The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass

by Douglass, Frederick

• ISBN13: 9780486431703
• ISBN10: 0486431703
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-12-19
• Publisher: Dover Publications

Summary

Raised as a plantation slave who was taught to read and write by one of his owners, Frederick Douglass became a brilliant writer, eloquent orator, and major participant in the stuggle of African-Americans for freedom and equality. In this engrossing, first-hand narrative originally published in 1845, he vividly recounts early years of physical abuse, deprivation and tragedy; his dramatic escape to the North and eventual freedom, abolitionist campaigns, and crusade for full civil rights for former slaves. A powerful autobiography of a passionate civil rights advocate, this book will be of value to anyone interested in African-American history.

Table of Contents

Introduction [to the 1892 Edition]	3	(8)
FIRST PART
1 Author's Birth	11	(2)
Author's place of birth-Description of country-Its inhabitants-Genealogical trees-Method of counting time in slave districts-Date of author's birth-Names of grandparents-Their cabin-Home with them-Slave practice of separating mothers from their children-Author's recollections of his mother-Who was his father?
2 Removal from Grandmother's	13	(3)
Author's early home-Its charms-Author's ignorance of "old master"-His gradual perception of the truth concerning him-His relations to Col. Edward Lloyd-Author's removal to "old master's" home-His journey thence-His separation from his grandmother-His grief.
3 Troubles of Childhood	16	(2)
Col. Lloyd's plantation-Aunt Katy-Her cruelty and illnature-Capt. Anthony's partiality to Aunt Katy-Allowance of food-Author's hunger-Unexpected rescue by his mother-The reproof of Aunt Katy-Sleep-A slave-mother's love-Author's inheritance-His mother's acquirements-Her death.
4 A General Survey of the slave Plantation	18	(7)
Home plantation of Colonel Lloyd-Its isolation-Its industries-The slave rule-Power of overseers-Author finds some enjoyment-Natural scenery-Windmill-Sloop sally Lloyd-Slave quarter-"Old master's" house-Stables, storehouses, etc., etc.-The Great House-Its surroundings-Lloyd burialplace-Superstition of Slaves-Colonel Lloyd; wealth-Negro politeness-Doctor Copper-Captain Anthony-His family-Master Daniel Lloyd-His brothers-Social etiquette.
5 A Slaveholder's Character	25	(3)
Increasing acquaintance with old master-Evils of unresisted passion-Apparent tenderness-A man of trouble-Custom of muttering to himself-Brutal outrage-A drunken overseer-Slaveholder's impatience-Wisdom of appeal-A base and selfish attempt to break up a courtship.
6 A Child's Reasoning	28	(6)
The author's early reflections on slavery-Aunt Jennie and Uncle Noah-Presentiment of one day becoming a freeman-Conflict between an overseer and a slave woman-Advantage of resistance-Death of an overseer-Col. Lloyd's plantation home-Monthly distribution of food-Singing of slaves-An explanation-The slaves' food and clothing-Naked children-Life in the quarter-Sleeping-places-not beds-Deprivation of sleep-Care of nursing babies-Ashcake-Contrast.
7 Luxuries at the Great House	34	(5)
Contrasts-Great House luxuries-Its hospitality-Entertainments-Fault-finding-Shameful humiliation of an old and faithful coachman-William Wilks-Curious incident-Expressed satisfaction not always genuine-Reasons for suppressing the truth.
8 Characteristics of Overseers	39	(4)
Austin Gore-Sketch of his character-Overseers as a class-Their peculiar characteristics-The marked individuality of Austin Gore-His sense of duty-Murder of poor Denbysensation-How Gore made his peace with Col. Lloyd-Other horrible murders-No laws for the protection of slaves possible of being enforced.
9 Change of Location	43	(87)
Miss Lucretia-Her kindness-How it was manifested-"Ike"-A battle with him-Miss Lucretia's balsam-Bread-How it was obtained-Gleams of sunlight amidst the general darkness-Suffering from cold-How we took our meal mush-Preparations for going to Baltimore-Delight at the change-Cousin Tom's opinion of Baltimore-Arrival there-Kind reception-Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Auld-Their son Tommy-My relations to them-My duties-A turning-point in my life.
10 Learning to Read 47
City annoyances-Plantation regrets-My mistress-Her history-Her kindness-My master-His sourness-My comforts-Increased sensitiveness-My occupation-Learning to read-Baneful effects of slaveholding on my dear, good mistress-Mr. Hugh forbids Mrs. Sophia to teach me further-Clouds gather on my bright prospects-Master Auld's exposition of the Philosophy of slavery.
11 Growing in Knowledge	50	(6)
My mistress-Her slaveholding duties-Their effects on her originally noble nature-The conflict in her mind-She opposes my learning to read-Too late-She had given me the "inch," I was resolved to take the "ell"-How I pursued my study to read-My tutors-What progress I made-Slavery-What I heard said about it-Thirteen years old-The Columbian Orator-Dialogue -speeches -Sheridan-Pitt -Lords Chatham and Fox-Knowledge increasing- Liberty- Singing-Sadness-Unhappiness of Mrs. Sophia-My hatred of slavery.
12 Religious Nature Awakened	56	(4)
Abolitionists spoken of-Eagerness to know the meaning of word-Consults the dictionary-Incendiary information-The enigma solved-"Nat Turner" insurrection-Cholera-Religion-Methodist minister-Religious impressions-Father Lawson-His character and occupation-His influence over me-Our mutual attachment-New hopes and aspirations-Heavenly light-Two Irishmen on wharf-Conversation with them-Learning to write-My aims.
13 The Vicissitudes of Slave Life	60	(6)
Death of old master's son Richard, speedily followed by that of old master-Valuation and division of all the property, including the slaves-Sent for to come to Hillsborough to be valued and divided-Sad prospects and grief-Patting-Slaves have no voice in deciding their own destinies-General dread of falling into Master Andrew's hands-His drunkenness-Good fortune in falling to Miss Lucretia-She allows my return to Baltimore-Joy at Master Hugh's-Death of Miss Lucretia-Master Thomas Auld's second marriage-The new wife unlike the old-Again removed from Master Hugh's-Reasons for regret-Plan of escape.
14 Experience in St. Michaels	66	(18)
St. Michaels and its inhabitants-Capt. Auld-His new wife-Sufferings from hunger-Forced to steal-Argument in vindication thereof-Southern camp-meeting-What Capt. Auld did there-Hopes-Suspicions-The result-Faith and works at variance-Position in the church-Poor cousin Henny-Methodist preachers-Their disregard of the slaves-One exception-Sabbath-school-How and by whom broken up-Sad change in my prospects-Covey, the Negro-breaker.
15 Covey, the Negro Breaker 75
Journey to Covey's-Meditations by the way-Covey's house Family-Awkwardness as a field hand-A cruel beating-Why given-Description of Covey-First attempt at driving oxen-Hair-breadth escape-Ox and man alike property-Hard labor more effective than the whip for breaking down the spirit-Cunning and trickery of Covey-Family worship-Shocking and indecent contempt for chastity-Great mental agitation-Anguish beyond description.
16 Another Pressure of the Tyrant's Vise	84	(6)
Experience at Covey's summed up-First six months severer than the remaining six-Preliminaries to the Change-Reasons for narrating the circumstances-Scene in the treading-yard-Author taken ill-Escapes to St. Michaels-The pursuit-Suffering in the woods-Talk with Master Thomas-His beating-Driven back to Covey's-The slaves never sick-Natural to expect them to feign sickness-Laziness of slaveholders.
17 The Last Flogging	90	(8)
A sleepless night-Return to Covey's-Punished by him-The chase defeated-Vengeance postponed-Musings in the woods-The alternative-Deplorable spectacle-Night in the woods-Expected attack-Accosted by Sandy-A friend, not a master-Sandy's hospitality-The ash-cake supper-Interview with sandy-His advice-Sandy a conjuror as well as a Christian-The magic root-Strange meeting with Covey-His manner-Covey's Sunday face-Author's defensive resolve-The fight-The victory, and its results.
18 New Relations and Duties	98	(7)
Change of masters-Benefits derived by change-Fame of the fight with Covey-Reckless unconcern-Author's abhorrence of slavery-Ability to read a cause of prejudice-The holidays-How spent-Sharp hit at slavery-Effects of holidays-Difference between Covey and Freeland-An irreligious master preferred to a religious one-Hard life at Covey's useful to the author-Improved condition does not bring contentment-Congenial society at Freeland's-Author's Sabbath-school-Secrecy necessary-Affectionate relations of tutor and pupils-Confidence and friendship among slaves-Slavery the inviter of vengeance.
19 The Runaway Plot	105	(17)
New Year's thoughts and meditations-Again hired by Freeland-Kindness no compensation for slavery-Incipient steps toward escape -Consideration's leading thereto-Hostility to slavery-solemn vow taken-Plan divulged to slaves-The Columbian Orator again-Scheme gains favor-Danger of discovery-Skill of slaveholders-suspicion and coercion-Hymns with double meaning-Consultation-Password-Hope and fear-Ignorance of geography-Imaginary difficulties-Patrick Henry-Sandy a dreamer-Route to the North mapped out-Objections-Frauds-Passes-Anxieties-Fear of failure-Strange presentiment- Coincidence-Betrayal-Arrests-Resistance-Mrs. Freeland-Brutal jests-Passes eaten-Denial-Sandy-Dragged behind horses-Slave traders-Prison-Alone in prison-Sent to Baltimore.
20 Apprenticeship Life	122	(8)
Nothing lost in my attempt to run away-Comrades at home-Reasons for sending me away-Return to Baltimore-Tommy changed-Caulking in Gardiner's shipyard-Desperate fight-Its causes-Conflict between white and black labor-Outrage-Testimony-Master Hugh-Slavery in Baltimore-My condition improves-New associations-Slaveholder's right to the slave's wages-How to make a discontented slave.
21 Escape from slavery	130	(7)
Closing incidents in my "Life as a Slave"-Discontent-Suspicions-Master's generosity-Difficulties in the way of escape-Plan to obtain money-Allowed to hire my time-A gleam of hope-Attend camp-meeting-Anger of Master Hugh-The result-Plans of escape-Day for departure fixed-Harassing doubts and fears-Painful thoughts of separation from friends.
SECOND PART
1 Escape from slavery	137	(4)
Reasons for not having revealed the manner of escape-Nothing of romance in the method-Danger-Free papers-Unjust tax-Protection papers-"Free trade and sailors' rights"American eagle-Railroad train -Unobserving conductor-Capt. McGowan-Honest German-Fears-Safe arrival in Philadelphia-Ditto in New York.
2 Life as a Freeman	141	(10)
Loneliness and insecurity-"Allender's Jake"-Succored by a sailor-David Ruggles-Marriage -Steamer J.W. Richmond-Stage to New Bedford-Arrival there-Driver's detention of baggage-Nathan Johnson-Change of name-Why called "Douglass"-Obtaining Work-The Liberator and its Editor.
3 Introduced to the Abolitionists	151	(3)
Antislavery convention at Nantucket-First speech-Much sensation-Extraordinary speech of Mr. Garrison-Antislavery Agency-Youthful enthusiasm-Fugitive slaveship doubted-Experience in slavery written-Danger of recapture.
4 Recollections of Old Friends	154	(5)
Work in Rhode Island-Dorr war-Recollections of old friends-Further labors in Rhode Island and elsewhere in New England.
5 One Hundred Conventions	159	(5)
Antislavery conventions held in parts of New England and in some of the Middle and Western states-Mobs--Incidents, etc.
6 Impressions Abroad	164	(20)
Danger to be averted-A refuge sought abroad-Voyage on the steamship Cambric-Refusal of first-class passage-Attractions of the forecastle deck-Hutchinson family-Invited to make a speech-Southerners feel insulted-Captain threatens to put them in irons-Experiences abroad-Attentions received-Impressions of different members of Parliament, and of other public men-Contrast with life in America-Kindness of friends-Their purchase of my person, and the gift of the same to myself-My return.
7 Triumphs and Trials	184	(9)
New Experiences-Painful disagreement of opinion with old Friends-Final decision to publish my paper in Rochester-Its fortunes and its friends-Change in my own views regarding the Constitution of the United states-Fidelity to Conviction-Loss of old friends-Support of new ones-Loss of house, etc., by fire-Triumphs and trials-Underground railroad-Incidents.
8 John Brown and Mrs. Stowe	193	(16)
My first meeting with Capt. John Brown-The free soil movement-Colored convention-Uncle Tom's Cabin-Industrial school for colored people-Letter to Mrs. H.B. Stowe.
9 Increasing Demands of the Slave Power	209	(142)
Increased demands of slavery-War in Kansas-John Brown's raid-His capture and execution-My escape to England from United states marshals.
10 The Beginning of the End	225	(15)
My connection with John Brown-To and from England-Presidential contest-Election of Abraham Lincoln.
11 Secession and War	240	(13)
Recruiting of the 54th and 55th colored regiments-Visit to President Lincoln and secretary Stanton-Promised a Commission as Adjutant-General to General Thomas-Disappointment.
12 Hope for the Nation	253	(17)
Proclamation of emancipation-Its reception in Boston-Objections brought against it-Its effect on the country-Interview with President Lincoln-New York riots-Re-election of Mr. Lincoln-His inauguration, and inaugural-Vice President Johnson-Presidential reception-The fall of Richmond -Fanueil Hall-The assassination-Condolence.
13 Vast Changes	270	(20)
Satisfaction and anxiety-New fields of labor opening-Lyceums and colleges soliciting addresses-Literary attractions-Pecuniary gain-Still pleading for human rights-President Andy Johnson-Colored delegation-Their reply to him-National Loyalist's Convention, 1866, and its procession-Not wanted-Meeting with an old friend-Joy and surprise-Miss Amanda's friendship-Enfranchisement discussed-Its accomplishment-The Negro a citizen.
14 Living and Learning	290	(30)
Inducement to a political career-Objections-A newspaper enterprise-The New National Era-Its abandonment-The Freedmen's Saving and Trust Company-Sad experience-Vindication.
15 Weighed in the Balance 296
The Santo Domingo controversy-Decoration Day at Arlington, 1871-Speech delivered there-National colored convention at New Orleans, 1872-Elector at large for the State of New York-Death of Hon. Henry Wilson-United States Marshal of the District of Columbia-Opposition to exodus of colored people from the south.
16 "Time Makes All Things Even"	320	(10)
Return to "old master"-A last interview-Capt. Auld's admission "had I been in your place, I should have done as you did"-Speech at Easton-The old jail there-Invited to a sail on the revenue cutter Guthrie-Hon. John L. Thomas-Visit to the old plantation-Home of Col. Lloyd-Kind reception and attentions-Familiar scenes-Old memories-Burial-ground-Hospitality-Gracious reception from Mrs. Buchanan-A little girl's floral gift-A promise of a "good time coming"-Speech at Harpers Ferry, Decoration Day, 1881-Storer College-Hon. A.J. Hunter.
17 Incidents and Events	330	(10)
Hon. Gerrit Smith and Mr. E.C. Delevare-Experiences at hotels and on steamboats and other modes of travel-Hon. Edward Marshall-Grace Greenwood-Hon. Moses Norris-Robert G. Ingersoll-Reflections and conclusions-Compensations.
18 "Honor to Whom Honor"	340	(6)
Grateful recognition-Friends in need-Lucretia Mott-Lydia Maria Child-Sarah and Angelina Grimke-Abby Kelley-H. Beecher Stowe-Other friends-Woman's suffrage.
19 Retrospection	346	(5)
Meeting of colored citizens in Washington to express their sympathy at the great national bereavement, the death of President Garfield-Concluding reflections and conviction.
Appendix	351	(24)
Oration by Frederick Douglass, delivered on the occasion of the unveiling of the Freedman's monument, in memory of Abraham Lincoln, in Lincoln Park, Washington, D.C., April 14, 1876-Extract from a speech delivered at Elmira, N.Y., August 1, 1880, to celebrate West Indies emancipation.
THIRD PART
1 Later Life	375	(4)
Again summoned to the defense of his people-The difficulties of the task-The race problem-His life work-The antislavery movement.
2 A Grand Occasion	379	(4)
Inauguration of President Garfield-A valuable precedent-An affecting scene-The greed of the office-seekers-Conference with President Garfield-Distrust of the Vice President.
3 Doubts as to Garfield's Course	383	(3)
Garfield not a stalwart-Encounter of Garfield with Tucker-Hope in promises of a new departure-The sorrow-stricken nation.
4 Recorder of Deeds	386	(4)
Activity in behalf of his people-Income of the Recorder of Deeds-False impressions as to his wealth-Appeals for assistance-Persistent beggars.
5 President Cleveland's Administration	390	(5)
Circumstances of Cleveland's election-Political standing of the District of Columbia-Estimate of Cleveland's character-Respect for Mr. Cleveland-Decline of strength in the Republican party-Time of gloom for the colored people-Reason for the defeat of Blaine.
6 The Supreme Court Decision	395	(10)
Action of the Supreme Court-Its effects on the colored people-Address at Lincoln Hall.
7 Defeat of James G. Blaine	405	(2)
Causes of the Republican defeat-Tariff and free trade-No confidence in the Democratic party.
8 European Tour	407	(4)
Revisits Parliament-Changes in Parliament-Recollections of Lord Brougham-Listens to Gladstone-Meeting with old friends.
9 Continuation of European Tour	411	(23)
Through France-Dijon and Lyons-The Palace of the Popes-The amphitheater at Arles-Visits Nice-Pisa and its leaning tower-The Pantheon-Modem Rome-Religion at Rome-Rome of the past-Vesuvius and Naples-Through the Suez Canal-Life in the East-The Nile-The religion of Mahomet-At the graves of Theodore Parker and Mrs. Browning-The mountains of the Tyrol.
10 The Campaign of 1888	434	(3)
Preference for John Sherman-Speech at the convention-On the stump-The tariff question.
11 Administration of President Harrison	437	(2)
Appointed minister at Haiti-Unfriendly criticism-Admiral Gherardi.
12 Minister to Haiti	439	(7)
The Môle st. Nicolas-Social relations-Sympathy for Haiti-The facts about the Môle St. Nicolas-Conference with the Haitian Government-Negotiations for the Môle st. Nicolas-Close of the interview.
13 Continued Negotiations for the Môle st. Nicolas	446	(9)
Unfortunate delay-Renewed authority from the United States-Haiti's refusal-Reasons for the refusal-The Clyde contract-A dishonest proposition-A strange demand-Haiti's mistake-Bad effect of the Clyde proposition-Final words.
Annotated Bibliography	455	(3)
Index	458