Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, besides visiting the Continent four times.
Anxious to be again in my native land, battling the monster Slavery, I returned home to America in the autumn of 1854; since which time I have travelled the length and breadth of the free states.
From the Scotch Independent, June 20, 1852.
WILLIAM WELLS BROWN.
One of the best arguments against the institution of slavery in America, and in favor of letting the African and his descendants go free, is to be found in the natural genius, manly courage, and ability exhibited by specimens of the race which have come to us from the other side of the Atlantic. Our citizens have not forgotten the visit of Mr. William Wells Brown, who so charmed them with his eloquent addresses on that occasion. But it is not on the platform that this gentleman makes the best show of talent. We have just received his
"Three Years in Europe," and it is as a writer that he creates the most pro-found sensation.
He is no ordinary man, or he could not have so remarkably surmounted the many difficulties and impediments of his training as a slave. By dint of resolution, self-culture, and force of character, he has rendered himself a popular lecturer to a British audience, and vigorous expositor of the evils and atrocities of that system whose chains he has shaken off so triumphantly and forever. We may safely pronounce William Wells Brown a remarkable man, and a full refutation of the doctrine of the inferiority of the negro.
This is an interesting volume, ably written, bearing on every page the impress of honest purpose and noble aspiration. One is amused by the well-told anecdotes, and charmed with the painter-like descriptions of towns, cities, and natural scenery. Indeed, our author gives many very recognizable sketches of the places he has seen and people he has met.
We are not alone in our high estimation of the author's abilities, for we observe that the press of this country is unanimous in its praise of his book. The Literary Gazette, an excellent authority, says of it,—
"The appearance of this book is too remarkable a literary event to pass without a notice. At the moment when attention in this country is directed to the state of the colored people in America, the book appears with additional advantage; if nothing else were attained by its publication, it is well to have another proof of the capability of the negro intellect. Altogether, Mr. Brown has written a pleasing and amusing volume, and we are glad to bear this testimony to the literary merit of a work by a negro author."
The Eclectic Review, edited by the venerable Dr. Price, one of the best critics in the realm, has the following:—
"Though he never had a day's schooling in his life, he has produced a literary work not unworthy of a highly-educated gentleman. Our readers will find
