[2238] Rome January 5. 1877. My dear Friend ; Wherever in the world I may be, how many marvels of art or nature I may have all around me, a letter from you is always the most welcome guest that can come to me either from far of or from the neighborhood, even though the news should not be all of a cheering nature. I can't indeed think it but a real calamity that Nathan - disgraced villain that he is - should again be near you and even be admitted as a member of your family. He will never be anything but a scamp, for he is by no means a man who once yielded to passion or strong temptation, but one absolutely destitute of moral feelings and perceptions, who will not shrink from any crime if he expected to derive any advantage from it. A thousand times [2238]rather would I untertake the task to teach a cat or even Border States grammar than to impress him with a sense of truthfulness and honesty. Before long he will get into a new scrape and matters will be worse than before, the family possibly even somewhat larger than now! - Rose too unfortunately shows traces of the long demoralizing contact with him; otherwise she could not have consented to live with him again, for even if she could have forgiven his rascality, his treachery towards her must have opened her eyes. I am much afraid you committed a grave mistake in selling the house to him and thus planting him as if it were, right on your nose. To be sure, I don't know how much either the one or the other property is worth, but you know that notwithstanding his mental inferiority he has always had low cunning enough to cheat you in every money transaction, just because you are of a high, noble disposition above all littleness and trickery. I beseech you therefore to practice the greatest caution and prudence you are capable of, and thus let this disagreeable topic be dismissed for the present, especially as that which has been done, can not be undone. As you see, I am in the "eternal city" feasting and revelling in its marvels. It is indeed the most wonderful thing to see the monuments of so many different civilizations side by side, nay in many instances piled on each other - a church built on the foundations of an antique temple, for instance. There are first the glorious remnants of antiquity, then those of the early times of Christianity, of the Middle Age, of the Renaissance, of the decline, and finally we have our own whole variegated moderncivilization with all its bustle, its joys and heart burnings. None of the works of later times - great as they may be - however equal the remnants of antiquity. By the side[s] of those gigantic, colossal structures, the Coliseum, the palaces of the Emperors and their temples, all the palaces and churches of Papal Rome appear small and almost brittle, and as for the beauty of the ancient statues, it is truly overwhelming. We have seen several beautiful casts together, but excellent as they may be in their way, they convey but a very imperfect idea of the immortal splendor of the originals. Today I was almost overcome with delight when all at once I found myself face to face with the Olympian Jupiter. Of all things those ruins and statues attract me most irresistibly again and again and over them I2. almost forget the rest of the world, save a few good friends whom to have here and enjoy this magnificent world with me, I should give more than a little. Another inexhaustible source of delight is this beautiful climate and the luxuriant tropical vegetation. In the gardens and on the promenades you would think yourself in midsummer among all those southern evergreen trees. As I intend to stay yet a good while here and intended so from the first I have taken chambers - two pleasant rooms for the small sum of fourteen dollars a month at the house of a very kind and good woman, the widow of a Colonel, with whom I am on pleasant social terms. I make myself agreeable by teaching one of her daughters German and they all seem to like me, and consequently don't think me the monster as that my sister would have [Jan. 5, 1877] Jan. 5, 1877me appear. They even offered to get me an introduction to the Pope, the great object of so many American ladies. Yet, curious as I should have been to see the old gentleman and the whole ceremonial of the Papal court, I declined with many thanks for her good intentions, since with my convictions it would be a piece of untruthfulness towards myself as well as hypocrisy towards him if I should seek him and kneel down to receive his blessing. The more however I have seen of Churches and Catholic worship in all its features. The Italians are very liberal and don't object at all to visitors moving about in their churches and looking at the paintings and monuments even during service. How tired however one grows of all that empty ceremonial, the hypocrisy that is displayed and how one learns to abhor this whole church fabric after looking at the state of ignorance, poverty and general backwardness to which it has reduced the people. I am rather a little isolated here and of course should like to have some good friend with whom to enjoy in common and exchange thoughts about the impressions received, yet I don't complain and feel comparatively happy since I can again move about freely without having constantly to endure those outbreaks of temper, of great rudeness and all the petty malice, of the kind that only a woman is capable of. Sometimes I think myself that there must be some motive behind that I don't know, but whatever it may be, it doesn't change the matter. I don't deny that this experience has left a shadow and that I can't help thinking it over again and again, but fortunately I have friends enough to compensate me and have besides the satisfaction to know not to have slighted any affection, any heart beating warmlyfor me, and shall, as I hope, manage to get away in peace. Mrs. Werpup had already informed me of your visit and of the great pleasure it has been to her. She writes to me faithfully and tells me all that is going on in the Hoboken circle among men and animals. I am glad you showed her so much attention as to go over to see her in my absence. She is really so kindhearted to consider my friends hers also. I had just moved in my present quarters when I was much surprised by the unexpected visit of a lady whom I had very well known in old times, and who had found my name in the list of arrivals at the hotels. From her I learned one of those stories which seem more novels than reality. I shall tell it to you when we meet again - wherever that may be - and it will interest you since it has a direct bearing on the whole shape my life has assumed, and shows on what slight chances our fate may frequently depend. Now good night and a thousand good wishes for the new year! May it be kind to both of us! Write me soon and don't forget to send me your autograph and if possible those of some other interesting public men. Hayes' election seems certain, according to the Times, but I doubt that the Democrats will quietly abide by the result. Yours ever Ottilia[2298] Mowbray Cottage Jany 23, 77 My dear Friend, You have been in Washington several time unexpectedy to me this Fall & Winter, & I missed sending a line. Now I will try and have a word or two of friendly greeting awaiting your arrival. I am wondering if you are in the West for extended travel, or you will soon be through with lecturing for this season. It was too bad, too bad, that you have to sit in the cars thro' that dreary day & night, Did you have any food? I fear you had to endure hunger and thirst as well as the tedious waiting & disappointment about missing your lectures. I would [ 2298]gladly have been on that train, to have helped you to pass the weary time. I am sorry, sorry that you are having such a bothersome time, so much travel and expense, & so little coming in. It was too tantalizing, that mere glimpse of you. There was so much I wanted to hear, and no chance, still it was worth my journey, and during the time we had to listen to that inspirational spiritualism. I took a daguerreotype of you, finer than any I have. I prize it much. Have you read Swinburne's attack on Carlyle, very severe; but Carlyle deserves it, for don't you think that he has always had so much unhealthy morbid sentiment about him. We are reading Raymond's life of Lincoln, it brings up so vividly the war time, and is care & anxieties, [vividy] - and if possible we realize more than before the simple greatness of our noble President & you were privileged with a personal knowledge of him. The day I sent that Fork to you. I was taken with a sore throat, & was quite sick, so that I did not go out for 3 weeks. I intended to write but could not manage it, you must have thought it strange that I did not. I would not send you a Knife, because Knives are used to sever, but a fork is used to gather up, and hold together; so I thought one would do [to] as a trifle to commemorate the 21 years of our friendship. something like this, I had ready to write but could not get it written in time. Mrs. Post was very kind to meI like her vey much. And I think she likes me. at least she acted as if she did. Our Mother is very feeble, not sick. Rochester felt so lonely to me. Can you imagine I missed the two dear homes & the loved inmates. The Howlands are settled in rooms in Paris. I want to know when it will be the best time for me to visit Washington. I dont want to be there, when you are away, or when your house is full of Company. please tell me-- Frank has been so interested, & hurried on so in Arithemetic, he was sick, so I have had to stop him. if only, he was as robust in body, as he is in mind, t'would be grand Do you think N. is repentant. I am somewhat anxious about dear Rosa's happiness. There's but one thing can secure it. I am hoping to have a line, soon, to tell of your prosperity. I have not written before since theNew Year came in. I surely hope you will have prosperity & joy in 77 to repay you for the sorrow and care of 76. We may wish good wishes, but how really helpless we are, in being able to do anything to really benefit our friends. If only the chance was equal to the wish, & the will, your halls would be strewn with blessings only. With the Kindest wishes ever your friend E. Peirson [*Jan. 23, 1877*]Chicago Jany 29 1877 Mr Douglas Dear Sir Pardon this intrusion for the sake of my two brothers E. P. & Owen Lovejoy I have a favor to ask it is the first and only one I ever sought from the Government and I trust you will assist me in obtaining it. I lost three sons and my only daughter in the war - one lies at Haines Bluff, and one who was Lieut in a colored Regiment was wounded at the battle of Deep Run - taken prisoner - sent to Libby [*2297*]prison - and has been a sufferer ever since, and it is for him I wish an appointment - to some office in Chicago He would like a Special Agency in the P.O. Dept. or a situation in the Subtreasury in Chicago. He was Treasurer of his native County (Bureau) two years - and performed the duties satisfactorily. When he [to] went into the army, he left the Postal Service so that is not new to him. He has an invalid wife and two little girls dependent upon him - Will you not use your influence to get a position for him! Perhaps you remember taking tea at Mr Wiswall's in Princeton Ill _ there werefour little boys who listened very eagerly to your conversation. I was then Mrs. Griswall now the wife of Rev. H.L. Hammond. Will you please let me hear from you at your earliest opportunity and greatly oblige your friend. Mrs. EL. Hammond 52 Throop St. Chicago Ill. P.S. The name of my son is Austin Griswall. His war record is in that Department I presume. E.L.H.Rome Feb. 11. 1877. My dear Friend: If I could have followed my feelings I should have answered directly your letter of the 3d. of January, but since you wrote me that you did not expect to be at home before the 4th of March, I thought you would be more pleased on your return to find a fresh letter rather than a stale one. You can easily imagine the solicitude and apprehension with which I accompany you in mind on your trying and fatiguing winter trip. The extraordinary severity of the season in our always rigorous climate and first and above all the state of your health and the terrible strain on your constitution by constant work and railroad traveling are so many causes of anxiety to me that I shall be happy to learn that the principal work is over and that you are none the worse for it. The improvement of your eyes is certainly a matter of great gratification to me, and the more so as it is something rather unexpected and out of the common way, for it is generally assumed that the inability to read [*2239*]and write without glasses to which most far-seeing people are more or less subject after they are over forty, after it has once made its appearance is something permanent, to be neutralized only by good spectacles well adapted to the eyes. If yours nevertheless show such uncommon elasticity and recuperative power it is I think, proof of an excellent constitution and makes me hope that other troubles will also gradually disappear in the course of time. As you see, I am still in this wonderful city, enjoying its marvels and its glorious climate. I am now rather familiar with the chief points of interest, for in my first delight I set out with such an indefatigable intensity that I "did" Rome in comparatively a very short time and now have the pleasure to revisit at leisure the main attractions, and to impress them on my memory and conclude firm and lasting friendship with them. This whole day again I spent among the ruins of the palaces of the emperors on Mount Palatinus, under evergreen trees. I did not know myself formerly that I should be so enthusiastic about antiquity, but for an old mosaic, a fresh or a ruin I run frequently [fo] many miles, and - you will be glad to learn it, am as indefatigable as ever. Up and down mountains,for the last four weeks and have to rely only on the telegrams. Today I read that the vote of Florida has been awarded to Hayes. I need not tell you that I am looking forward for the decision with the greatest anxiety. Now my dear Friend fill up the space with all that genuine and warm friendship can think of. Good night to you and pleasant dreams! Half past one o'clock here will make about half past seven in Washington. Yours ever Ottilia It just occurs to me: did you receive my hasty note written on the Ocean and mailed at Plymouth? [*Feb. 11, 1877*]expect to touch this continent I shall be ready to start and receive you at the landing. Otherwise my traveling schemes for this spring and the first part of summer are almost completed, but I shall reshape them with the greatest pleasure in order to adopt and accomodate them to your own. You can form no adequate idea of the enjoyment in store for you if can once determine to undertake the trip. Impressions so grandiose, truly tending to enlargen one's mental horizon that they may properly be called experiences of life. I should be delighted of course to have you here. At all events however you can rely that in the latter part of August my name will be in the passengers list of a Hamburg Steamer touching at Havre and bound for New-York. When you write me, please don't forget to send me your autograph for the young gentleman I mentioned to you. The difficulty is that I can't stand behind you, put it in the envelop and direct it as I do when near you in order to satisfy other collectors. If also you would send one of Sumner and one of Grant, you would really bestow a great favor and much oblige a young man whom I think to be friendly to me. Through a new blunder of the bookseller in Hamburg I have not received the Timesto the spires and the domes of the highest churches, nothing seems to much to me and frequently I find in the evening that I was five or six hours or even more in constant motion. Lately, on an excursion I saw for the first time this season any snow close by. Of course it was on a mountain, and as it was under the warm sun of noon and everywhere surrounded by evergreen trees it did not produce the saddening impression which it always has made on me in our less favored climate. I have also made some very pleasant acquaintances. Lately I met quite refined Germans on a cemetary and as we happened to be the only visitors at the time and were looking for the same graves, we naturally got in conversation and finally I discovered that they are intimate old friends of the Kochlers. Thus the living meet among the dead! — It is quite gratifying to me to notice that wherever I go I make friends, and whom I once have now I hold. From all my American friends I receive frequent and hearty letters. Kind Mrs. Werpup and Mrs. Nickert even have visited my green child and Mr. [Fehr?] has had the nice idea of sending me some of this feathers. Recently I had a very fine and interesting letter from Dr. Loewenthal, and inclosed one from [Maja?] and one from my good comradeWilly. Even good little Albert Heyne has written me a letter, probably the first he ever has accomplished in his life. Ludmilla is the only exception. Even her letters are disagreeable and always contain some hit intended to produce an unpleasant feeling. I have pretty strong circumstantial evidence that she is actually hostile to me and is doing her best to poison other people against me. But enough for the present of this unwholesome matter! We are just now on the height of the carneval. I was very anxious to see it, but find it simply childish and trifling and it is a riddle to me how steady and sensible people can spend days and nights looking at a spectacle which to them has not even the charm of novelty. There is however one thing which really is a pleasure to contemplate; this is the uniform good behavior of the people, the contentment they evince, the gift to derive great enjoyment from very small sources. All are peaceable, goodnatured and cheerful and on this account it is that I like to mix with the crowd. I shall probably stay here about a fortnight longer and then start for Naples. Now my Friend, how about your own schemes? May I hope yet to see you in spring? If you only let me know exactly the time when youGateshead on Tyne Febry 16th /77- My dear Friend/ I found your welcome letter awaiting me on my return home after the Xmas holidays-- and very glad I was to get it. I had rather more adventures than I desired to encounter during my absence - In the beginning of the time and just at Xmas, my trunk was lost for four days - a most careless piece of business on the part of the railway porters as it was properly addressed and perfectly labelled - Then the evening of my return on quitting the railway carriage at Gateshead Station I received a violent blow; was nearly thrown headlong down the steps & had my purse taken £1-14 in it - The only explanation given was that they were taking some desperate prisoners to Durham & a number of their relatives & [*2295*]companions had come to see them off! -- but if things were properly managed these miscreants could not have crowded into the station. The worst part of the matter is that I got my weak knee badly strained in saving myself from falling--However I am thankful not to be quite laid up--& when I think of the hundreds of miles I travel up & down our island, & thus far without having been in one of the many dreadful railway accidents. I do realize the loving kindness & protecting care of my dear Heavenly Father--Now my dear old friend I must tell you 'the news'-I am really going to move all being well, on the 4th & 5th April-I have taken a comfortable, large, old2 smoking!! & I only wish I were sure of your smoking in it - St Neots is near enough to London to admit of spending a day there at any time - which I deem a great advantage Dr.Crofts has accepted an universal invitation to stay another year at Hurst near Manchester - He has a very good house & beautiful chapel there - & is "Chairman of the Manchester District" - so he is "all right" - as to occupation - but not over well in health - still I cannot but dread the time when "Othello's occupation" will be "gone" - for as he says, himself - "He is not a pastor man - but a pulpit man!! Really this Xmas, the good man preached as well as ever - But as we cannot always be listening even to the ablest (pulpit) sermons,it's a boon when the preacher or speaker can forget himself when not preaching - & do the agreeable in a parlor - Think you not so dear friend? -- How much we should find to talk about if we did meet: Such comparing of notes: Such sympathy in joys & sorrows! - Do you remember our old favorite lines - "There's a divining &c &c? How true it is! — May we when all the hum and din & turmoil of this world is over & we pass away from this earthly scene meet to part no more in that "happy land" where there will be no sorrow nor sickness - nor sin - & where adieux & farewells are sounds unknown - May God have you & all dear to you in His Holy keeping prays your ever faithful & affe''cate friend Julia G. Crofts - Remember me to Mrs Douglass Rose &c — [*Feb 16, 1877*]fashioned house at St. Neots Huntingdonshire - & have bought "good will" of an old established school there. My predecessor is retiring: having made her money - & the whole opened up to me so unexpectedly, that always believing as I do the old fashioned philosophy that "they that watch for Providence shall never want a Providence to watch." I cannot but feel this opening to be providential. I hope I have let my house here - & disposed of my school (a very good day school) - I am highly respected here & have many friends - but then ten years ago, I did not know them - and my dear old friends are either around London - or in Warwickshire or Leicestershire for the most part - & they all wish me to be nearer to them -Mattie Crofts - the youngest, will join me at St. Neots - all being well - - and when the Doctor can no more preach, there will be a place for him -- if I live -- His 2nd girl, Jane & her husband, not only lead very fast lives - but she is so rude & ungrateful that I wish to widen the distance between us - If ever she does repent it will be a bitter repentance -- -- I mark what you say dear Frederick about the possibility of your coming to England - and can only say that your welcome both from me and the Doctor will be as warm as ever if you do come - when I tell you that my St. Neots house has five sitting rooms & 8 bed-rooms, you will see that there is plenty of space there will be a good "spare bed room" - also a "study" - in which I shall allowConfidential New Port Feb 28 1877 Frederick Douglass, Dear Friend, I look at my family that has been reared in a fathers house not in idleness, yet without the experiences of those who are accustomed to the hard fisted toil of the outer world. They have been reared to a certain dignity, with much tenderness. I pray that their future may not contrast too pointedly with their past life; that they may not be cast upon the cold charity of a heartless world. They have been encouraged in an elevated tone and to encourage those striving upwards; this should commend them, but on the contrary it would make too many rejoice at their misfortune. I begin to see more than ever the cold and unfeeling character of the world, how non appreciative it is. I was so engrossed in efforts for my race in which I was encouraged by my parents and favored by circumstances that I have not thought sufficient of my family. I could bear misfortune for myself, but I have the pride of name and of family. I enjoy a character that should command consideration. I have property I have property I have supposed that with these, I might go in an extremity to those who had known me from my boy hood days and be assisted, but I am disappointed: time I [illegible] that is to some extent time because of the general depression. Still I cannot get it from my mind that the absence of will exists to some extent. My property is worth $60,000 it probably would not under a forced sale at present sell for more than $50,000, it is free from all claims save one held by the Savings Bank for $21,000; I have an obligation of $220 to meet in a few days and a similar one the middle of next month: there would have been no difficulty in the matter had I rented my stores Last Summer as usual and had I collected rents and other debts due me, besides I have been out of business two winters; all of this creates anxiety. A jealousy exists because a cold man has such prominent property, and against his manliness, this is to me a source of anxiety. The Bank says we sho[uld] not make heavy loans as a rule, business men do not care to take second mortgages. So I am hemmed in, I expected to sell my dear property to a party but he cannot raise the funds, I have made my case full that you may understand it, I would like to have 500$ I will give you a mortgage on my property, if you cannot let me have it, of course you will state it freely for we know each other to well not to be candid. I am leaving for the Senate Restaurant, will you not see Senator Conkling, Allison Sherman, S Cameron, Spencer, and Davies or address them urging them to use effort in my behalf. Had I retained the Senate House I would not have had need to ask for this loan: I want to be tided over until the middle of Summer when my rents will come in. Remember me to family. We are all well. Yours & Geo T DowningRooms of Y.M.R.C. 1231 Pennsylvania Avenue. Washington, D.C. Feby 1877 Sir: I am instructed by the YOUNG MEN'S REPUBLICAN CLUB, of the District of Columbia, to notify you of your election as an Honorary Member of said Club, under the clause in our constitution which permits the election to honorary membership of those who "have rendered signal service to the republican party," provided the number shall not at any time exceed fifty. The Club was organized in 1871, and when suffrage was allowed in the District was the principal means of holding local republicans together, while its members have also done effective work for the party during two presidential campaigns. I shall be happy to hear from you as to your acceptance at your earliest convenience. Very respectfully, Frank'n T. Howe Corresponding Secretary. Box 342, P.O. The Hdqrs. of the Club are open daily from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. & we should be pleased to see you [*2299*]Washn. D.C. Feby. 1877 Young Mens Rep. Club. Frank. T. Howe Secretary Notifies Mr.Douglass of his election as an Honorary Member of that organization504 Grand St. Newyork Mch 15/77 Frederick Douglass Esq. Washington, D.C. Dear Sir, Did you deliver a series of lectures in "Victoria Hall" Belfast Ireland, sometime during the year 1856 or 1857? I was a boy at that time, and was attending school in Belfast. I attended a number of the lectures and received from them my very first lessons in the cause of human freedom. I have lived in this country of my adoption for many years, and have tried to carry out by my acts the principles of liberty installed in my mind at that time. I hope I may have the pleasure of hearing from you Yours Resptfy Wm. W. Hanna [*2301*]504 Grand St. New York Mch. 15th 1877 Hanna, Wm. W. States that he attended in Belfast Ireland, during the years of '56 or '57, a series of lectures delivered by Mr. Douglass in the cause of human freedom - &c &c &c &c &c Would like to hear from Mr. DouglassNew York 227 W. 22d Street March 16-77 Frederick Douglass, Marshall of the District of Columbia! My esteemed old friend. I feel profoundly- moved on reading the announcement that President Hayes has nominated you for appointment to be Marshal of that District of Columbia to congratulate you. Verily- "God lives," the tables are turned. And "Ever the right comes uppermost, and ever the justice is done." With a heart full of grateful emotions at such ultimate triumphs of justice and judgement and the election of President Rutherford B. Hayes. I am your old friend, and well wishes. Dr. E.D. Hudson. [*2312*][*2302*] Guthrie, Ky., March 16, 1877 Hon. Frederick Douglass, My old friend, Here in a State which, not many years ago, bought and sold slaves, and in a newspaper which then, in each day's issue, advertised slave auctions, [*2302*]& have just this moment read, with great delight, the news of your nomination as Marshall of the District of Columbia. There was a time when you would not have relished the slave-catching duties of the Marshall of any city in America! How the world wags! To me, the spectacle of Frederick Douglass as Marshall of the Capital of the United States, is a greater evidence of human progress than if I could see either Abraham,Isaac, or Jacob elected by a returning board as Mayor of Jerusalem! Your honors are deserved. God bless you in wearing them! Ever your friend, Theodore TiltonGuthrie Ky Mch. 16th 1877 Tilton, Theodore Congratulatons Mr. Douglass upon his appt. and confirmation as U.S. Marshall of the Dist. of Columbia One Enclosure -Washington D.C. Mar 17. 1877 Dear Mr. Douglas, This will bring to your notice the name of Mr. Gorham P. Hopkins. I desire to mention it to you in connection with the Deputy Marshalship, and to recommend Mr. H. to you for the following reasons. - He is strictly honest and I use the words knowing their full import and weight. He will do his work well and faithfully for he is familiar with the duties pertaining to that office. I speak [*2304*]whereof I know. having known him intimately for 10 years. He was Deputy Comptroller of this District by appointment of Govr. Cooke, and after Govr. Cooke's resignation he was dropped because certain parties could not use him - This I know. His may not be a popular appointment, because it is hard in some communities to do your whole duty and please all the people, but the honest well thinking intelligent portion of the Community and the poor needy and unprotected portion will not have cause to complain of Mr. H. if he is appointed I have been Secy. of the Ways & Means in Congress for many years, and refer you to any good Repub'n. here or in New York State for my own status. I worked when a boy here with Dr. Gamaliel Bailey on the National Era and from him and his principles as emanated in the columns of that paper I first drew my inspirations of Repubn. principles. It is from this standpoint that I dare to take the liberty and responsibility of recommending G. P Hopkins to you for this position. Yours truly Geo. A Bassett Hon. Fredk. Douglas U.S. Marshall Dist of ColWashn. D C Mch 17th, 1877 Bassett, Geo. A Recommends G. P. Hopkins for position of Deputy MarshlThomaston March 17th 77 Honored friend, Noblest of our race Please permit me to thank you for what you have accomplished for our race May you even be happy as well as honored Most respect Yours Wm Brown PS, I would like to carpet & curtain your house at any time you may have such work to be done [*2303*]Worcester Mass Mch 17 1877 Brown, Wm. Tenders thanks to Mr. Douglass for what he has accomplished for his race - Would also like to thank him for permitting him to carpet and curtain his (Douglass) house he being in that line of business. Encloses his circular - One Enclosure -Richmond VA, March 18th, 1899 Hail Fred Douglass, My Dear Sir. A lack of formal acquaintance almost forbids my taking such liberty, but I trust pride of race will be sufficient excuse for this communication. I heartily congratulate you in your final triumph over your opponents. And I am highly delighted to say, appointment to the marshallship of the District of Columbia. by I say with great pride the people's President. Long may the great & real reformer live to serve the American people Please tender to him my sincere thanks for their considering your claim to such high official position. And thoseof that Race which I believe you to be a fair [Representive] representative God is greater than, Man & we should at all times and under all circumstances ask Council of him in all of the affairs of life. for he shall then give his angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways yours Very Truly Collored Citizen Richmond Va. Mch 18, 1877 Colored Citizen Congratulations &cWashington Mar 18th 1877 Hon Fred. Douglas Dear Friend Allow me to congratulate as the U.S. District Marshal hoping that your administration may be with Great Success if there is any thing whereby I can assist you in by advice otherwise I will at all times be pleased to serve you. Watch your enemies and watch your friends I am your true Friend John A Gray [2306]Washn. D.C. Mch 18 1877 Gray. John A Congratulations Ans 4/11/7746 Market St. Cambridge, March 18th Dear Mr. Douglass, Let me send you a line to tell you how anxiously I have perused the papers the last few days and how happy I was made this morning in my search to see your nomination confirmed. there is no man living that I would so rejoice to see hold this position at the Capital of the Nation as yourself. May God bless you and hold up your [*2763*] Hands for every emergency is the prayer of Your Sincere Friend Harriet JacobsCambridge Mass. Mch 18th 1877 Jacobs Harriet Tenders her congratulations on appt to the District of Columbia Marshalship Ans.Chicago, March 18th 1877 Frederick Douglass Esq, My Dear Friend With all my heart I congratulate you as Marshal of the District of Columbia. This is another victory you have won for us over Cast & pregudice. May your whole life be one continued series of victories in behalf of our poor people. Yours as ever John Jones No. 119 Dearborn St. [2349]AnsweredOffice of Surgeon-in-Charge Part of Louisville, Ky. March 18 1877 Hon Frederick Douglass. Dear Sir: I see by the morning’s papers that the Senate has confirmed your appointment as Marshall of the District of Colombia. I congratulate you and the colored people whose representative you are, on this favorable esteem. There is more in it than simply the appointment of Frederick Douglass. It is a full recognition by the Administration of the citizenship of the Colored American. I am truly glad that the choice has fallen on you, for of all men I regard you as the best representative of our people in this country. A slave, a fugitive, a freedman and a citizen! you represent all the different phases of the negro in American history. Hanging in my parlor side by side, are pictures of Charles Sumner and Frederick Douglass; the first, the best representative of the white American the second, the best representative of the Colored American, Tomorrow I intend to put a laurel wreath around the latter, for it is a great triumph for the cause. When I read the news in the mornings paper, I drew my little fellows up in line, (I have five (5) of them) and gave three cheers for Frederick Douglass, and then for President Hayes. Remember me respectfully to your sons, Fred, and Charlie, if he has returned. Hoping you all manner of success, I am Very respectfully Horace MorrisFlint, Michigan Mch 18th, 1877 Shearer, Lizzie daughter of G.W. Clark. Rochester States that she is about to be divorced from her husband and enquires if employment can be found for her in any of the depts in Wash'n. 2 EnclosuresThird-March 18th Mr Douglass, Dear friend, You are undoubtedly surprised at receiving a letter from me. I have for some months been thinking of appealing to you for some assistance feeling confident you would render it if in your power. You will be unsurprised also- that it is necessary for me to the appealing to any one for help but I have passed through many and severe sad trials within the past few years. I have been obliged to leave my husband and must now do for myself. I prefer retirement and activity. On many accounts it would be desirable to spend the remainder of my days with my Mother, but I can do more for her comfort away from here than with her - provided I am earning the means. I have filed a Bill and shall undoubtedly succeed but the Alimony will be a small amount2. My honor veracity. I think you may safely vouch for. I am at present visiting a cousin in this place and if you will take the time and trouble to favor me with a reply I shall be very grateful. As Mrs. Shearer of Greenville. Mich, you may not remember me, but surely as Lizzie Clark eldest daughter of George W. Clark Rochester you will be able to recall me. Please remember me with very kind regards to your family and with the same to yourself I amYours Truly, Lizzie Shearer Please direct to me sir care of Charles Murna Flint Mich [*March 18, 1877*] I have neglected to express my congratulations to you. but you must know I most heartily rejoice in any good fortune or circumstances that may be allotted you for you have not only earned them but are in every respect so worthy. And I rejoice Sir this particularly for many reasons. I wish I could tell you or have you fully realize how very anxious I am to succeed [*in this appeal. If you can assign to me any thing pray do.*]anxious I am to succeed if any such I do not wish to depend wholly upon that. I am told he has put most of his property out of his hands. I am well and strong - able - so far as physical strength is concerned, and as I have said before, must have activity. I have for some time thought I would make an effort to get into something in your city, and more particularly since reading of your appointment have I felt encouraged to try. Is there not a possible chance for one in the P Office, Treasurydept - or any other Office you many think of. Possibly your postion may enable you to give me employment This is not a fair sample of my writing as I have been obliged to write with my paper on my lap consequently with a cramped hand. I am fully aware you are being inflicted with petitions for favors from hosts but I hope I may not the less share of your sincere interest and consideration. My abilities I can not vouch for until put to the test - butNew Port March 19 1877. Friend Douglass, It is not necessary for me to say to you, I was glad to hear of the confirmation of your appointment as United States Marshall for the District of Colombia; for you know what my feelings would be, not only as to the act in its effect in winning respect for the Race, but in view of our personal relations, I did not deem it necessary to write to you, and say—“stick”—, when I heard the remark; your name would not be withdrawn unless with your approval. There is method in the movements of the new administration. Rutherford B Hayes had to encounter difficulties on the new Role he has taken upon himself: he is acting with good judgment. It has been decided upon to make certain actions with the hope of moving the South, expecting to at least divide it; its strength has been in the unity of its white element. It has seemed as though the colored element was to be disregarded. This will be true to some extent; yes; perforce; we will have to be subjects of general laws. For a time I know not how long; there will be a continuance of confusion and outrage, including murders in the South; unless the cultured brain of the section is allowed to come to the front, where its education, means and centuries of domination not many would place it, especially as it is in contact with a class that is poor, Yes! Landless, illiterate and that has been reared to absolute submission. It is a fact chilling to look upon, but it must be made to have an inspirating effect; the class will have to abide its time, get means, apply itself, struggle hard, become educated and skilled more in the sciences of government than fourteen years of freedom admits of, it must teach its children to aspire, and play as much as possible, themselves the part of men. The administration would not rush the colored man; but it had to yield to the South for a policy, to satisfy intelligent Colored men and their earnest friends, it had to do at least what it has done in your case, it really has honored itself in having done what it has done in your case: you deserve more at its hands: it must do more to others. Every thing that has occurred in Washington in connection with your nomination and confirmation may be part of a studied plan or policy; even ignorant and predjudiced colored men may have been made to play their part, that it may be quoted that the colored men of Washington know their place; you cold men of the South know yours, This is the most ignoble of all the parts that come to my mind. But thanks to progress, we have gained a glorious step. Please reread the letter of mine you criticized some time ago in “The New Era,” Kindly Yours &c Geo T Downing AGENCY OF THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Winona Min 3/19 1877 Hon. Fredk. Douglas Washington DC Dear Sir Allow me to congratulate you in your new office & while the office is an honorable one, it does not add one iota to your enviable reputation so well fixed in the mind of every honest American, the appointment honors the man who made & will go very far to obliterate the color line, may you long live to share the sympathies & prayers of an appreciating people, since I was honored with you as a guest, I have never failed to feel thankful for every favorable mention made of you & yours -- Many thanks for your photo. Yours truly Mr L Drew Also Mrs Drew, son & daughter request a kind remembrance. D [*2308*]Department of Justice, [*March 19, 1877*]. Sir: A commission appointing you Marshal of the United States for the [*District of Columbia*] has this day been forwarded from this Office to the Hon. [*J K Carter*] Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for said District*] with the request to deliver it over to you when you shall have given the official bond and taken the oath required by law. You will be pleased to inform this Department of the receipt of the commission ; and, if accepted, of the name of the State or country in which you were born. In reference to the bond required by law, your attention is called to the following directions: 1st. It should be executed by principal and sureties before the United States District Court Judge, with the first name of principal and sureties written in full. 2d. The sureties should be approved by said Judge ; and it should be made to appear on the face of the bond, or be certified by said Judge, that they are inhabitants and freeholders of the district. 3d. The bond should be filed in the office of the District or Circuit Court of the district, and recorded. 4th. A copy of it, certified by the Clerk, under the seal of the Court, should be at once forwarded to the First Comptroller of the Treasury. The copy must show that the original bears the stamp prescribed by law for official bonds. And the Clerk must certify that the original is filed and recorded in his office. 5th. The oath to support the Constitution of the United States, and also the oath of office, should be taken before the Judge, and filed with the bond, and a transcript of the same forwarded with the copy of the bond. Until these copies are received at the Comptroller's Office no advance can be made to defray expenses of Courts. Your attention is also called to the Act of Congress approved September 24, 1789, sec. 27; also Act approved April 10, 1806, sec. 1; the Act approved June 1, 1789, chap. 1, secs. 1 and 2; and the third paragraph of Article 6 of the Constitution of the United States. Very respectfully, [*S R Dutton*] Chief Clerk. [*2313*]Washn D.C. Mch 19th 1877 Justice, Department of States that a commission appointing Hon Fred. Douglass Marshal of the Dist of Col. has been forwd to Judge D. K. Carter with request that it be handed to him (Douglass) upon given bond & taken the oath &c. Calls attention to the law as to requirements of said bond.235 Thorndyke St Lowell Mass March 19, 1877. Hon Frederick Douglass Washington D.C. My dear Sir: Permit me to extend to you the congratulations of the hour. In your confirmation one other barrier is gone. I am truly Your friend Joe. V. Meigs. 2311Years ago, when Mr. Douglass was entering the stage, on leaving Peterboro, I ventured to say to him "learn to forget you are a colored man". To me who believed that "there never was a good horse of a bad color, " it seemed, as it were, certain, that color had little or no [place] plan in regulating the power value of animals, man included. Now my dear friend "don't fret your cattle on the start" and you know it takes more of a man to stand prosperity than adversity. Your infidel fellow-feeler Chas. D. Miller March 19th 1877-Rochester, March 19 1877 Frederick Douglass Esq. Washington DC My Dear Sir When I first saw the announcement of your nomination as Marshal of our Capitol I wanted at once to offer my congratulations; but this was followed by the muttering Telegrams and then by objections of Washington Lawyers and the Editorial doubts and misgivings; that I concluded to wait upon events; and rejoice with you or storm as the result might lead me. Saturday night Telegrams gave the welcome news that all was well and that the Senate had responded worthily to the President's judgement and wishes, and now it is not untimely to say what sincere and warm pleasure this event has given [*2310*]me. In the first place on public grounds, I feel that it has been most appropriately bestowed. In the second place I am sincerely glad that so distinguished an honor, and that such a remunerative post has fallen to your portion. On grounds both public and private I thoroughly and heartily rejoice and congratulate you and this country in the same breath, for I accept the action of our President in this case as an augury of good, - I voted for Greeley which you did not. I never regretted my act. This time we were at one again, and I trust we may to the end be thankful that we helped place our new President in power. He has grown immensely in my esteem and I believe that in him we have a true man; as being true to all men. Still I am a little anxious about his Southern Policy as yet only dimly foreshadowed I share somewhat in Garrison's anxiety, and altogether in his zeal for the freedman. Hold up our President hold him to the "obliteration of the color line - I hope you will with your tongue occasionally have his ear. Don't fail to remind him in this era of promised good feeling and oblivion still to remember that while President of the United States that he is still a Republican and that copperhead, confederate and Unionist (ie republican) still are words of very different meanings, and that in this instance "words are things" ~ again I congratulate you and remain. Very Truly, Your Friend, S. D. Porter Chicago Mar. 20. 1877. Mr. Douglass, Hon. Sir, Hearing of your appointment to the office of Marshal of the District of Columbia. I could not refrain from writing and expressing my admiration for one who from the chaos of slavery has risen to so grand a height. I hereby extend to you the heartfelt congratulations of myself and family , my grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Steele and my aunt and uncle Mr. and Mrs. Crisup. Although you [*2314*]may not remember me, you know my parents H.. Ford Douglas and Sattie McCary, formally Sattie Douglas. My mother is in Indianapolis I remain here to attend the high school from which I will graduate in eight months, But although I am only a school-girl I have such an interest in my race that I honor and revere any one one of its representatives who, in spite of so many seemingly invincible barriers, attains to a social, intellectual and political height that will show to the world, that the colored man is capable of impulses as noble and achievements as grand as those of the proud Caucasian. Mr. Douglass, I wish you every success in your new vocation, and may your head be crowned with all the honor which attends a life of justice and integrity. Please write and let me know if you received this. Yours Respectfully, Helen Ford Douglas. No. 191 South Clark, Room 20, Chicago.Chicago Ill. Mch 20th 1877 Douglass, Helen Ford Congratulations on appt. as Marshal of the District AnsNo 8 Clinton Block Syracuse NY. March 20, 1877, F. Douglass Esq. Dear Sir, Allow me, as a life-long Abolitionist & an old admirer & friend of yours, to congratulate you on your Confirmation to an office which, though far below your merit, will, I suppose, be of some value, pecuniarily & otherwise. I think in the Senate itself, your proper place, but I am glad Southern Democrats see that it would be mean & impolitic in them to refuse confirmation of your appointment. I suppose you & I have not voted alike for some years. (I voted for Smith & Stewart Prohibition) but [*2317*]I rejoice in your welfare & remain, as ever, the sincere friend of you & your race; both the human race & the particular branches of it with which you are connected. L. A. Hammond (Atty &c..) I should feel honored by a call from you when in town; as I learned you were here recently, though "Marshall Douglass" is less honorable than simple Frederick Douglass.OFFICE OF THE Detroit Tribune THE LEADING NEWSPAPER OF MICHIGAN. Editorial, DEPARTMENT. Detroit, March 20th 1877 Dear Sir, I send by this mail a copy of the Tribune containing a reference to your appointment as Marshal of the District of Columbia. I desire to add my personal congratulations. I claim an old acquaintance with you, though you may not remember it. One of my earliest recollections is of you as a guest at my father's house - Professor Hudson of Oberlin - when I was only four or five years old. What wonderful things have been wrought since then! Yours very truly, H. N. Hudson. Frederick Douglass, Esq. [*2315*]Vineyard Haven. Mass. March 20th 1877 Fred Douglas Esq Washington D.C. My dear Douglas, I write to congratulate you on your late appointment as Marshal of the Dist. of Columbia and especially on the victory in your case in the U.S. Senate; - opposed as you were by the strongest legal combination of the District. To me, your appointment is one of the best evidences that Hayes is not an entire failure. In these days of his experiments, I wish he would experiment a little more in the same direction. With best wishes for your personal and official prosperity, as from the beginning I remain Yours sincerely I N Luce. [*2329*]Vineyard Haven, Mass. Mch 20th. 1877 Luce, J. N. Congratulations on appt to Marshalship Ans.Medical Office of Dr. B. C. Perry, Dermatologist NO REMITTANCE PER MAIL ALLOWED, EXCEPT BY "P. O. ORDER," OR "REGISTERED LETTER." CORRESPONDENTS RECEIVING NO REPLY WITHIN TEN DAYS SHOULD WRITE AGAIN, THEIR FORMER LETTER BEING LOST. P. O. BOX 5246. 49 Bond Street New York, March 20th, 1877 My Dear Old Friend, Permit me to congratulate you because of your excellent appointment. Notwithstanding it is amply deserved, yet it is glorious. May you be spared to fully enjoy it and in the mean time, I hope no physical disability will interfere with you capability to fully discharge your duty. Clarence has written you a long letter; Therefore you must pardon my brevity. If you can do anything for him, I shall be highly gratified. We are all well and the [*2316*]Madame desires to be remembered to you and Mrs. Douglass. I Am "holding the Fort" bravely and our Flag is nailed to the mast. Sincerely yours B. C. Perry. [*New York City Mch 20th 1877 Perry, Dr. B.C. Congratulations &c*]Moses C. Richardson, Joseph A. Ward, Willard A. Cobb. Office Of Daily and Weekly Journal, M. C. RICHARDSON & CO., Book, Job, Pamphlet and Lithographic Printers, 91 Main Street. IN REPLY TO YOURS OF Lockport, N. Y. March 21 1877 Frederick Douglass Washington D.C. My dear Sir Aside from the Election of President Hays no late political event has gratified me so much as the appointment of Frederick Douglass as Marshall of the District of Columbia I almost trembled lest the nomination should fail of Confirmation You will remember perhaps from a circumstance occurring in the Electoral College of this State in 1872 that I am something of an enthusiast on the question of reforming the abuses that [*2320*]2 Moses C. Richardson, Joseph A. Ward, Willard A. Cobb. Office Of Daily and Weekly Journal, M. C. RICHARDSON & CO., Book, Job, Pamphlet and Lithographic Printers, 91 Main Street. IN REPLY TO YOURS OF Lockport, N. Y. 187 have prevailed in the Civil service of the United States. You differed from me in regard to the examination of Candidates. I now think you were right. I never doubted that you were favorable to making appointments on the ground of merit. Mr. Douglass you can form no conception of the terrible load lifted from myself and many others seeking to support the Republican party and its principles by simply relieving Members of Congress from the responsibility of appointments to office.3. Moses C. Richardson, Joseph A. Ward, Willard A. Cobb. Office Of Daily and Weekly Journal, M. C. RICHARDSON & CO., Book, Job, Pamphlet and Lithographic Printers, 91 Main Street. IN REPLY TO YOURS OF Lockport, N. Y. 187 The subservient faction including every Federal office-holder was constantly threatening annihilation of the Republican Journal that could not be used to advance its purposes and perpetuate its rule. The prevailing system was debasing and corrupting all classes of society. I verily believe that if this administration inaugurates a radical reform of the Civil Service, it will do a greater and more difficult work than that of conquering the rebellion. Aid & encourage the President. & may you in every possible way 459 Cass Park Detroit, March 21st 1877 Frederick Douglas, Dear Friend, I am very much tempted to say "I told you so", as I read of the appointment & confirmation of Frederick Douglas as United States Marshall for the Dist. of Columbia. Do you remember a call Father, Mother & self made upon you one day during a War Summer & you were giving up so utterly to despair? It must have been the third, as I well remember there was some gain upon which I counted, and upon which I based a faith & encouraging belief in the [2318]eventual equality & citizenship of your people; but there had been some move in Congress or events, that that day permitted no light to fall in upon you, & it seemed to you that what had been done so small you deemed it, was really of no avail, and that you were all doomed both bond & free, to disappointment & disfranchisment. Father, dear Mother, & I tried to excite in you the same hope & faith which animated us, and which we truly believed sprung from a real victory, a moral victory that would be followed by advance after advance, and upon which basis there would be recognition in law, & crystalization into law, of the necessities of governments & people, as well as the convictions & higher sentiments of humanity in a large & growing proportion of the people of the Northern States. But it was not strange you were cast down, looking back upon all your sufferings and all your efforts from childhood to lift yourself into opportunity, & to grasp, as you saw others, the prizes of life. Accept my hearty congratulations in which my husband would join if he were here, with the expression of my belief that you enjoy this proof of the Respect and Confidence of the President, & Senate, & yourfellow- citizens, as much for those with whom you have always been identified, as for yourself. Please remember me with kindlest regards to the different members of your family, & believe me, cordially & respectfully Yours, Catharine A.T. Stebbins Was glad to see that the colored men of Wash. & Philadelphia visited the Pres't in approval. C.No. 102 West 3rd St. New York March 22 1877 Hon Fredrick Douglass My dear Friend. With the most unbounded pleasure I hail your accession to the honorable office of Marshall of the Dist. of Columbia, and recognize your nomination by the President, and your confirmation by the Senate, as most honorable to yourself, and gratifying [2319]to our people. I, and your friends generally in this section of the country regard your appointment by far, the the broadest, and most complete acknowledment of the services and equal rights of colored Americans, that has yet been given by any Chief Magistrate. Allow me therefore to congratulate you most sincerely, and please accept my best wishes, and ardent prayers that God may bless you in the work of your office, and give you great success, and prolong your days. I am truly, and fraternally Yours, Henry Highland GarnetNew York City Mch 22 1877 Garnett, Henry Highland Congratulation on appt. as Marshal of the Dist of Columbia Ans.Law Office of J. F. Manning 460 Main St. Worcester, Mass, Mch. 22, 1877 Frederick Douglass Esqr Washington D.C. My dr. sir You may remember our addressing a political meeting at Methuen, last fall, & when I read of your appointment as Marshall of the District of Columbia I felt prompted to send you my congratulations & to express my confidence & wishes that you will perform the duties of the office faithfully & well -- notwithstanding the puny, spiteful & prejudiced protest of certain gentlemen in the Dist. who are un-colored-ha-ha- Resp J.F. Manning [*2322*]Orangeburg S.C. March 22nd 1877 Hon. Frederick Douglass U.S. Marshal of the District of Columbia Hon'ble & Esteemed Sir From the bottom of my heart I congratulate you on the merited appreciation of you, as shown by President Hayes in nominating you, one of the highest representatives of the colored race, for the high and distinguished position of U.S. Marshal of the District of Columbia, also by the U.S. Senate in the confirmation of said nomination. God grant you health, strength and a preservation of that ability which has hitherto distinguished you in all vocations. I am glad to learn of the nomination of John W. Langston Esq to a position which I know he is well qualified for and will fill with ability. There are other colored men of eminent ability who like yourself & Mr Langston have fought for the preservation of the Union, & the Republican Party as as their freedom, who I hope in due course of time thePresident will show his appreciation of their services & loyalty to the Republican Party and their ability to serve the party by appointing them to in some high position. I will instance the Hon R. B. Elliott; and there are others whose names I must omit at present but stand ready and willing to mention at some future time. We are in a fearful condition in S. C. Republicanism is threatened with annihilation. We have been or are about to be cheated out of our legally elected Governor. Daniel H. Chamberlain, who received a majority of all the legal votes cast at the late election. He did not receive a majority of all the votes cast as did Genl Wade Hampton but who will presume to say that there has not always been the distinction made as justifying the claims of a candidate to office between the vote cast and the legal votes as cast, else whence come persons contesting the claims of their opponents to office. The promise of peace by the Democrats is a promise to the ear to be broken to the heart Mark me It is an Ignis-fatus misleading the Republicans down a precipice from which they can never again arise. I do not question the good will of President Hayes towards us as a race. I admire, agree with, and am willing to uphold his hands, in reconciling the conflict between the races in the south and making our motto E pluribus Unum not merely words but a veritable fact: but let him be certain that there is mutuality in the contract. Whatever the purpose of President Hayes may be to the contrary if he fail to recognize D. H. Chamberlain as Governor of So. Car. & Packard Governor of Louisiania he transfers the Republican Party into the hands of the Democrats as sure as a God exists. Shall this great party be thus destroyed? Some people say a new party must arise. why? are any of the fundamental principles of the Republican Party as it existed 20 years ago destroyed today? Cannot a party be reformed in its practices without its principles being destroyed? I will be just & state that I know in this state many Democrats who honestly desire peace reconciliation and will do justice to the colored race but they are themselves ostracised by their own Party in its majority & cannot do the good they would. A few new men guarantee peace, but the masses only can await it. Have they yet spoken in South Carolina or Louisiania? Ought not the President to hear from the whole people of these states, through themselves & not through Senator Gordon. Is it to be believed that Senator Gordon of Ga. & M. C. Butler of So. Car. desire peace more than the victory of their party in the states in question. It is said that taxation will settle the vexed question. If the contending factions are left to themselves so as to see if might can overcome right the inevitable result will be two governments in La & So. Ca. In this state every Republican who voted the Republican ticket will pay his tax to Chamberlain & the Democrats will do the same to Hampton. Did the framers of the Constitution intend such a state of things when they said “To every state shall be secured a Republican form of Government.” Pardon this lengthy letter I only desire to express my views to you and if you think they will conduce to good you may give them such publication as you think. I am not anxious nor desirous to appear in print but I do not fear my views being as generally known as possible. Since writing the above a Hampton trial Justice has shot a Negro in making an arrest which his constable ought to have made. Very truly Yours D. A. StrakerAmerican Missionary Association: 56 READE STREET, NEW YORK. HON. E. S. TOBEY, MASS, President. REV. M. E. STRIEBY, N. Y., Sec'y. H. W. HUBBARD, Asst. Treas., N. Y. New York, March 22nd, 1877 Hon. Frederick Douglass. Washington D.C. Dear Sir:- Permit me to come with the rest of your friends with my tribute of congratulation on your recent appointment. I rejoice in it as a deserved tribute to your personal worth your eloquence and ability; and I rejoice also, and perhaps even more because it is a recognition in your person of the rights and honors due to your people. With kind regards and great respect, Yours truly, M. E. Strieby. [2321]New York Mch 22nd 1877 Strieby, Rev. M.E. Secy &c Congratulates Mr. Douglass upon his appt. to the to the Marshalship Ans.[*P.S. I am "itinerant" as of old; but should it be in your heart to drop me a line, it would reach me without much delay, if sent to 428 N. Third Street, Philad'a.*] Cochranville, Pa., 3. 24.'77 Friend Douglass, You know, of course, that I am heartily glad to hear of your appointment & confirmation as Marshal of the District of Columbia; glad that you have the office; glad the District has so good an officer; glad the President has honored himself in thus disregarding the old prejudice which would once have barred your way to any respectable official position; glad the Senate has [has] had good sense & self-respect enough to second him in showing practical contempt of that prejudice; and glad that even those Senators who opposed your confirmation were manly enough not to regard your color as an objection to your confirmation, or were ashamed or afraid to confess that they so regarded it, if they did. In all this, & in all which it seems to me that this promises, I rejoice exceedingly, as you know without my telling. [*2328*]But I dare say you have already begun to feel one of the unpleasant consequences of holding such an office, in the importunity of applicants abundant for every comfortable position at your disposal, or obtainable, or supposed to be, through your influence. And yet, would you believe it? - aware as I am of this probability, I, even I, am about to add my contribution to the sum-total of these annoyances. I am requested to present to you the case of a woman, an entire stranger to me, but whose application, as its grounds are represented to me from what I regard as a fully trustworthy source, seems well worthy of favorable regard. Mrs. Julia Weed is the widow of a Col. Weed, of the regular army, who lost his life in the war against the Rebellion. She receives a very small pension, my informant does not say how much, but says it is not nearly enough to support her. She is the daughter of a Mr. Whitney, of Philada., & was very well educated, & accustomed, in her early years, to a life of comfort & refinement. She is now nearly 70 years old, & has not only herself to support, but an only daughter with a child & a son-in-law, once in good circumstances, but now destitute & blind, & consequently unable to provide for himself & family. Mrs. Weed was formerly employed in the Treasury Department, as a clerk; but was dismissed when it was judged necessary to reduce the clerical force in that Department. She is competent, my informant says, to do any writing, & only asks for some writing to do, by which to earn a support for herself & those dependent on her; is thoroughly worthy of trust, & would be glad to obtain a clerkship or something of the kind, if a vacancy is at your disposal, or if you can help her to it by your influence. If you would be disposed to see her, a letter of introduction might be sent to her, & she would call upon you, & make known her case more fully, & give references as to her fitness for such a place as she seeks. She has a very hard time at present, & in fact would not be able to get on without help from some of her friends, but is very reluctant to have to receive such help, & is very desirous to get some work by which she can live independent of it. A. C. Harmer, M.C. from Philada., was applied to on her behalf, for such influence as he might be able & willing to use for her, & pro-mised to do what he could, but has not yet, it is supposed, been able to see any way of helping her, as he has not been heard from since. But it is hoped that, if you have no place at your disposal which would suit her, his influence would be used with yours, should you be willing to use yours to help her elsewhere. Though I know nothing of the case, except what I am told by those who request me to address you, yet such is my confidence in their abatements, that I should regard it as a personal favor if you would give Mrs. Weed an opportunity to set her application before you herself, + refer you to such attestations of her qualifications as she may be able to offer. I do not know her address, my informant having omitted to give it; but if you are willing to give attention to her case, you can communicate with her by writing to Robert Massey, 428 North Third Street, Philada, as it is from him that the information comes to me, which I have given you. I earnestly hope it may be in your power to give a favorable answer to the application. Yours Truly C.C. BurleighClarks Cottage on the Hillside Dansville NY Mch 24,1877 Dear Frederick - The escape of the Country from the infliction of a Tilden and a democratic administration under him by the inauguration of Rutherford B. Hays as President of the United States. is cause for great joy and rejoicing to all true and loyal hearts throughout the Nation. And the appointments thus far made and the policy - so far as any distinctive policy has thus far been indicated by the President meets with very general approbation - and every body (except the badly disappointed) breathes freer and look and speak more hopeful and cheerful for the future of the country. Even Democrats have told me they are really better satisfied now it is Hays than they would have been had it been Tilden! I hope and pray the President may be sustained in what I believe is his honest purpose as a true Patriot [2326]and statesman to administer the government for the greatest good of the whole country. Another thing - good and pure people will be glad to know we have now a President who is a clean Christian gentleman - and a practicle Temperance man who will not defile himself with either liquor or Tobacco - and will, in this important respect set a pure example and exert a good and wholesome influence over the youth of the country. Having been enabled to say thus much of our new President with real satisfaction - let me now most heartily congratulate you on your appointment to the important and responsible position of United States Marshall for the District of Columbia! And that your Nomination was confirmed by so large a vote in the Senate - even some of the most rabid democrats voting for you! Verily the World has moved since you and I were tuging away with our shoulders to the Anti Slavery wheel more than a quarter of a century ago! We are with all your friends hereabouts highly gratified both for your sake and for the sake of the cause and people you represent, and we trust and believe your administration of the duties of the office will be a success and reflect honor upon all concerned. My family join me in sending their greetings and good wishes and desire to be remembered to Mrs Douglas also and all your children who may be at home. Yours truly as of old Geo. W. ClarkFROM CHARLES W. SLACK & SON, OFFICE OF THE "COMMONWEALTH," A SATURDAY Journal of Politics, Literature, Art and News, 25 BROMFIELD STREET, BOSTON. ESTABLISHED SEPT. 1, 1862. Boston, March 24, 1877. Dear Marshal:- All hail and many congratulations! When you decide to come towards Boston let me know, and the "saints" will get you up one of the best complimentary dinners you ever saw! That's all! Truly yours, as ever, Chas. W. Slack Frederick Douglass, Esq. [2327]answeredPentwater, March 24th 1877. Honored Sir I beg you will allow me to express the great pleasure I feel in your appointment of United State's Marshal of the District of Columbia, by congratulating you. In my infant years the Love of Liberty and justice in my Soul taught me to reverence the name of Fred Douglass, and later I connect it with just such names as Abraham Lincoln, John Brown, and thousands of brave men and women that have given life, love, and wealth to truth, justice, and Liberty. Many bitter tears have I shed over the wrongs of your [2325]people, and many have been my prayers for their deliverance. Last I gave my dearest Friend to the cause. He won a brave soldiers laurels - shot by rebels in Missippi. Deem it not amiss that I express to you my sincere thankfulness at the result of our late extraordinary political campaign in all its various phases. Our nation will be bettered by it, for much good must result from such a triumph of right over wrong. Very truly your obedient servant Helen Stowell Pentwater Michigan To Mr Douglass. Marshal for the district of ColumbiaBridport, March 26, 1877. Dear Mr. Douglass We have often been thinking and talking of you, in relation to the Presidential contest. I saw in a London paper, that you are appointed Marshall of Washington; and we shall be glad to hear that it is a post that you care to accept. At one time, any post under Government would have been a victory; but now our hopes are raised; and we look for something [with] that manifests some distant approximation to power. With your unquestioned ability and long service, had you been of a different complexion, your reward would have been different. Yet, after all, your true reward is - when you have an opportunity of serving your people and your country. With our English ways of looking [*2332*]at things, I did not desire the appointment of Hayes (except for the sake of the freedmen). We think it a bad thing for the Government to be the nominees of a minority, and it seemed that the constituents of the electors of Tilden were the most numerous. Beside which, when a party has been hanging on, as it were, and doing no great credit to its principles, it does them good to be on the cold shade of opposition for a time - it braces them up. The Conservatives here have done two or three mischeivous things, and have omitted to do twenty or thirty good things; still I think that our Liberal party is all the better for being out of place. We have been all the more true to our principles of freedom .. and we, ultra men, find that our leaders who have no longer the responsibilityP.S. March 28 My sister Susan, and a friend from whom we heard this morning, seem each greatly pleased with your appointment. I hope it may be a more important one than I feared. The Lord High Constable, and the Earl Marshall of England are very high officers of State; but they are merely ornamental! I hope that the "Marshall of Washington, D C." is a person of some authority. I notice that "the coloured people" (when will that phrase become obsolete!) mustered in great force at the inauguration of the President.R.J. Carpenter to F. Douglass march 26, 1877of office, are becoming more radical. Meanwhile the Conservative government contains many useful men. I do not know any of the Liberal Administration who have been more ready to listen to my sister Mary's opinions about India, e.g., than the Marquis of Salisbury, and Sir S. Northcote. (Mary has been lately visiting us; we were talking together about you; she was very much pleased with the last photograph you sent us - which indeed has excited general envy!) Perhaps there may be some advantage to the U.S. in having a President in Hayes's peculiar position. If we may judge from his Message he seems particularly anxious to deal fairly and justly by the whole country. : and I know that you felt it very important for the interests of your people, that the Democratsshould be defeated. I am more sorry than surprised at the present state of things in the South. You know that I have no faith in war. My wonder was, that at first, things seemed to be working so smoothly. The adverse elements are now showing themselves. I do not profess to have kept pace with the politics of South Carolina and Louisiana. The Palmetto State deserves all the ills that the pride and tyranny of its planters have brought upon it -- or rather they deserve the retribution; but the innocent, of both races, suffer with the guilty. I forget whether your sons still keep on the National Era. When you are in the mood to write, you know how a letter pleases us; but if ever a Washington paper gives information respecting you, we shall be glad to receive it. With kindest remembrances Ever faithfully yours, Russell L. CarpenterDansville N.Y. Mch 26. 1877 Dear Frederick - I add this note at the request and in the interest of my Daughter Eliza - who when you saw her last in Greenville Michigan - was Mrs Shearer. I am sorry to say - (and you know something of this sorrow) her husband has turned out badly. She has been obliged to leave him and expects to get a Divorce from him. She wants to do something now to earn her own living, you know of her competency to fill a good situation in some of the Departments. She thought she might obtain or would like a situation in the Post Office. A position where writing is required she could fill with satisfaction [*2333*]as she writes a ready and plain hand - as you will see from the hastily written note to her Father which I herewith enclose - and which is not by any means as well as she can write when she takes pains. I don't ask "Office" for myself - (for I have no doubt - should you have a position in which I could be of service - you would not forget me-) but I would ask on my Daughters behalf - if you should have or know of - or would use your influence to secure for her some place where she could be useful and earn something to help smooth lifes pathway along- you would do her a great favor and lay her and us all under great obligations. As ever yours truly Geo. W. ClarkGateshead-on-Tyne March 26th My dear Friend —This is the last letter you will receive from my hand from Denmark St—as, all being well, we move to St Neots next week— address— The Cross St Neots— Hants— It has of late years become the fashion to curtail the shires of our Counties: Huntingdonshire is the Co: but it is rarely written—you will inquire that I am very busy now, with moving in prospect—but I feel that I must send my dear old friend a word of congratulation upon his new appointment—of which I onlydefinitely heard last Saty morning—your welcome letter greeted me on my return from that same evening—dear friend Fredk you know how warmly & truly I congratulate you. I am most anxious to know what your duties will be or rather are—for I suppose they will have [illegible] in this?—so, if in the press of business you only can send me a dozen lines, prithee send them—will the appointment keep you fixed at Washington?—I suppose there will be no lecturing now?—I do hope it will prove remunerative? Tell me all particulars—I will know how much I want to know then—Is the President a fine man? at any rate he has the discernment to appreciate true nobility—This is 1877—and 30 years ago this March (1847) we had our anti Slavery (Lndn.) service & Eliza pinned that white carnation in your coat? and the haughty brother Frederick "never rested till he knocked off the beautiful white flower leaving only the green leaves on“—Can it be 30 years ago this coming 29th March? and then, 28 years ago this 29th March—/49—the”Sarah Sands“ bore us across the wide Atlantic; And you, if God spares your valuable life will ”cross over" again to see us—I fear not this summer but if the next November our St Neots house as yr head quarters—you can spend four St Neots a stop (over) in London—& see our “new, great Metropolis”—which you scarcely saw last time—& I am sure, you will feel quite at home with my household—which is an extremely pleasant one—Their very nice governess move with me—& Mattie Crofts joins me—& I hope God will bless us—& then all will be well—Dont fail to send me a few lines soon—Be careful of yourself—do not run any risks—the Southern tyrants will not relish the appointment—Remember me very kindly to Mrs Douglass, Rose, & the sons—if they bear me in memory—and praying that God may bless you abundantly, I am, forever & ever, your faithful and affectionate old friend, Julia G. Croft Sh[oul]d the doctor knew I was writing he send you his best regards— [?] Brookeville Md. Mar 26 1877 Hon. Fredrick Douglas Dear Sir, I am glad to learn that you have been appointed Chief Marshal of D.C. I know of no appointment that that can give me more pleasure and I feel assured that no one could of been selected who could more faithfully and honorably fill such a position than yourself. Will you except my heartiest congratulations and best wishes for your future happiness and Success. The colored people seemed to be very proud when I related the fact to them that you had been elected. A few weeks ago it was nothing but Hayes, now it is all Douglas. There is one Colored gentleman here who labored very hard in the last Campaign, is desirous of getting in to some business. I feel it my duty to do all I can for him knowing [2330]Your extensive connection and influence with the business community of your City. I take the pleasure of a friend to ask you to oblige me in Soliciting your aid in his behalf. I can recommend him with safety. he bears a good name with every body. Both Black and white - Democrats & Republicans. and is very expert - in business. Well educated, at the Howard University. He is the Son of Rev. Lorenzo D. Snowden one of the most - noted men in Mont. Co White or Black. he is able to transact Business of most - any kind. and can be trusted any where. for further recommendation apply to any one. Democrat or Republican. Please write immediately. Yours Friend Henry N. Hall Brookesville Montgomery Md Chatsworth, Ill. March 26 1877. HON FRED DOUGLASS DEAR SIR You will pardon an old time Abolition in addressing a note to you at this time—Having been associated with such Gentlemen as Rev. Nath Colver C P Grosvenor, Dr Corless M A Mowrey Hon Gerritt Smith Wm Goodell Joshua Leavitt &c &c & having heard you when you first came North—I can but congratulate you upon the result following our great Battle in behalf of your race & of our humanity as well God, has done great things for us & our cause where-of we are glad For many years yes from—1842—, till its disorganization I was with the “Free Mission Society,” & through it sought the freedom & elevation of your enslaved people, & now I rejoice that Slavery is dead & that as one of the oppressed race you are placed in so prominent a place & ake a lively interest in Prest Hays experiment with the south, for it is an experiment & one I should not have made—! I insist that Packard of La & Chamberlain of S. C. [???] be recognized instantly The Slavery Spirit is still alive & kicking—all it lacks is power & should be dealt with not by pacification, but by force. The idea of pacifying rebels is not only preposterous but ridiculous—Please accept my assurance of interest in your success. A KENYON [P.S.] My address is Rev. A Kenyon Chatsworth Ill Medford. Near Boston. 26 March 1877. TO FREDERICK DOUGLASS. UNITED STATES MARSHALL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DEAR FRIEND. No one can offer you profounder congratulations than the wife of George L. Stearns, and the friend of old John Brown. Indeed to chart my “Nunc Dimittis,” seems the only thing left for me to do. After all this dreary watching, and waiting for some result of the Great War, commensurate with its terrible sacrifice, comes a President so sane, and clean, and well-poised that he seems more like an ideal Hero, than an actual presence; so far removed from all the political makeshifts, we have been used to call Presidents, that I rub my eyes, in half fear that it is some enchantment, and not quite real, and permanent. From first, to last, President Hayes, has not even offended, in simple matters of taste, while his moral courage, firmness of purpose, and heaven-eyed wisdom shine aloft like the stars: keeping in the busy turmoil of affairs the “law in silence made”. I love and honor him with my whole heart and soul: and I never could say that, of any President during my life. He is the Century blossom: and now having redeemed the promises of the Declaration of Independence, the Republic starts fair, and square on its second Century; And how narrow the escape from destruction, time will clearly reveal. President Hayes has a Herculean tasks before him, but I doubt not his triumph over them all. It is not twenty years, since John Brown was hung for a practical application of the Golden-Rule to your suffering Race. And today, as its representative you are Marshall of the District of Columbia! As my friend Mr. M D. Conway6 would say, “It is imense”—It is the Lord’s doing, and marvelous in our eyes. Very near, seems the spirit of my noble Husband in this sublime triumph of reason, and virtue. For this, he gave his life and fortune. With a renewal of my congratulations, and hearty God speed to you, and your Race. I am cordially Your friend Mary E. Sterns. Hon. Frederick Douglas. U.S.M.D.C.Bridport March 27th /77 My dear Mr. Douglass I rejoiced when I heard of Mr. Hayes' election that your efforts had been rewarded. I hope the last winter's campaign has not been too much for your strength - that the new President will prove all that you hope & expect. I was much interested in his Address - which seemed that of a wise and just man - in earnest to do the right to all parties - I hope that he will be a firm friend to the colored people, and in [*2335*] [*With kindest regards I remain dear Mr Douglass very sincerely yrs Mary Carpenter*]every way that he can help them to help themselves. A nephew of mine, Howard Thomas, my sister Lucy's son, was married last week & is going to take his bride to the United States for their wedding trip! If they go to Washington I hope they will see you, as they will certainly try to. - I wish they could persuade you to accompany them back to England. I don't know whether I have written to you since Mrs. Crofts paid us a week or ten days' visit last summer, It was very pleasant to see her here, & she seemed to enjoy the quiet rest & our pretty neighbourhood. She will be very busy just now preparing for her move from Gateshead on Tyne to St. Neots in Huntingdonshire. She has long been wishing to leave the North of England, & to come to a milder climate I hope she will not be disappointed in the place she has chosen & the school she has taken. We shall meet occasionally I hope now that the distance is not so very great. You wd. think nothing of any possible distance from one part of England to another- butyou see we consider two or three hundred miles a very long journey. Miss Amé Draz has been spending the winter in Switzerland with her nieces at Neuchatel she hopes to return to England for the summer. The winter has been a very mild one with a great deal of rain - & generally considered unhealthy & unseasonable no proper Christmas weather with skating &c - but it has suited Mr. Carpenter much better than clear cold weather with keen winds - for the first time for many years he has had no illness - & I hope with care we may escape any.Bethel, A.M.E. Church. Baltimore, MD. Hon. Frederick Douglas, Washington, D.C. Permit an old friend, to congratulate you, most sincerely; on your accession to the marshallship of the District of Columbia, and withe the best wishes for your present and future prosperity. I am with considerations of the highest regard, yours with the greatest respect. Handy, Mar. 28th, 1877. [*2338*](Confidential) New York 132 W. 13th St. Mch 28.'77. Mr. Fredk. Douglas. Washington. Marshal of the District of Columbia. Dear Sir, Enclosed please find an article of mine published in the Rochester Eveg Express last week. It was a very pleasant thing for me to write this, and I think you will remember well the circumstances named. Please accept this as a tribute to your character for achievement, and for your present high office. In view of the contrast between your case, and that of your people then and now, -- it must be said "Lo! What hath God wrought"! I was, in the war times, in the Dept. of The Interior -- which place I left to take Orders in the Episcopal Church -- which thing I did in Chicago. For some 4 years past, I have been a Resident of Rochester -- my throat not allowing me to do the work of a Pastor. I am now Gen. Agt for "The Churchman"-- and working for it here. On a/c of my throat, I wish I were back again in Office at Washn, when I was Head of "the Civilization Divn. of Indians" - Salary of $1800. Perhaps you may have some place where I could help you. I wrote the first Nomination of Lincoln for the Presidency -- in the Aurora Beacon which I edited till I went as Ed. in Chief of The Daily Whig & Repn. Quincy Ill. Dr. Cha. H. Ray, the Battle Axe of Chicago Tribune was my [2336]nephew - much lamented. I was formerly a Lawyer in Ills.- and when in Office in W. I had frequent occasion to use my little knowledge of law, in the Settlement of Indian Claims &c. Please favor me with a reply, and tell me if you remember the fact, which I have here narrated in the Rochester Express. Also say whether I can help you any way in your official work. Very Resp'y Your Obt. Servt. J. Wainwright Ray.- Clyde Wayne Co N.Y - - March 29th 1877 - Fredk. Douglass Esq - - My dear Sir - I heartily congratulate you. You have indeed achieved a victory of which you may well be proud - And our President has done a noble act in appointing you Marshal of the District of Columbia - and the Senate have likewise done well in confirming the nomination. What a change has taken place in public opinion with the period of twenty five or thirty years? My father was an old fashioned Abolitionist & I was educated in that political creed - and I have never changed my views in respect to Slavery. I am a Republican and always expect to be. I remember a great many years ago, when a boy, hearing you lecture upon Slavery here in Clyde and I think you was, at one time, a guest at my fathers House - I have a pamphlet [*2339*]I think containing your life - publishd. about that time - American Slavery was [then] in full blast and I never expected to live to see the day when you would hold an office under the General Government -- I believed that the time would Eventually come when colord. men would be free and enjoy the same rights as others but that I thought was so far in the Great Future that none then on Earth would ever witness it -- When Rev Samuel, R. Ward -- the Colord. Clergyman that then preached at South Butler in this County lectured here- he was a guest at my father's Home -- in going over to the Presbyterian Church where he was to speak, several of the first Citizens of Clyde threw rotten eggs at him- & the rabble insulted him by following at a distance and setting groans &c - this was Many Years ago - Several of these first Citizens are living here now and belong to the Republican Party- This Shows the Great Change in Public Sentiment. At that time you were unsafe in Washington - Today, you can walk it's streets with perfect freedom and associate with the greatest and best men of the nation- I recollect hearing you once speak in the Old Broadway Tabernacle in New York - & then you were interrupted occasionally by hisses and groans -Today, you can speak in any city in the Union and meet with tokens of appreciation. For all of which, let us thank God - Again, I congratulate you upon your success in becoming a Government officer and a lucrative one- Very Truly Yours &c Sylvester. H. ClarkeClyde, Wayne Co New York March 29, 1877 Clark, Sylvester H. Congratulations upon appointment and confirmation as U.S. Marshal of Dist of Columbia Ans April 18th 1877Saint Elkville Ills March 30th 1877. To Hon. Frederick Douglass U. S. Marshal Washington D. C. My Dear Sir it is very gratifying to me to think or know that you have been promoted as U.S. Marshal. over the District of Columbia. By Mr. Hayes. president of the U.S. A. I Deem it quite an honor upon you Mr. Douglass and also upon the african Descended Race in america. Mr. Hayes is carrying out his policy so far. Demonstrated in his letter of acceptance and inaugural address. I truthfully hope a peaceful solusion of pollitical dificulties will soon or late dawn upon this continent. Peace in america Should be the watchword of our Constitutional liberty and what is more supreme. Our natural Born and God given Rights. Our sacred constitution embodies all of our civil and pollitical rights. Though, they have been but meagerly extended. By those who entertained the principal governmental powers in america over us. after the Results of the late Civil Strife had ended upon the field of Blood and gave us peace. peace is the cry all over this accursed nation. a Blessing that we will never Be given until social and pollitical equality is imparcially extended to us. irrespective of color, race or previous condition of servitude. [* 3050 *]What a Shame on the american people, that Caste or Color, is a Crime. let me say to this Class of people, and men of the North, South, East, and West, [the] that there is But one [w] highway to Reconciliation, and that is open, Straight, and free, and over its portals are inscribed these Morels, Equal Rights to all, to all the Equal [portr] protection of the Laws, and if they will walk in that highway, they will arrive at port of peace, and their final unbroken Rest, -: laggnage of the poet, there is a weapon Sinner yet, and Stronger than the Bayonet, a Weapon that comes down as Still as Snow flakes fall upon the Sod, But Executes a freemans Will, as Lighting does the Will of god. Mr. Douglass, I would like to see your Well written autobiography, Entitled "my Bondage and my freedom of which I have Some interesting accounts, in my antislavery history. Your Escape from tyranny, I went to See a Specimen Copy of your paper. that Janas Janr Sons publish. I want to Subscribe for it, Respectfully J. H. Burkhalter. P.S. Ere long I wish to hear from you in relation to those things above spoken off. please. address, J.H. Burkhalter, Elkville, Ills,OFFICE OF THE RED BANK MINING COMPANY, NO. 116 Freemont St Cannel, Gas, and Steam Coals. J. K. Baker, Treas. Boston, Mch 30th 1877 Frederick Douglass Eq Dear Sir It gives me pleasure to congratulate you upon your acsession to a seat in the synagogue, and to read in it the moral to our much written story—The hunted has become the hunter. If it should happen to your lot to adjust a few coals of fire upon the head of your former proprietor the inversion would be complete. What I want now, is, the opinion of the U.S. Marshall on the sanity of our friend of the “Lost Arts”. I think he should be entitled to all the light shown upon his truthfull nature & his christianlike charitable solicitude for the good of the nation, and his fostering tenderness of the sprouting buds of goodness just now putting forth—as more fully set forth in his little love story at Philadelphia recently. What do you think of him? Every word of Mr Gaffields Criticism on his “Lost Arts” is proven from authority and still Mr Phillips, who classed Mr Gaffield among his personal friends continues to deliver this lecture without one sign of correction. More than a year ago Mr G. commenced to expostulate with him on his error of statements in it, and finaly as a glass man indignant at having his profession so misrepresented by a great teacher he pitches into him.—and still to no effect. Phillips apparently believes in his own infallibility. If facts don’t agree with him “so much the worse for the facts”. We all hold him high in our estimation for the noble work he did when he walked and talked with his life in his hand, and this history will always be a book by itself—His new books I dont like at all. A soldier who does battle with all bravery and saves his cause—& comes home—and from force of habit keeps up his carving and shooting among his friends, will soon wear out his welcome. Truth is a great wrestler—and will surely trip up Bombastic Juniors as well as the preacher of truth as a lost art. I will again say, I very much want to know what you think of our Wendell Phillips You know him well, and in our journeying conversation I was rather dampened in my convictions by your confidence in him— Yours truly James H. Mayo 116 Freemont St. Boston, Mass Mch 30th 1877 Mayo, James H. Congratulates on appointment & confirmation as U. S. Mar. &c &c. Ans. April 10 [*March 30, 1877*]Troy, NY March 1877 Frederick Douglass Esq. My dear Friend It affords me very great pleasure in sending to you my heartiest congratulation of the appointment which you have received by the means of our Noble President. He "Dared to do Right." I regard it as merit bestowed upon deserved Fidelity and worth bestowed to the cause of human Freedom elevation and welfare. To accomplish this, you have met predudice, foes, and hatred and vanquished them. The Battle you began as a colord man for the [*2344*]Freedom of the Race had a much more comprehensive mission it was to be the progressive power to enfranchise the whole people. Alas, the Northern people imagined that Slavery only existed at the South. And I rejoice that we are becoming to be recognised that we have a President that dares to think for himself may he ever be guided by that wisdom from above. Wishing very great Success in all your labor. I remain your most obedient Servant J. A. Prince To Fredrick Douglass Esq Marshial of the District of Washington D.C