The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-08-16
WASHINGTON, d. c..
FREE SPEECH IN KENTUCKY.
BEREA, MADISON Co, KY,

DEREA, MADISON 20, NY,
July %, 1855.
To the Editor Of the National Era.
You are aware that some months since l
was deprived of liberty of speech and personal
security BY mob. The place was in an ad-
Joining county, some twelve miles distant, and
where we had no organization-where we had
preached several times, and had further ap-
pointments for preaching and discussion. The
purpose of the mob was concealed from myself
and friends, until i came to the place.
In the immediate neighborhood, it was known
that my opponent would not discuss; and when
j came, the former audience was not there. The
proprietor of the house says the mob pledged
themselves to him to demean themselves well,
anG do nothing more than read their resolutions
&c me, if he would allow them to enter his
house. They were there hours before the time
for speaking. Possession secured, they viola
ted their pledge, dragged me from the house,
put me on my horse, and forced me away. The
proprietor wanted "pedce," and declined Civ
ing me the privilege of preaching there any
farther.
l Immediately made appointments around,
in several counties, and availed myself of this
occasion to show the true spirit of Slavery and
Colonization. The subject of discussion was
Shall banishment be a condition of the free
dom of the slaves?" Mr. William Davis af-
frmed, / denied. He joined the mob, and
manifested the true spirit of popular COLOMBIA
ton, by banishing me, as they do the colored
man, from the place of my choice.
Yes, the mob were Coonizationsts! And
here wish to say Erery man ,oho farors popu-
lar Colonization has The spirit and principle OF
this mob. We appealed to the grand jury of
the county for protection. This was not granted.
In, dc IN, 4 hot
neighborhood opened their doors, and invited
me to speak. The mob said should not come.
Cassius NJ. Clay and other friends said, Lib
erty Of speech is a constitutional right, and he
shall be heard Mr.. Clay, with characteristic
selfsacri6ce, 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. He is the fast friend of Freedom,
combining many excellences-native strength
of mind, general acquired knowledge, temper
ate and industrious habits, great benevolence
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 vio-
lence and death, If we came. SO said rumor
Many of the friends of Freedom began to
prepare for defence of constitutional right.
u
Freedom and Oppression we're formed in op-
posing parties. The issue was made. No
fiinching 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 decision of their own
committee. The excitement was very consid-
cradle. The proprietors of the land, where we
had permission TO come, took back their grant,
and requested us not to come. This request
was sent in a written communication, borne by
one OF the conservative party, with the names
OF thirty-four petitioners, praying US, under the
present excitement, not to come.
We replied: we are not responsible for the
excitement; but we have no constitutional right
TO go into premises where are refused the
privilege. We will not intrude but. not yield
ing liberty of speech, we shall take the next
open door, with prospect of usefulness"
Some of the shareholders of Rockcastle coun-
ty IN the mean time caught the mobocratic
spirit, called a meeting, and approved the
purpose of the people of Lincoln county, in pro-
hibiting Mr.. Clay or myself from coming to the
place appointed or that might hereafter be des-
ignated.' / had regular 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 handblls, inviting them to meet us
IN friendly discussion in their own county. The
notice was short, yet good audience was gath
ered-men and women, young, middle-aged,
and gray-headed. Almost every person presenl
was the firm friend of Freedom. 1t was no.
BILE gathering of resolute men, who were deter
mined to sustain Freedom.
The result of the meeting was Salutary over
the country. 1t is northumberland
.tact, that in many places, in interior kentucky,
liberty of speech on the subject of Slavery will
be had at all hazards. When this point is at
tanned, much is gained. Slavery cannot long
live under the light Of free discussion. With
the light Of free speech, we have also the eff
cheney of the ballotbox; and in several districts
Anti-Slavery men have been elected, this spring,
to the Office of justice of the peace.
The struggle we are now in here is only part
of what is going on in Kansas aud all over the
country. Let the friends of Freedom be uncom-
promising, active, persevering, until the shac-
kles fall from the hands of the last slave. Pray
for us. In God is our strength.
JOHN G.. FEE.