ABSTRACT
The Liberator introduced to the meeting Mr. Douglas [sic], who had been an American slave. Mr. Douglas said he would not be expected to speak of Repeal as a political question, but he felt bound to say that the expressions of sympathy which he had just heard for his enslaved countrymen, had stirred feelings within him which he could not express. He had often heard of the Liberator when he was a slave in a way that was dear to his heart; he had heard of him in the curses of his masters, and thus he was taught to love him (loud cheers). O’Connell was denounced by the slaveholders in America, as he was denounced by those in this country who hated Repeal. The poor trampled slave of Carolina had heard the name of the Liberator with joy and hope, and he himself had heard the wish that some black O’Connell would yet rise up amongst his countrymen, and cry “Agitate, agitate, agitate.” He had stopped in this country for a month hoping to see the Liberator, and when he heard of his approach in the streets to-day, he rushed forward to catch a sight of him who had ever befriended the poor negro (cheers). He never had such feelings in the whole course of his life as he looked on that meeting with freedom for its object, and thought that seven years ago he was a slave whose back had been mangled with the scourge (sensation). The spirit that animated those whom he then addressed had a kindred spirit in America, and thousands there who hated slavery were devoted to the cause of Ireland (cheers). They said that they would be Repealers if they were in Ireland (hear). There was a great bluster and noise in the United States when O’Connell denounced slavery; but he (Mr. Douglas) was happy to assure them that his words produced great effect among the Americans (hear, hear). Mr. Douglas resumed his seat amid applause.
