Such is the power of public opinion, that it is hard, even for the innocent, to feel the happy consolations of innocence, when they fall under the maledictions of this power.
From his autobiography, Douglass reflects on the psychological impact of public condemnation on those accused, even when innocent.
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He was called upon not merely to administer the government, but to decide, in the face of terrible odds, the fate of the Republic.
I wished it was possible I could remain small all my life, knowing that the sooner I grew large the shorter would be my time to remain with them.
A son of toil himself, he was linked in brotherly sympathy with the sons of toil in every loyal part of the republic.