Life and Times of Frederick Douglass

Following the 1845 publication of his narrative, Douglass “was led to seek a refuge in monarchical England from the dangers of republican slavery” (194). In and out of Parliament, he observes some of the mid-19th century’s leading statesmen, such as Sir Robert Peel and Benjamin Disraeli, who face off in debates over repeal of the corn laws. Daniel O’Connell, who “would shake the hand of no slaveholder,” welcomes Douglass to Ireland (199). In what he calls “the meeting of two centuries,” Douglass and several of his abolitionist compatriots are introduced to Thomas Clarkson, anti-slavery activist of 60 years and a one-time colleague of William Wilberforce.

While touring the British Isles, Douglass experiences none of the color prejudice that prevails in the United States. When traveling abroad, national pride can serve as a check upon excessive criticisms of one’s own homeland, but in Douglass’s case that does not hold true, for “America will not allow her children to love her” (203). On several occasions, in public settings, Douglass calls attention to the slaveholding republic’s injustices and hypocrisies. Fear of capture and re-enslavement constitute one of the grossest of slavery’s many injustices. Happily, thanks to prominent English friends such as Miss Ellen Richardson and Mrs.