![]() But neither their familiar faces, nor the perfect gage I think I have of Corinthian Hall, seems to free me from embarrassment. It is true that I have often had the privilege to speak in this beautiful Hall, and to address many who now honor me with their presence. This certainly, sounds large, and out of the common way, for me. The papers and placards say, that I am to deliver a 4th July oration. The little experience I have had in addressing public meetings, in country school houses, avails me nothing on the present occasion. Should I seem at ease, my appearance would much misrepresent me. I trust, however, that mine will not be so considered. I know that apologies of this sort are generally considered flat and unmeaning. ![]() The task before me is one which requires much previous thought and study for its proper performance. A feeling has crept over me, quite unfavorable to the exercise of my limited powers of speech. I do not remember ever to have appeared as a speaker before any assembly more shrinkingly, nor with greater distrust of my ability, than I do this day. HE who could address this audience without a quailing sensation, has stronger nerves than I have. ORATION, DELIVERED IN CORINTHIAN HALL, ROCHESTER, BY FREDERICK DOUGLASS, JULY 5TH, 1852. As always, the supporting JSTOR material is free to read and download. Below is the speech, annotated with relevant scholarship that gives context to the historical moment in which Douglass spoke: the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin a few months prior, and the violence of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law and Missouri Compromise.
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