Douglass is arguing for the abolition of American Slavery. He is making connections between the American revolutionary movement and the abolitionist movement, by contrasting the words and actions of the founding fathers with the laws of the time.

Quote 1: “Neither steam nor lightning had then been reduced to order and discipline. From the Potomac to the Delaware was a journey of many days. Under these, and innumerable other disadvantages, your fathers declared for liberty and independence and triumphed.”

Paraphrase: Even though they were outmatched in resources and lacked any technological advantage, the American revolutionaries still gave their all to the fight for liberty and independance.

Response: This is mentioned before Douglas ever says the words “American slavery”. As such, listeners who may have been opposed to abolition, would have to agree with him. Of course, the larger point is that Americans should have kept on fighting for liberty and independence for all.

Quote 2: “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim.”

Paraphrase: To an American slave, the 4th of July is the biggest example of American hypocrisy and cynicism. The holiday is meant to celebrate liberty, freedom and justice for all, which Americans declared they have already won 76 years ago. Meanwhile, there were more slaves in the US at the time than there were Americans in 1776.

Response: This is an important point that Douglass continues to return to. He is appealing to the very same sense of American pride and patriotism that he so skillfully highlighted in the first part of his speech. Because the audience had already agreed that the 4th of July is a celebration of freedom, they had to admit the disparity (at least to themselves) once slavery was brought up.