Brethren:--Whereas the present age is one distinguished for inquiry,
investigation and enterprise, in physical, moral and political
sciences above all past ages of the world, one in which the nations
of the earth seem to have arisen from the slumber of ages, and are
putting forth their utmost energies to obtain all those blessings,
which nature and nature's God seem to have intended that man should
enjoy, and the principles set forth by the American Sages, in the
Declaration of Independence of these United States, "that all men are
created equal, and are endowed by their Creator with certain
inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness," with each revolving year have extended wider and wider
throughout the habitable globe, and sunk deeper and deeper into the
hearts of millions of men, and as we humbly hope, are destined to
revolutionize the civil and political conditions of all the nations
of the earth, it would indeed be passing strange if the Free Colored
man in this country, which gave birth to those elevated and sublime
sentiments, should feel nothing of the force of their mighty import,
and with anxious eye and panting heart, endeavor in this, or some
other country, to realize the blessings so freely enjoyed by the
white citizens of this land. Actuated by these feelings we have
presumed to address our brethren of our native State, and we do
hereby respectfully solicit them to assemble with us in this city, on
the 25th of next month (July), to take into serious consideration our
present condition and future prospects in this country, and contrast
them with the inducements and prospects opened to us in Liberia, or
any other country. In conformity with a resolution passed at the
meeting held on the 24th ultimo, the Committee do hereby respectfully
propose, that each county in the State shall have the privilege of
sending any number of Delegates not exceeding six, as they may deem
proper, and our brethren throughout the State are requested to hold
meetings (by legal permission) in their several counties, for the
purpose of selecting their Delegates, and to collect money to defray
the expenses they may incur by attending the said Convention.
As the object for which this Convention is called, is one of vital
importance to the Free Colored People of Maryland, it is greatly to
be desired, and confidently expected that a full attendance of
Delegates will be present on the occasion, who will calmly,
deliberately and intelligently consider the object for which they
have been called together, and that each Delegate will come prepared
to contribute his portion of information, and fully and freely to
express his views on the great subject of our future destiny.
Delegates are requested to bring credentials of their appointment
from the chairman and secretary of the meeting at which they were
appointed, but in counties where no formal meeting is held, Delegates
are requested to procure a certificate from some respectable person,
either white or colored, a well known resident of the county from
whence he or they may come. All Delegates complying with the above
requisitions, shall be duly admitted to the Convention.
All communications in relation to the Convention must be directed to
the care of H. H. Webb, St. James' School Room, corner of Saratoga
and North streets.
James A. Handy, _Chairman_. John H. Walker, _Secretary_.
--_The African Repository_, XXXIII, pp. 197-199.
BALTIMORE, June 4, 1852.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONVENTION OF FREE COLORED PEOPLE OF
THE STATE OF MARYLAND