Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom

After his sojourn in Ireland and England, Douglass travels north to address audiences in Scotland. At the time of his visit, a religious schism has split the Presbyterian Church. Adherents of the Free Church have been visiting America to raise money for their cause, and most of their funds are coming from Southern slaveholders. Douglass makes it his mission to expose the hypocrisy of a Free Church that depends on slavery for its donations. The author writes, “As his popularity soared, his Scottish speeches were one part moral indictment of both American and Scottish hypocrisy, one part jeremiadic sermon, one part his continued self-revelations, and one part comic entertainment” (158). “Send back the money” becomes the rallying cry of Scottish protestors.

As Douglass’s trip lengthens, he grows melancholy and begins to miss his family. He confides his depression to his adopted sister Ruth, who has come to live with his wife and children: “After all that brilliance and adulation in public arenas, he needed a private outlet, a person to whom he could complain and pour out his woes” (165). Douglass is less than gracious when Ruth announces that she plans to marry and move out of his house.

As the tour continues, Douglass is joined by Garrison, and the two hold more lectures in England.