The American Prejudice Against Color Part 9

"LONDON, _July, 1854._"

From Rev. I. G. Abeltshauser, LL.D. Trinity College, Dublin, and others;--

"DUBLIN, 14th April, 1856.

"The undersigned having made due enquiry from the most trustworthy sources relative to the character and attainments of Professor William G. Allen, have much pleasure in recommending him as a gentleman of high attainments and honorable character.

I. G. ABELTSHAUSER, Clk. LL.D. Trin. Col. Dub.

WM. URWICK, D. D. 40, Rathmines Road, Dublin.

JAMES HAUGHTON, 35 Eccles-street, Dublin.

RICHARD ALLEN, Sackville-street, Dublin.

JONATHAN PIM, 22, William-street, Dublin.

JOHN EVANS, M. D. 38, Richmond-street, Dublin.

R. D. WEBB, 176, Great Brunswick-street, Dublin.

JOHN R. WIGHAM, 36, Capel-street, Dublin."

From RICHARD D. WEBB, Esq. of Dublin.

"DUBLIN, 3rd November, 1858.

"DEAR MR. ALLEN,

"Your name was familiar to me long before I knew you personally. I had often heard of 'Professor W. G. Allen,' who, while connected with the Central College, in the State of New York, and respected there as a man and a teacher, was obliged to leave his native country for the offence of marrying a white lady of respectable family and great excellence of character, who is now much liked and esteemed by her numerous friends in this city. I became acquainted with you soon after your arrival in London; and particularly during your residence in Ireland I have had nearly as much opportunity of knowing you as any of your acquaintances here. I can truly say, that you have earned the hearty respect of all who know you (of whom I have any knowledge), by the industry, energy, and self-respect you have evinced in the course of a long and difficult battle with those adverse circ.u.mstances, with which a comparatively unknown and friendless stranger has to contend, in his efforts to effect a settlement in a strange country. Your conduct has been industrious, honorable and in every way deserving of esteem and sympathy. Some time since, in the columns of the 'Anti-Slavery Advocate,' without hint or solicitation on your part, I took the liberty to speak of your course as I do now; for amongst all the colored Americans with whom my interest in the Anti-Slavery cause has made me acquainted--and many of whom are my own personal friends--I have known none more deserving of respect and confidence than yourself.

"Yours truly, "RICHARD D. WEBB."

Having, in my avocation as lecturer on "The African Race" and "America and the Americans," visited nearly the whole of Ireland, I respectfully submit the following letters and notices, the letters being from gentlemen who kindly presided at the meetings:--

From the Rev. DOCTOR FITZGERALD, Archdeacon of Kildare, (now Lord Bishop of Cork).

"Professor Allen delivered some lectures on the African Race, in Kingstown, which seemed to have given general satisfaction. I regret that I was unable to attend more than one, but I can truly say that it bore evidence of a highly cultivated mind, and imparted valuable information in a pleasing form. From what I have seen and heard of Professor Allen, I should be glad to think that any testimony of mine could be of service to him.

"W. FITZGERALD, Archdeacon of Kildare, (Now Lord Bishop of Cork.)

"Dublin, Nov. 1856"

From Rev. DOCTOR URWICK, Dublin.

"I have known Professor Allen since his first coming to Ireland, and believe him to be a gentleman of high character and attainments. His lecturings, more than one of which I have heard, display much power, and by the amount of information they contain, united with a clear and often eloquent style, and earnest manner, cannot fail, at once, to interest and instruct the audience. I cordially commend him to the confidence and kind attention of my friends.

"W. URWICK.

"Dublin, Nov. 30, 1857."

From CORK--see "Const.i.tution," "Examiner" and "Reporter," March 1858.

"Cork, Feb. 28, 1858.

"To WILLIAM G. ALLEN, Esq. late Professor of Greek in New York Central College.

"DEAR SIR--We, the undersigned, having heard your lectures on 'America' and 'Africa,' and derived therefrom much instruction as well as gratification, do, on our own part and that of many of our fellow citizens who are anxious to hear you, respectfully request that you will give, at least, two lectures more upon these interesting subjects.

"(Signed) HENRY MARTIN, Congregational Minister.

R. W. FORREST (Free Church).

RICHD. CORBETT, M. D.

J. D. CARNEGIE.

HENRY UNKLES.

GEORGE BAKER.

RICHARD DOWDEN, (Rd.) WILLIAM MAGILL, (Scots' Church).

JOSEPH R. GREENE, Professor, Queen's Coll.

THOMAS JENNINGS.

N. JACKSON, C. E.

JOSEPH COLBECK."

From "Belfast News-letter," Dec. 10, 1858.

"REV. DOCTOR COOKE occupied the chair. Professor Allen then delivered a lecture of great ability and interest. Dr. Cooke said he had listened to a remarkable oration. He was glad he had heard it. He thanked Professor Allen, in the name of the meeting, for his truly valuable and instructive lecture."

From the DEAN OF WATERFORD.

"Professor W. G. Allen, an American gentleman of color, having visited Waterford, delivered two lectures here, one on 'America,' and the other on 'Africa and the African Races.' On each occasion I had the pleasure to occupy the chair at the meetings held to hear Mr. Allen's lectures, which proved most interesting and instructive. The Professor is himself a witness that there is nothing in color or race to hinder a man from being distinguished for eloquence, good taste, and religious feeling.

"I have seldom heard public addresses which have interested me more, and I have no doubt that Mr. Allen's lectures will prove useful, wherever they are delivered, in creating an interest on behalf of our fellow men, who have suffered so great wrongs from professing Christians, though happily no longer at the hands of British subjects.

"EDW. N. h.o.a.rE, Dean of Waterford.

"Deanery, Waterford, Jan. 16, 1858."

From Rev. DOCTOR BROWNE, Princ.i.p.al of Kilkenny College.

"Kilkenny College, Feb. 3, 1858.

"I have attended Professor Allen's lectures on 'America and the Americans,' and on the 'African Races,' and have received much pleasure as well as information from the talent and power with which he has handled the subjects of which he treated.

"His knowledge, his ardent and impressive manner, and clear melodious voice, render him a most pleasing as well as instructive lecturer.

"JOHN BROWNE, Clk. LL.D."