Frederick Douglass's writings reflected many American views that were influenced by national division. Douglass was a very successful abolitionist who changed America's views of slavery through his writings and actions. Frederick Douglass had many achievements throughout his life. Douglass, born a slave in 1817, educated himself and became determined to escape the atrocities of slavery. He attempted to escape slavery once, but failed. He later made a successful escape in 1838, fleeing to New Bedford, Massachusetts. Douglass's abolitionist career began at an antislavery convention in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Here, he showed himself to be a great speaker. Douglass became involved with many important abolitionist causes, both through his literary works, activities such as the Underground Railroad, and also his role in organizing a regiment of former slaves to fight in the Civil War for the Union army. Due to the Fugitive Slave Laws, Douglass became in danger of being captured and returned to slavery. He left America, and stayed in the British Isles. There he lectured on slavery, and gained the respect of many people, who raised money to purchase his freedom. In 1847, Douglass relocated to Rochester, New York, and became the person in charge of the Underground Railroad. Here he also began the abolitionist newspaper North Star, which he edited until 1860. In this time period, Douglass became friends with another well known American abolitionist, John Brown. Brown was involved with the Underground Railroad, and later wanted Douglass to join him in attacks on a United States government arsenal at Harper's Ferry. Douglass never saw himself as a rebellious person, rather a peacemaker. He fled, once again, to Europe, fearing that his association with John Brown might threaten him. He returned after several months, and aided in Abraham Lincoln's campaign for president. Frederick Douglass had many other achievements, mainly political, before dying in 1895, in Washington, D.