M. Seaman Jul 1, 2021 (National Archives) Frederick Douglass, circa 1879 M. Seaman Frederick Douglass must have chosen his words carefully, keeping his audience, the Ladiesâ Anti-Slavery Society of Rochester, New York, in mind. Reflecting on the founding of the nation 76 years earlier, with the bold declaration of independence from King George III, Douglass acknowledged that its signers had been âbraveâ and âgreat enough to give frame to a great age.â He talked of his respect for the âstatesmen, patriots and heroesâ who laid a foundation for a new country. But Douglass also reflected that their Declaration of Independence did not hold the same meaning for his audience that day, July 5, 1852, at Rochesterâs Corinthian Hall, as it did for him or for people held in slavery. A free man who traveled and lectured in favor of abolition, Douglass spoke of his âsad sense off the disparity between us.â