iography as exceptional in its character, and as being, in some
sense, naturally beyond the reach of those reproaches which honorable
and sensitive minds dislike to incur. It is not to illustrate any heroic
achievements of a man, but to vindicate a just and beneficent principle,
in its application to the whole human family, by letting in the light of
truth upon a system, esteemed by some as a blessing, and by others as a
curse and a crime. I agree with you, that this system is now at the bar
of public opinion--not only of this country, but of the whole civilized
world--for judgment. Its friends have made for it the usual plea--"not
guilty;" the case must, therefore, proceed. Any facts, either from
slaves, slaveholders, or by-standers, calculated to enlighten the public
mind, by revealing the true nature, character, and tendency of the slave
system, are in order, and can scarcely be innocently withheld.

I see, too, that there are special reasons why I should write my own
biography, in preference to employing another to do it. Not only is
slavery on trial, but unfortunately, the enslaved people are also on
trial. It is alleged, that they are, naturally, inferior; that they are
_so low_ in the scale of humanity, and so utterly stupid, that they are
unconscious of their wrongs, and do not apprehend their rights. Looking,
then, at your request, from this stand-point, and wishing everything of
which you think me capable to go to the benefit of my afflicted people,
I part with my doubts and hesitation, and proceed to furnish you
the desired manuscript; hoping that you may be able to make such
arrangements for its publication as shall be best adapted to accomplish
that good which you so enthusiastically anticipate.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS
{3}

There was little necessity for doubt and hesitation on the part of Mr.
Douglass, as to the propriety of his giving to the world a full account
of himself. A man who was born and brought up in slavery, a living
witness of its horrors; who often himself experienced its cruelties; and
who, despite the depressing influences surrounding his birth, youth and
manhood, has risen, from a dark and almost absolute obscurity, to the
distinguished position which he now occupies, might very well assume the
existence of a commendable curiosity, on the part of the public, to know
the facts of his remarkable history.

EDITOR

INTRODUCTION

When a man raises himself from the lowest condition in