, The Union and How to Save It, Douglass Monthly, February 1861. http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4375

5 they would steal white mens jobs or all come to the North were the worries of many citizens and were some that Douglass cites. Douglass argues that the very best option for blacks and whites alike would be to leave the former slaves alone completely. He writes in response to the general questioning of what to do, Our answer is, do nothing with them [the slaves]; mind your business, and let them mind theirs. Your doing with them is their greatest misfortune.8 Lincoln took a very different approach to this matter, of which Douglass heartily disapproved of. On August 14, 1862, Lincoln invited a committee of black men to the White House to listen to him speak. What he told them was not favorable to many abolitionists of the time. Lincoln believed that blacks would never be equal to whites and that cohabitation in one country would never be possible.9 This is an opinion he expressed before in his 1861 Annual Message to Congress. Frederick Douglass reacted vehemently calling Lincoln a genuine representative of American prejudice and Negro hatred and writing that his speech show[ed] all [Lincolns] inconsistencies, his pride of race and blood, his contempt for Negroes and his canting hypocrisy.10 Just one month later, Douglass held a very different attitude towards Mr. Lincoln. With Lincolns Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in September of that year, Douglass wasted no haste in featuring it in Octobers edition of Douglass Monthly. In this article a sense of respect creeps into Douglass voice as he writes, Abraham Lincoln may be slow, Abraham Lincoln may

Frederick Douglass, What Shall be Done with the Slaves if Emancipated, Douglass Monthly, January 1862. http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4386 9 Abraham Lincoln, Address on Colonization to a Deputation of Negroes in Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 5. (Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Digital Library Production Services, 2001), 371-75. http://quod.lib.umich.edu/l/lincoln/lincoln5/1:812?rgn=div1;view=fulltext 10 Frederick Douglass, The President and His Speeches, Douglass Monthly, September 1862. http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4387

6 desire peace even at the price of leaving our terrible national sore untouched, to fester for generations, but Abraham Lincoln is not the man to reconsider, retract and contradict words and purposes solemnly proclaimed over his official signature.11 This shows that Douglass main reason to dislike Lincoln was his slowness to do something about slavery. With Lincolns action, we see the formation of a relationship that they two would form in order to save the United States. Douglass quiet respect soon grew and turned to admiration when he was invited to visit Abraham Lincoln in Washington D.C. in August 1863. This was their first actual meeting and it left such an impression on Douglass that he related the experience as such: I never met with a man, who, on the first blush, impressed me more entirely with his sincerity, with his devotion to his country, and with his determination to save it at all hazards. A very different attitude considering that not long before, all hazards, meant keeping slavery in America. Douglass had met with Lincoln with the purpose of discussing the treatment of colored troops, and Lincoln explained that the country was not yet ready for equal treatment of black and white soldiers baby steps would have to be taken to avoid causing too much disruption and unsettlement in the U.S.12 Although Lincoln gave him no clear solution to it, his explanation impressed Douglass and gave him a better understanding of the delicacies involved in political and societal changes. On August 25, 1864 Lincoln invited Douglass to D.C. for their second meeting. Lincoln was concerned that not enough slaves freed from the Emancipation Proclamation were joining the Northern troops. Douglass explained that slave owners could potentially be shielding their
11

Frederick Douglass, Emancipation Proclaimed, Douglass Monthly, October 1862. http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4406 12 Frederick Douglass, Our Work is Not Done, (speech, delivered at the annual meeting of the American Anti-Slavery Society held at Philadelphia, December 3-4, 1863). https://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4403

7 slaves from this information and they might not be aware of the proclamation. This meeting showed the respect and even admiration that had formed between the two. Douglass relates the interview in his The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass and remembers the incredible way he was treated by the president. While in conversation with him his secretary twice announced Governor Buckingham of Connecticut, one of the noblest and most patriotic of the loyal governors. Mr. Lincoln said, Tell Governor Buckingham to wait, for I want to have a long talk with my friend Frederick Douglass.13

Lincoln also put Douglass in charge of a plan in which Douglass would travel and spread news of emancipation and recruit black soldiers. This did not materialize because of other circumstances, but it demonstrates that the two were working together as a team to fight slavery. And indeed thats what they were doing. Douglass felt that Lincolns attitude towards slavery had shifted by that time. He wrote, What he said on this day showed a deeper moral conviction against slavery than I had ever seen before in anything spoken or written by him.14 Lincolns change pf opinion about slavery may have been ignited by political opportunity, but the continuation of the war and his respect for Douglass suggest he was at least partially influenced by Douglass opinions. March 4, 1865 would be the last time Douglass and Lincoln ever met. It was the day of Lincolns second Inaugural Address and after Douglass was stopped at the door of the reception, Lincoln requested his entrance by the guards for he wanted to hear Douglass opinion of his speech. Lincoln once again shows much growth in consideration of respect for another race and
13

Frederick Douglass, Life and Times of Frederick Douglass, (North Scituate, MA: Digital Scanning, Inc., 2001), 436. http://site.ebrary.com.proxy2.cl.msu.edu/lib/michstate/docDetail.action?docID=2001569
14

Ibid., 435.

8 demonstrates his friendly love for Douglass. Douglass wrote of his entrance to the reception, [Lincoln] exclaimed so that all around could hear him, Here comes my friend Douglass. Lincoln also said to him, there is no man in this country whose opinion I value more than yours. Douglass told him his speech was a sacred effort.15 This again shows the extent and value of this American friendship. Abraham Lincoln was assassinated shortly after their final meeting, but this did not end his relationship with DouglassDouglass used Lincolns memory to advocate black equality for years after his death. This shows the lasting impact of this powerful relationship in American history. The relationship between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln had almost obvious effects on the personal opinions of both men. Lincoln started advocating black freedom, and Douglass became more patient with the presidents policies and the way he worked.

15

Ibid., 444-45.

9 Bibliography Douglass, Frederick. The Chicago Nomination, Douglass Monthly, June 1860. http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4376 Douglass, Frederick. Emancipation Proclaimed, Douglass Monthly, October 1862. http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4406 Douglass, Frederick. The End of All Compromises with SlaveryNow and Forever, Frederick Douglass Paper, May 26, 1854. http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4378 Douglass, Frederick. The Late Election, Douglass Monthly, December 1860. http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4404 Douglass, Frederick. Life and Times of Frederick Douglass, North Scituate, MA: Digital Scanning, Inc., 2001. http://site.ebrary.com.proxy2.cl.msu.edu/lib/michstate/docDetail.action?docID=2001569 Douglass, Frederick. Our Work is Not Done, Speech delivered at the annual meeting of the American Anti-Slavery Society held at Philadelphia, December 3-4, 1863. https://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4403 Douglass, Frederick. The President and His Speeches, Douglass Monthly, September 1862. http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4387 Douglass, Frederick. The Union and How to Save It, Douglass Monthly, February 1861. http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4375

10 Douglass, Frederick. What Shall be Done with the Slaves if Emancipated, Douglass Monthly, January 1862. http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=4386 Lincoln, Abraham. Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 4. Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Digital Library Production Services, 2001. http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=lincoln;cc=lincoln;view=text;idno=lincoln4;rgn=div1;node=lincoln4%3A389 Lincoln, Abraham. Address on Colonization to a Deputation of Negroes in Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 5. Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Digital Library Production Services, 2001. http://quod.lib.umich.edu/l/lincoln/lincoln5/1:812?rgn=div1;view=fulltext Lincoln, Abraham. Speech on the Kansas-Nebraska Act at Peoria, Illniois in Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 2. Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Digital Library Production Services, 2001. http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=lincoln;cc=lincoln;view=text;idno=lincoln2;rgn=div1;node=lincoln2%3A282