Speech Delivered in Richmond, Virginia, July 9, 1852.

Douglas visited Richmond on the invitation of the Central Democratic Association, and spoke in the African Church, "the most capacious building of the place . . . A vast audience collected to hear him – filling to overflow the entire hall and galleries, and blocking up the doors, windows, and aisles." (Richmond Examiner).

Douglas spoke in support of the Democratic candidate Franklin Pierce against the Whig, Winfield Scott, in the Presidential Campaign. Douglas argued that a professional Army officer, such as Scott, should not be president of a free Republic and noted the Whigs' nativist policies. The southern Democrats were convinced that Franklin Pierce's administration would secure the future of slavery in the territories, while Northern Democrats were relieved to nominate a candidate that did not have any radical pro- or anti-slavery principles.

The First African Baptist Church was founded in 1841. It's members initially included both slaves and freemen. At one point it was one of the largest Protestant churches in America, often drawing more than 3000 people to its services in the early 1860s.

8vo. Disbound, with taped spine. 8 pages. (Richmond 1852). Fine.