Though deep he was transparent; though strong, he was gentle; though decided and pronounced in his convictions, he was tolerant towards those who differed from him, and patient under reproaches.
Douglass offers a nuanced portrayal of Abraham Lincoln's character, emphasizing his blend of depth, strength, gentleness, conviction, and tolerance.
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It was born in the tempest and whirlwind of war, and has lived in a storm of violence and blood.
To-day the negro, starting from nothing, pays taxes upon six millions in Georgia, and forty millions in Louisiana.
They cannot be coaxed or driven to vote with their enemies against their friends.
Still another ground of hope I find in the fact that colored men are strong in their gratitude to benefactors, and firm in their political convictions.