A few months since, I paid a visit to our countryman, Alexander Crummel, who is still pursuing his studies at Cambridge—­a place, though much inferior to Oxford as far as appearance is concerned, is yet said to be greatly its superior as a place of learning.  In an hour’s walk through the Strand, Regent, or Piccadilly Streets in London, one may meet half a dozen coloured young men, who are inmates of the various Colleges in the metropolis.  These are all signs of progress in the cause of the sons of Africa.  Then let our people take courage, and with that courage let them apply themselves to learning.  A determination to excel is the sure road to greatness, and that is as open to the black man as the white.  It was that which has accomplished the mightiest and noblest triumphs in the intellectual and physical world.  It was that which has made such rapid strides towards civilization, and broken the chains of ignorance and superstition, which have so long fettered the human intellect.  It was determination which raised so many worthy individuals from the humble walks of society, and from poverty, and placed them in positions of trust and renown.  It is no slight barrier that can effectually oppose the determination of the will—­success must ultimately crown its efforts.  “The world shall hear of me,” was the exclamation of one whose name has become as familiar as household words.  A Toussaint, once laboured in the sugar field with his spelling-book in his pocket, amid the combined efforts of a nation to keep him in ignorance.  His name is now recorded among the list of statesmen of the past.  A Soulouque was once a slave, and knew not how to read.  He now sits upon the throne of an Empire.

In our own country, there are men who once held the plough, and that too without any compensation, who are now presiding at the editor’s table.  It was determination that brought out the genius of a Franklin, and a Fulton, and that has distinguished many of the American Statesmen, who but for their energy and determination would never have had a name beyond the precincts of their own homes.

It is not always those who have the best advantages, or the greatest talents, that eventually succeed in their undertakings; but it is those who strive with untiring diligence to remove all obstacles to success, and who, with unconquerable resolution, labour on until the rich reward of perseverance is within their grasp.  Then again let me say to our young men—­Take courage; “There is a good time coming.”  The darkness of the night appears greatest just before the dawn of day.

LETTER XX.

Fugitive Slaves in England.