Frederick Douglass (1817?–1895) was born into slavery in Tuckahoe, Maryland. He ran away from slavery in 1838 by boarding a train in Baltimore wearing a sailor’s suit made by his future wife, Anna Murray, and carrying borrowed seaman’s papers. He joined his fiancée in New York; they married, then traveled on to Massachusetts. A caulker of ships by trade, Douglass found difficulty getting a job because of prejudice among white workers. He was surprised to encounter so much racial antagonism among Northern whites.
Douglass, an avid reader of The Liberator, began attending anti-slavery meetings. After giving a speech at a Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society meeting in 1841, Garrison urged Douglass to become a lecturer for the society. Douglass was so articulate that people did not believe he had been a slave. To prove that he had indeed been enslaved, Douglass published his Narrative in 1845. Because he gave names, places, and dates, he had to flee to England to evade recapture. In 1846 his supporters in England raised money to buy his freedom so that he could return to the U.S.
Alexander Hay Ritchie was a prominent engraver in the 19th century, known for his detailed and skillful reproductions of portraits and other artworks. He worked with several notable figures and was a well-regarded artist in his field.
The reference to Frederick Douglass and Hartford Publishing Company in 1868 suggests a specific historical context. Frederick Douglass, a former enslaved person who became a leading abolitionist, writer, and orator, was an influential figure during the 19th century. The Hartford Publishing Company published works related to Douglass and his era, including those that might feature his portrait.
In this instance, Ritchie likely produced an engraving of Frederick Douglass for a publication by Hartford Publishing Company. Engravings of Douglass were common in the period, often used to accompany his writings or biographical accounts. These engravings helped disseminate his image and message, contributing to his legacy and influence.
If you have a specific interest in a particular engraving or publication, I can provide more detailed information based on that context!