Thomas C. Bowles to Frederick Douglass, April 17, 1855

For Frederick Douglass' Paper.

The "Black Swan"

Philadelphia, April 17th, 1855.

Mr. FREDERICK DOUGLASS: Dear Sir, Below you will find a criticism, which I cut out from the columns of the Pennsylvania Inquirer of, I think, the 9th Instant, (published in this city, a paper that makes no pretensions whatever to Anti-Slavery sentiments,) in regard to the Black Swan. as an Artiste; which, if you think it worthy of a pace in your valuable Journal. I would be pleased to have you give it an insertion.

I think it is calculated to advance our cause both with friends and foes. It gives encouragement and comfort to us who are down-trodden and oppressed in this, the land of our birth to press onward in pursuit of knowledge, and in the acquisition of the Arts and Sciences &c; and planted our trees in the United States, and expect to repose under their boughs not intending to emigrate any where out of the country, but to battle for our [illegible] in this our native land--a conflict in which you and many of our brethren are so zealously engaged--it is necessary to do so, and it demonstrates to our foes that notwithstanding all the obstacles that are thrown across our path, our cause is upward and onward, and we shall not cease our efforts until we shall enjoy equal rights and privileges with other men. We have now a Black Swan, Black Marie, and last, though not least, the Black Siddons, a lady who shall make her first public appearance as a [illegible] reader at the Assembly building on Thursday evening next. The critics and editors who were present at a pr1vate reading, speak of her performance in the highest terms. It does appear to me, that the 'good time' that we heard so long is coming, and when it does arrive, like one of old, I shall exclaim "Now, Lord, let thy servant [illegible] peace.

I remain,

Yours, respectfully,

THOS. C. BOWLES