Frederick Douglass. Near here, on November 2nd 1846, the famous African-American abolitionist addressed the people of Hawick about the iniquities of slavery. Born on a Maryland plantation in 1817, before escaping he taught many of hos fellow slaves to read. Adopting the surname Douglass from a character in Sir Walter Scott's 'Lady of the Lake', he spoke frequently at abolitionist meeting. After the publication of his autobiography, Frederick became a literary sensation. This brought him to the attention of his previous 'owner', who tried to reclaim his 'property'. To avoid this, Douglass set sail for Europe, where his speeches continued, eventually helping bring about the legal abolition of slavery. sadly the evil practice still continues in many places - even here.