Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1855-08-25
FEE SPEECH IN KENTUCKY.
BzRrA. MApIs ON Co Ky, July 25, L

.
BzREl, MApIs ON Co KY, July 25, 1865
ToM Editor ofMe National Era
You are aware that some months since was de-
prived of liberty of speech and personal security
by n mob. The place was IN adjoining county,
some twelve miles distant, and where we had no
organization n-where we had preached several times
and had further appointments For preacding and
discussions The purpose of the mob was con ceal-
ed from myself and friends, until l to the
place.
In the immediate neghborhood, it was known
that my opponent would not discuss; and when
came, the ormer audience was not there. The
proprietor Of the house says the mob pledged them
selves to him to demean themselves well, and do
nothing more than read their resolutions to me, if
he would allow them to enter his house. They
were there hours before the time for speaking-
possession secured they violated their pledge,
dragged me from the house, put me on my horse,
and forced me away. The proprietor wanted
peace" and declined giving me the privilege Of
preaching there any farther.
/ | Immediately made appointments around, in
several counties, and availed myself of this occa-
sion to show the true spirit OF Slavery and COloni
eaton. The subject of discussion was-"Shall
Punishment be n condition of the freedom of
slaves p Mr. William Davis affirmed denied
lie Joined the mob, and manifested the true spirit
of popular Colonization, by banishing me, rs they
do the colored man, from the place Of my choice.
| Yes, the mob were Culonzationists And here
! WISH 10 say, Every man VINO laVOfb pOpulnr COl'
onzation has the spirit and principle OF this mob.
We appealed to the grand jury Of the county for
protection. This was not granted.
In the mean time, other friends in that neighbor.
hood opened their DOORS and invited me to speak.
The mob said | should not come. Cassus NJ.
Clay and other friends said, "Iibarty Of speech is
a constitutional right and he shall DO hoard
Mr. Clay with characteristic sclf.sacrifce, energy
and promptness, left his farm. spent his time and
money, canvassed the surrounding country, made
many stirring and powerful speeches in favor of
free men and free speech. lie is the fast friend
of Freedom, combining many exce!lencies native
strength of mind, general acquired knowledge,
temperate and industrious ha bits, great beneyo-
lence Of spirit, with indubitable courage.
| Every day the spirit Of Liberty was still more
and more manifest among the people, The mob
threatened myself and Mr.. Clay with violence and
death. if came. So said rumor.
Many Of the friends Of Freedom began to pro-
pare for defence Of constitutional right. The
roll was being formed The friends of Freedom
and Oppression were formed in opposing parties.
The issue was made. No flinching on the part of
the friends of Freedom. A committee was sent
by the opposing party, to confer with Mr.. Clay
They agreed that / should have fair hearing.
Many Of the mob were not satisfied with the de-
cision Of their own committee. The excitcmen
was very eonsi siderable. The proprietors of the
land where we had permission to come, took back
their grant, and requested us not to come This
borne by one Of the conservative party, with the
names Of thirtylour petitioners praying us. under
the present excitenaent, not to come.
We replied: 1--WE are not respon gible for the
excitement; but we have no constitutional right to
60 into premises where We are refused tho privi.
lege. We will not intrudc; but, not yielding lib
erty Of speech, we shall take the next open door
with prospect of usefulness"
Some OF the Shareholders fof Rockcastle county
in the mean time caught the mobocratic spirit,
called a meeting, and approved the purpose Of
the people Of Lincoln county, in prohibiting Mr..
Clay or myself from coming to the place appointed
or that might hereafter be designated" Ihad reg
ular appointments in that county, (Rockcastle;)
Mr.. Clay also made an appointment at the same
time and place. We replied to their resolutions
by written letters and printed hand bills, inviting
them to meet in friendly discussion in their own
county. The notice WAS short. yet a good audi
once was gathered--men and women, young, mid
dle'aged' and gray-headod Almost every person
present was the firm friend Of Freedom. 1t was a
noble gathering Of resolute men. who were de
termned to sustain Freedom.
The result Of the meeting was salutary over the
country. 1t is now generally understood fact
that in many places, in interior Kdntueky, liberty
Of speech on the subject of Slavery will be had al
all hazards. When this point is attained. much is
gained. Slavery cannot long live under the lish,
of free discussion. With the light of free speech,
we have also the efficiency Of the box, and in sew
eral districts ntiSavery mon have been elected
this spring, to the Office of justice of the peace
The struggle we now in here Is only part Of
what is going on in Kansas and all over the coun
try. Let tho friends of Freedom be unconlpro
missing, active, perseveriDg, until the shackes fal
from the hands Of tho last slave Pray for us. II
God is our strength. JonS G. FEI.
/ The Hewburyport Herald states that loafe
testifying in Police Court in that city the othe
= day, about quarrel between q man and bis wife
/ said tho nan did thus and the rcnan 90. "whl