On the recordJanuary 1, 1881
I am free to say that, had I been guided only by the promptings of my heart, I should in this controversy have followed the lead of Charles Sumner.
Said by
Frederick Douglass
Source
gutenberg.orgFrederick Douglass: “I am free to say that, had I been guided only by the promptings of my heart, I should in this controversy have followed…”
Editor's note · Context
Douglass explains his decision to diverge from his friend Charles Sumner on the issue of Santo Domingo's annexation, despite his personal feelings.
Share
More from Frederick Douglass
Jan 1, 1881
We (the people of the North) are a charitable people, and in the excess of this feeling we were disposed to put the very best construction upon the strange behavior of our southern brethren.
Jan 1, 1881
We could not but believe that there existed at the South a latent and powerful Union sentiment which would assert itself at last.