Edgwood. January 13th 1881 Dear Sir, Having been unsuccessful in my attempts to see you personally at your office - to avoid the formality of a note - I now try to enclose herewith twenty dollars which I put into your hands for such distribution as you think best bestowed upon the Colored poor of our District. Would that my ability enabled me to increase the price, but I gladly contribute what I can, in acknowledgement of the staunch loyalty The Honorable Frederick Douglas- Marshall [*2437*]loyalty that I am assured our Colored Citizens maintain, to the memory of their freer friend and Champion - my father - reassured and reasserted in their warm adherence to and faith in me. Surely, I need say no more to explain why I place this small tribute quietly in your hands. Had father remained with us, he would have achieved upon this, his natal day, his 73rd year. I am cordially and respectfully yours Katherine Chase SpragueUS POSTAL CARD U.S. POSTAGE ONE CENT [*DANSVILLE JAN 19 6AM*] Hon Fred Douglass City Hall Washington D.C. [*2406*]Thanks, friend, for kind wishes, kind thoughts, and kind words. They smooth the rough places, and lighten the shade. And teach, tho' life's journey seem useless and dreary, It's struggles for naught to the soul sick and weary, That perhaps in some nook of God's world, it has "paid," And so, after all, it were well that [fewer] made. Always sincerely your friend Clara Barton Dansville NJ. January 18-1881.Coneygar Villa, Bridport. Jany. 25th 1881 Dear Mr. Douglass I can just put in a line of thanks for your welcome letter dated Nov. 20 /80 - you were not quite certain whether you wd be reappointed as Marshall of the U.S. of course we wd be glad on many accounts for you to continue in an office of so much dignity & importance but — if you are not again "tied" by the requirements of office, we hope to benefit by seeing you in England next summer. We hope that even if reelected you would have claimed a few months rest & holiday & have come over to to spend it in England, but you seem to think this wd not do. We have been having unusual cold this last week & a snow storm wch you wld think nothing of but wch is quite an event to us. In the private road close to our [*2419*]house a path has been cut in the [the banks] [???] between walls of 4 or 6 feet deep of snow — it makes our scenery quite Alpine — & is certainly very beautiful — the thaw will not be so delightful but we shall be glad when the fields & roads return to their usual color & condition. We hope that Mrs Crofts will visit us during her Easter holiday she was to have done do last year & unfortunately Mr. Carpenter was ill just before Easter & we could not receive her. My sister Lucy with her three daughters & a young niece are going to spend a few weeks in Rome. Mrs. [Thomas?] will take them, & settle them into comfortable quarters, & leave them to follow their own desires, — & go & fetch them home before Easter. They are looking forward with much pleasure to this trip the young people have never been as far as Rome, & one of them never out of England — so she is in exstasies at the prospect. With hearty good wishes for the year we have entered upon — & remain very sincerely Yours Mary CarpenterBedford Jan 25, 1881 Dear Mr. Douglass, I congratulate you very heartily on the results of the late presidential election. The Southern democrats have overshot the mark and roused the spirit of the friends of freedom. It is curious that there should be a Liberal reaction on each in the Atlantic. Many Liberals were not inconsolable, when the Conservatives came into power. Our experience had been, that they yielded to the popular vote when strongly pronounced. It was under a Tory government that we had Catholic Emancipation, Free Trade, and the land Reform Bill: whilst Liberals, when in office, are apt [*2404*]to shrink from the development of their principles, under official restraints. The late administration, however, did little but harm. - except indeed to unite the Liberals in a resolve to turn them out. Their "Imperial" policy, resulting in the disastrous and disgraceful way in Asia & Africa, not only did harm at the time, but involved then usurpers in difficulties from which it is not easy to see the end. The condition of Ireland question is a trouble to any government. It is obvious that Parnell and his party do not want the Irish to be satisfied, or made content, by concessions; but to cause a Repeal of the Union. As far as we ourselves are concerned, I should not be sorry to be relieved of a constant anxiety; but there is no evidence that the Irish know how to govern themselves. A Boston friend has sent me "Bricks without Straw", and I have 2 according to your last = viz Mr. J. G. Brown, for Pioneer Sunday School Mrs. O Connor, --- Miner Normal School Mr W. E Matthews, --- Presbyterian S. School Washington. 3 copies for your own distribution. Mr W. F. Sharman, Fall River, Mass. I hav enclosed a note to Mr. Solomon G. Brown, in one to Mr. Dale, at the Smithsonian. When you get your copies, would you send a card to Mr. Sharman. If he was disposed to send me word after he has received it, I should like a line; but it is of no consequence. You no doubt will explain to Mrs. Connor, and Mr. Matthews, respecting the book. If I had printed 1000 copies, instead of 750, for the first edition it would have saved me the cost of reprinting. As it is, I expectto have about 300 copies in hand: and shall be rejoiced to give them wherever they would be valued and useful, especially to those whom my brother cared for so much. If you could kindly ascertain such cases for me, I could send them by post ---- the charge is no greater than if I posted them to a neighbor in England I should however be glad to know from you, whether if I posted a book, the person who received it in America would have to pay duty (going through the Smithsonian is a pain) in this case, it might cause them trouble. How do they estimate the duty --- ought I to write the value of the book on the cover? --- if so, I should put the cost free to me. It [*3.*] but this is not in my nature and every now and then, I get laid up; and have not much vitality about me; when I recover [?], I had no idea that I should even reach my present age; and as long as I stay here, I must be very thankful of it I have the power to do just a little, now and then. I need not say that we shall be rejoiced to see you here. and when you can form your plans, we shall try to make ours correspond ; as it would be a disappointment indeed, if we were away when you might have been here!! With kindest remembrance, and best wishes for this and every year, Yours faithfully, R. L. Carpenter Fr. Douglass Esq [*Jan. 25, 1881*]is a real comfort to us, that we are free from their imports, and collect our revenue in other ways. Do you know anything of the Washington University for colored people — if so, where is it ? I sent a copy of the first edition to the Library of the University of Charleston, S.C., but I should like to send it to some one of your people either there, or in Sullivan’s Island. Do you know any one in Chatham, Canada W., where my brother visited the Freedmen’s colony. ? If it was not troubling you, and you thought you could with advantage give a copy, here and there, to some intelligentcoloured man or woman, I should be pleased to send you another parcel; but you have so much to think of, and to do, that I do not want to trouble you — so do not hesitate to say so. And now for more personal matters. I am very glad to find that, although you fear the approach of the infirmities of age, you are still hearty! You suppose that our quiet lives would preserve us in vigour. If you care to look in upon us, just for a day, you might think us — except gray hair — much as ever. But I have to confess myself good for very little. My chief infirmities are a complaint of the throat, and shortness of breath. I ought to move, and do every thing, calmly and deliberately. [*R. L. Carpenter to Douglass*] [*Jan. 25, 1881*] open a chapter, or so , in a newspaper, from "The Fools Errand.") As far as the interest of the book as a Teacher is concerned, I think it has been greatly over-rated. --- I cannot compare it to Uncle Tom's Cabin. But the interest of it as a record is great. To read a newspaper report does not affect the mind like the perusal of a book, which keeps the subject before one; and I am glad to learn that these works have not been without their effect in the late contest. At one time, my impression was, that you did not advise us to help the [?]; since you thought it better that they should stay where they were, and stand their ground; but "Bricks Without Straw" makes one feel that it is worse for many of them to go to Kansas; and I hear that there are good prospects for them in New Mexico. If apartfrom these old masters, they can do well, this will raise them in public estimation, and will encourage their friend in the South. I see that Judge Tourgee will mark on the partial influence of education, in teaching the negroes what their rights are, and how to avail themselves of the protection of the law; but this of course will be a very slow process. I am glad to see that Kansas made the sale of intoxicants illegal, under the Constitution: this of course will be a great safeguard to them who wish to be truly free. I was surprised to hear of the great women in the population there, which is I see now estimated at a million. John Brown, and those of like spirit, did not struggle there in vain! I have now dispatched to the London agent of the Smithsonian Instn. a parcel containing 7 copies of the 2nd edition of my brother's memoirArlington Jan. 31st 1881 Mr Douglass Sir A few weeks ago I was reading a sketch of your life, and found that you resided in Uniontown. I took the liberty of writing to you, asking how property was selling in Uniontown, as I have a lot there and [you] would like to dispose of it; but not receiving any reply, I supposed I wrote the wrong direction and therefore you did not get it. I directed it to Uniontown. You will excuse me, for again taking the liberty of writing, but I am very anxious to know whether I could sell or not. I have [a house] a house here (in Arlington) and if I could sell any lot, I would take the money, and help to pay mortgage here (which [*2420*]is one thousand dollars). We have not been able to pay any on it yet. I wrote to an agent there, but he said it was only worth one hundred dollars. I think he must be mistaken, for it was assessed for one hundred and fifty six; beside I bought quite a while ago (in 1835). My sister (who is dead now) has a lot adjoining mine and probably I could sell both to a better advantage than I could sell one. If it is not [took] too much trouble, would you please let me know how property is selling, and whether Marlborough Road is built up or not? (for that is the road the two lots are on.) by so during you will oblige. Yours Respectfully Mrs. Ann F. Davis Arlington Hudson Co New Jersey P.S. Please write as soon as possible. A.F. DavisRochester Feb 1st 1881 Mr. Frederick Douglass Dear Sir Will you take twenty five hundred dol & apply on your Bond and Mort. held against me. If so let me know immediately by return mail and oblige. M. A. JeffreyHenry M. Watson, President. Harlow C. Palmer, Sec. and Treas. E. J. Hall, Gen. Manager. Bell Telephone Company, Rochester Exchange, 10 & 12 MAIN ST. BRIDGE, CHAS. F. YOUNG, Manager. B. F. BLACKALL, Superintendent. Rochester, N. Y., Feby 10th 1881. Fredk. Douglass. Wash DC. Dear friend, Enclosed find statement of account, and cheque for $101.67 to cover the same. This is the anniversary of Minnies wedding day. She and her husband, and Henry, and Zerviah are home, and will take dinner with us, together with some other friends. Wish you was going to be one of the number. Henry and Zerviah and Sarah and I would come down to the inauguration if the former could leave this business long enough. Have you been tendered a cabinet appointment yet? I see you havent made a visit to the shrine at Menton yet. (not Mecca)-[2422] Remember me to all of your family - Truly yours — B. F. BlackallThe Cross, St Neots, Hunts Feby 11th /81 My dear friend/ I did not purpose your last letter with Rosetta's enclosure to remain thus long unacknowledged - but (as you used to say, in days of old) I have been a good deal "on the wing" since I received it - It is not too late my dear friend to express the hope that 1881 may prove a prosperous & bright year to you & yours - - What will come to poor old England it is hard to say. - We are in a great state of confusion at many points & places - The Zulu war was a very unjust one - the Boers never wanted us to fight the Zulus - but always did want their independence, & now they are [*2423*]fighting for it - & who can blame them? Then Russia phobia brought on the Afghan war - & there is always trouble there - & now look at Ireland! - Poor Mr. Gladstone has his hands more than full- We in England have arrived at a dreadful state of lawlessness & daring - & crime - It has become the fashion to carry revolvers here! & desperate things are being done with them - Victoria Docks are partly burnt - supposed to be the work of an incendiary property destroyed to the amount of a quarter of a million poundsduties not refreshed as I usually am by lest finer toil & change of occupation! — — I expect a domestic change before many months have passed — My nephew Atticus Griffiths & Mattie Crofts want to be married early this summer — but business affairs are everywhere with us in an uncertain state, + it scarcely seems a good time for young people to start — My dear little grandsons are great sources of interest to me One calls me "Gwanma" & the little one "Danda" & I feel so glad & thank- ful to have them here in my cozy, happy home — "far retired from noise + strife" —We dined 25 today in the dining room & kitchen; so you see, dear friend, I have a good sized household to manage & govern, and I try to make every one around me as happy as I can - These are not times for making much money with schools and it is grand to have "learnt" to be content in "whatsoever state we are. you learnt that difficult lesson dear Frederick, long ago - I have not been such an apt scholar - but I know it now - - - I know little or no American news - I do have not the least idea whether or no you are re-appointed as U.S. Marshall? Do let me know this, as soon as you can I pray you. I have not reached the dear Carpenters yet and much as I wish to go there is considerable uncertainty about the when - kindly - most kindly as they press it - The house I lived in at Gateshead is tenantless & I fear I shall have to journey there to look after it - Gateshead is due north - & Bridport due west. - - - If you are not re-appointed & if you do come to England a hearty welcome awaits you here - & every comfort. I keep a visitors' room - & hope always to be enabled to do so - & you may do just as you like as to goings & comings - Cambridge with all its treasures, is close at hand - & so isBedford - & London, not far off ----- I must now write a few lines to Rose - Remember me very kindly to Mrs Douglass - & the Jnrs - & with kindest, best wishes that God may bless you, & your household I remain as ever your faithful friend, Julia G. Crofts - Many people believe that God's judgments are now cruising on the earth - so many extraordinary disasters of all kinds - In my not now short life, I never remember to have heard or known of any thing similar - I think I see you smile - but I incline to this opinion myself - The wickedness is very great-Sterling---Then our weather has been terribly severe & very changeable - tremendous falls of snow especially in the South West of England - I left home on the 16th Decbr & returned to St. Neots on 22nd Jany - So I was more than five weeks absent - I spent Xmas with the widow - Mrs. Joe Nanson - once Jane Crofts - in Manchester - I did not go with any idea of self-pleasing - at present Lizzie Crofts lives with her sister Jane: but how long she will continue to do so I know not - for her sister tries her patience to the utmost She is as daring & self-willed, as a woman as she was in Halifax, asa child! - & will I fear make "ducks & drakes" of any money she may ever get hold of! - so two things arose out of my visit - I gave directions for the third little lad. 3 & a half, to come back with the little grandson I may be said to have adopted - & then I went to London - & had a new "will" made, - so tightly that not one penny left to her little fatherless children can ever get into the mother's possession. - - a sad thing, but we all have family trials. - I was altogether so pained & grieved & disappointed that my holiday (so called) was spoilt for me. & I came back to my school [*Julia Crofts to Douglass*]287 N. Miss. St. Indianapolis Ind Feby 13, 1881. Hon. Fredk. Douglass: My dear friend: Have you thought of me since last I had time to write? Well I have of you and as each week rolled by I've chided myself for not writing. Work, work, work! is the excuse I offer. You know friend mine Mrs. Mcleary has been out of school since Oct. and I have not only had my usual amount of labor but have been weighted down with the care of her room. Mrs Mc. is with her mother in Chicago and her husband is having a fine time in her absence. All the rest of Indiana's fair lads and lassies are about the same as when, you left us. My father is still at Olean, Ind seems [*2424*]well satisfied with his location. Tomorrow (the 14th) is his birthday. He is 63 yrs old. His health is excellent. Mother is well, and sends much love to you. My husband is still in Toledo. He keeps well but like me, is very desolate over our continued separation. The children are doing nicely in school and I feel that perhaps they will some day repay Mother and I for our pains. You, of course, in Washington are dead to but one thing now - the coming festivities of the inauguration of Garfield. How I wish I could witness it, but I can't, so I'll try and not pine. Let me hear from you. Don't treat me as I have you. I can't write often, and my heart is so sad at times. Who would be a proper person to inquire about a deposit in the Freedman's Bank, as how to collect some money? With much affection, I am Your friend Saidee O.U Topp.US POSTAL CARD. WRITE THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE - THE MESSAGE ON THE OTHER U.S.POSTAGE ONE CENT Fredrick Douglass Esq. Washington D C. [*2427*]Shoemakerstown Mar. 23/81 Mr. Douglass- Dear Sir. A very intelligent man (Nathan S.) claiming to be a son-in law of yours has applied to me for a situation as head man on our country seat. If he is known to you, & all right, will you be so kind as to send a line to Miss L.C. Towne Shoemakerstown Montgomery Co Pa And much oblige LC.T. [*2427*]In the Matter of } P.O. Lock Box 618. Office of R.D. Mussey, Lawyer, 508 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. March 24 '81 Dear Mr Douglas: I saw Att'y Gen'l McVeigh this morning. He assured me that he had sent your nomination over to the President's on Saturday - that he (McV) favored it and did not know why the President had not moved. I also saw the President a moment and told him if he had any fears that your reapptm't wd not be acceptable to the Bar, I could and did assure him it would be. If passing my Office this P.M. drop in a moment. Yrs Truly RD Mussey Hon F. Douglas) [*2428*]Baltimore March 30th 81 My dear friend I suppose you will be rather supprised to receive this letter from me. Mr. Douglass you have children of your own, and you well know by this time, they lead us to do many things that otherwise we would have no occation to do. Dear Sir why I presume to write to you, is in behalf of one of my sons who is endeavoring to get a situation in one in the departments in Washington, and is anxcious to secure your influence to assist him in the effort. [*2429*]We have but one republican congressman in Washington and he not particularly partial to our race, so we have to depend upon personal friends outside of state, for assistance. I judge from your great prominence that you have many applications of this kind. That is why I write to you myself about my son. He can get nothing to do here. All situations are closed against the better classes even the schools are not open to us. It pains me to see my child Idle. I thought you might interest yourself. Dear Sir you have known me Many years ever since you first pastthrough Phila. You at that time called at My Fathers house. I will never forget it, for I had a sister you admired much, after all these years have passed and gone. I am now asking a favour for my child 24 years of age which I trust may not pass unnoticed. Hopeing this may find you in good health Very respectfully your friend Elizabeth C H Bishop Eliza Chew 78 st Paul stWashington D.C. April 30 1881 Rev Russell Lant Carpenter My dear Friend, Allow me to introduce Rev Doctor Tanner of Philadelphia to your favorable notice. I am not aware of his mission (if has any) to England. I know him here as the Editor of the "Christian Recorder" the organ of the African Methodist Episcopal Church - a paper of which I am a reader, not because I am in unity with its theological opinions, but because of its tendency to educate and elevate its readers in all their moral and social relations. Mr Tanner stands very high in the esteem of his church and his brother ministers - as is shown by the many years during which he has been chosen [*201*] [*2912*]to edit their official organ. Any attention you find it in you power to show him will be gratefully appreciated by Your friend Fredk. Douglass. P.S. I have duly received the volumes of the Biography of your honored Brother Phillip. I have been so entirely engrossed of late with public affairs [of late] that no time could be given to correspondence with friends across the Sea. I have not yet given the times copies you kindly sent to me for distribution - but will do so soon. I hope you have received due acknowledgments from the [???er] school for the copy sent to that Institution.EDITORIAL ROOMS SCRIBNER'S MONTHLY: 743 BROADWAY NEW YORK Hon. Fredrick Douglass, Dear Sir: We have your favor of the 14th and have to thank you again for your goodwill and courtesies. It is very common, as you may have observed, for portions of a volume to appear first in a magazine and we believe it is generally agreed that the sale of the book is thus increased. We should be glad to make some such arrangement with yourself and your publishers for the use in Scribner of a chapter from your autobiography. If this should be agreeable to you, we could use 2720the paper in either our September or our October no. and should be glad to communicate with your publishers to that end. With continued good wishes, Very respectfully yours Editor Scriber's Monthly May 16, 1881 ^ N.B. Of course we should expect to pay honorarium for the use of the material.Senate Library Committee, Washington. May 18, 1881 Hon. Frederick Douglas Washington D.C. My Dear Sir: I heartily endorse the enclosed application of Miss Maggie L Naugan of Gallipolis, Ohio, for a position as copyist in the office of Recorder of Deeds. She is a young lady of excellent character, and is faithful and consciintious in the discharge of the duties entrusted to her. She has on file in the Treasury Department letters of commendation from the [*2432*]school board in Ohio, where she taught for six years, and endorsed by members of the Ohio Legislature, Gov Foster, and President Garfield. She is dependent upon her own exertions for the support of herself and mother, and is certainly deserving of any favor you can grant. I shall be glad to hear of her success. She was employed temporarily in the Treasury Department, under my direction, and would have been placed on the permanent roll, but the quota of Ohio was full, and the law forbade any further appointments from that State. Very truly yours, Wm. ShermanOffice of the Recorder of Deeds, District of Columbia. Frederick Douglass, Recorder. Washington D.C., May 23d 1881 Hon: Charles Devens: My dear sir: I thank you very sincerely for your kind and valued letter of congratulations, upon my Confirmation as Register of Deeds, and especially for the good word you were pleased to speak for me to the President of the United States. That word would no doubt have secured my retention in the office of U.S. Marshal, but for the President's preferences of a personal friend. My present office is even better suited to my tastes than the Marshalship - and is sufficiently lucrative. Allow me to express my pleasure that Massachusetts continues to honor you with exalted and responsible position. I shall look back with satisfaction to the four years I served under you as Marshal and you were Attorney General of the United States. Very truly your, Frederick Douglass [*1840*]13 Court Sq Boston May 24 1881. Hon Frederick Douglass Recorder of Deeds Washington DC My dear Sir I am in receipt of your kind note of 22 inst, and in reply would say I am very much obliged to you for favorable mention of my name to the Secretary of State, Mr Blaine; I am inclined to think however, that this must be some mistake about Mr Walden writing you in my behalf, he is a friend of mine and well wisher, but the last time I talked with him, he was asking my advice, about writing to Washington in the interest of another young man him a Mr Pope: I didn't know that he intended to mention my name in that connection at all. Permit me to thank you heartily for your article in the North America [*2433*]your right hand has not lost its cunning, we see in you still all the strength and elegance of impression of former days, and this last paper of your receives favorable notice and comment on all sides. you are pleased to be appointed Recorder I suppose that's all right. we are glad that you are pleased, but we are more pleased to find you with a disposition to carry on the fight for us and that you are able to present our case as dearly and forcibly as you ever could. May you long be spared to us. Yours Fraternally George L. RuffinBertrand, Michigan, May 28, 1881. Mr. Frederick Douglass: Your Honour: I have not any claim on you - but when I send this, by your permission I will inclose a note against a swindler, upon which, if you can, in any way whatever render any aid I shall ever feel very grateful. I am now with in 2 1/2 months of 73 - always poor, but never destitute. Lost my wife Jan. 1876 - have 2 Daughters, 2 Sons - Tina, & James are married - James and Leander work by the day for their living, at low wages. Jennie, the eldest Daughter, of whom as well as the others I am proud, works by the piece, polishing, a long time post, at the same one place, Detroit Steam Laundry, 16 Congress St. E. and [*2443*]Rents Rooms at 251 Jefferson av. where I winter with her, She providing, & it requiring nearly all she can earn to to kee us both. My people (Free Will Baptists) built a meeting house at Niles, Mich. - & after a while it was stated in a Niles-paper that Mr. Depp, a colored gentleman, had made a purchase of the house for his people to worship in - I had never seen him, but he learned that I had a good fat cow to sell, & came a stranger To me introducing his self - So I, having seen the Notice in the paper of his buying the Ch. Edifice, had full confidence in his integrity, and sold the cow To him, + the inclosed note is all that I ever had for the cow, & he was soon missing from Niles, & I could never learn where he had gone, & I am dependent on my good & respectable children, for a living, having but little here in Bertrand, & what little I have is here. and now: whatever you may think say or do, I hope you will always prosper, & meet with Success in all your laudable undertakings. I am yours, Very Sincerely, Caleb Whipple, ( a distant relative of The Wm. Whipple who signed the Declaration of American Independence.)Inclosure - Depp to Douglass Hon. F. DouglassBy the twenty fourth day of December next, I promise to pay Caleb Whipple, twenty two Dollars, for value Received, with use, Bertrand Sept. 22, 1856. Cortney J Depp Mr. Depp Note $22 Inclosed May 28, 81 Whipple to Douglass13 Court Sq. Boston June 1st, 1881 My dear Mr. Douglass- I have been thinking what to say to your invitation to me to write the introduction to your forthcoming volume "The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass." When I remember what Dr McCann Smith has done in this line, in "My Bondage and my Freedom" and what Mr Garrison has done in a previous volume (though I have never seen this) I am disposed to shrink from making an exhibition which must surely subject me to comparisons that will in nowise tend to flatter my vanity. But these thoughts do not entirely [*2434*]control my action, not by any means, simply because I cannot perform the task as well as these illustrious workers have done, is not a sufficient reason to deter me. I have been looking at your invitation from the point of duty, duty in its enlarged and its restricted sense. I have pressing private business just now. and I have been debating in my mind, how far I should permit private affairs influence my conduct When I am called upon to offer my testimony in a great public matter, and an opportunity is afforded me to give my full assistance to our cause, these are the thoughts which have been in my mind, and have given me reason to pause. I feel flattered in youryour offer, when so many better qualified than I might have been selected. I know you might have done better, but as it comes to me unsolicited and you [have] in your judgment have made the choice, I do not feel to decline the service and I defer to your wishes and your judgment in the matter, but I hope you will believe me when I say, I think you have made a mistake in not selecting a better equipped person than myself and one with a larger reputation. Yours very Respectfully George L Ruffin [*2434*] over To Hon Fredk DouglassP.S. If you have Mr Garrison's introduction please send it to me and also let me know when you expect copy for this matter, give me the latest day GLRJNO A. Collins, Attorney and Counselor at Law [*35 Montgomery Block; No. 628 Montgomery Street, near Washington*] 21 Court Block 636 Clay St. San Francisco, June 4 1881 Hon. Frederick Douglass, My old friend: Over a chasm of more than a third of a century, I reach over my friendly hand to you, expecting a fraternal grasp in response thereto. Since our last interview in Skaneateles, NY, in 1845, I have a thousand times, more or less, promised myself the pleasure of making an effort to renew our acquaintance and friendship, but many cares, an overworked frame, and an almost interrupted enjoyment of very poor health, have rendered it practically impossible for me to make good my promises to others, much less to myself. This present scribble is the outcome of reading your "Colorline" in the June no. of the N.A.Review [*2436 *] [*P.S. I find my photographs are too large for any envelope in the office, but will forward by next mail. Thirty two years today since my arrival in this city. Collins *]view - an able and eloquent, timely and manly article, honoring both your head and heart. Marvelously rapid and great have been the changes wrought during those 36 years in the thoughts, feelings and habits of the people within the Federal Jurisdiction. Slavery in her haughty mood, chips the national shoulder, but humiliatingly bites the dust and now is only a thing of history, while its victims are [now] recognized as men, brothers and citizens, and their representatives are honored law-makers in the national congress, and recipients of positions of honor, trust and emoluments. China and not Africa is henceforth to feed the national spleen with underdog aliment but ultimately, John's political enfranchisement will become a necessity for his self protection. But enough of prosings. I enclose my Photo and shall be pleased to hear from you. Regards to your family. Fraternally yours, In haste, Jno. A. Collins.Murrell Hill Cottage. Carlisle England. June 7th 81. My dear Friend I have been thinking I should very much like to have a few lines from my old friend Fredk. Douglass, and I have ascertained his address from R. T. Webb of Dublin, who I believe found him out about 3 years ago, living a few miles from Washington! I have been so very much interested in hearing his acct of his visit to our old friend, & in talking it over with my two dear children, they along with my self are very anxious that I should write to him, & we all hope there may be a few lines [*2438*]in reply. It would be nice to hear again from my valued friend Frederick & to know something about his dear family. Oh how often I think of times long ago, & of the many friends we used to meet at Salisbury Road & Eden Bank! What social & interesting times we had, & what exciting doings were then enacted, "Send back the money"! used to resound from Arthur's Seat & Salisbury Crags! And what noble meetings were held in the Music Hall!! & other large places, in Edinbg Well! & to think now, that he whose voice used to be raised in vindication of the rights of his Brethren & Sisters, is now at least I suppose for still is, States Marshal!! And had slavery still existed wd have found the power of sending back to their cruel masters, those who had escaped from bondage! Is it not wonderful! how good God is to his loving, humble & obedient children! Since we last met in Edinb when my children were so silly as to be afraid of their sable friend, there have been many changes, they are both grown up, my son in a Bank in Carlisle, & he lives at home with his mother & Sister, which is a great comfort to us all. Then my dear Sister Wigham, died 9 years ago, her daughter Anna May is married and lives about 4 miles from here. My beloved Brother & Sister Cass are still living & are a great joy & comfort to us. All their children are married except their oldest, Lizzie whom thou will remember, she lives with & is a great comfort to her dearFather & Mother. Jane Wigham of Gray St. Edinb & dear Eliza are both living & the latter as busy as ever in good works, for her fellow creatures. And now dear friend if not too much engaged, may I ask for a few lines, I shall rejoice to see the once familiar writing again. I shall be deeply interested in hearing all about you every one & to know how those are now occupied! Your dear children are I expect most of them, if not all married, & I think I heard of yr having grandchildren playing around you! how I should like to have a peep at you, but as this is not probable on this side the grave, may we not anticipate a happy meeting in the world beyond, where so many of our dearest friends have gone before us. My son & daughter [* write with me in very kind love to you & your dear Anna who I hope is well, & believe me to be as ever yr deeply interested and affectionate friend Eliza Barlow *]Philadelphia, June 7th, 1881. To Mr Frederick Douglas. Dear Sir: While recently in California I had occasion to visit the Widow of Capt. John Brown. Since my return home, I have heard that you made an address during the winter in Charlestown, VA -- which to my minds is the crowning marvel of your wonderful life. 2435But I have not been able to get a copy - which, having occasion to write to Miss Sarah Brown, I am desirous of sending to her. Therefore, I take the liberty of addressing you, to ask the favor, if you have the address of two copies, to inclosed address, for which I will be greatly obliged. I well remember first hearing you in the little 7/9 Church on Smithfield Street, in Pittsburgh, in September 1842. And what Dr Elder, and Walter Fornand said, and predicted - of you when you sat down: which you have more than justified. Pardon this, and believe me, Most Respectfully Yours, Geo. P. Smith On looking at a letter from Miss Brown, it occurs to me it might interest you to read it, as it gives some information about the family's situation. Therefore, I enclose it, to be returned in the envelope - but perhaps I should add - not allow it to be read or copied by others. G.P.S.Wedderburn House, Hampstead. N.W. June 17. 1881 My dear Frederick, I hope you will not pass through London without letting me have a call from Mrs. Douglass & yourself. Do you remember sharing a night or two at my house, near Manchester, in company with W. L. Garrison [*2442*]and H. C. Wright, our dear departed friends, some 40 years ago? What wonderful gyrations the spiral course of progress had made since then! Ever upward & onward let us trust that Course will ever be. My son Dr. Norman Moore (M.D.) is the Warden of St Bartholomew's College at the great Hospital, Smithfield. It is the oldest in London & worth seeing - I hope you will call on him. With kind regards to your wife. Yours, Faithfully Rebecca MooreAs I live four miles from Town it will be best to send a card to say what afternoon I may have the pleasure of seeing you! I hope you will see my little grandchildren at St. Bartholomew's & their mother also.